By three years of age, it's party animal time! Your child is learning to be social, and will be able to play cooperatively for a short time with other children. If he attends playgroup or nursery he'll have a small circle of friends, with perhaps strong preferences and dislikes. It's important to take these preferences into account.
Understanding your three-year-old
Thankfully, the two-year-old tantrum stage is calming down by now. However, this is when possessiveness over toys really kicks in, and quarrels with siblings are common. The key to party success will be very careful planning, and ensuring all beloved possessions are kept locked away from other children.
Who to invite
Your child may want to help you design some hand-made invitations -- this can be a bit of fun quality time with stickers, coloured pens and card! The more colourful and fanciful the better -- try using sequins and material oddments such as ribbon, lace, velvet and felt to create fun designs. Alternatively, opt for themed, ready-made bought invitations.
If your child attends playgroup or nursery, they may wish to invite more friends than a child who is mainly at home -- they will know who, but limit it to 10 or 12. It may be an idea to ask the nursery or playgroup leader who your child seems to get along best with. Try to keep guests all roughly the same age. Sticky name labels may be useful if you have a number of guests -- when the going gets noisy, children respond better if addressed by name!
Getting the timing right
For three-year-olds, an afternoon party is fine, but not too late. Parents may have other children to collect from school, so after lunch may be a good time. Or opt for a weekend. An hour to ninety minutes long is ample party length.
Games and activities
It may be time to consider a children's entertainer -- they are expensive (expect to pay about £50), but good value, allowing you time to enjoy the party rather than feel exhausted. Personal recommendation is best -- you'll probably have a choice of local clowns or magicians, or even a puppet show. Many entertainers offer balloon modelling and a live pet rabbit visitor to add to the fun, or perhaps face painting. Children will probably manage half an hour of entertainment activity at most before needing a break. Have contingency plans in case the entertainer doesn't arrive or is late.
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Games wise, try Musical Statues, Pass the Parcel, Mummy Wrapping (in which the children wrap willing volunteers up in toilet roll -- the best mummy wins), Follow my Leader, The Music Man and other active, but short, games. Some entertainers will organise the games for you. This age group can't cope with too much competition, so traditional games may need to be adapted, or even fixed, to give everyone a chance to win something at some point. Have a big bag full of small, cheap, fun prizes.
Choosing a venue
Home is still a good bet for a group of three-year-olds, but they will be energetic and take up a lot of space. Consider a different venue, such as a church hall, sports centre, or an entertainment centre with loads of suitable soft play equipment. These centres are an expensive option, but often provide a party leader, party bags, food and play -- the whole package -- so you can sit back and enjoy. Check whether you will have private use of the facilities, or will have to share with the general public -- sharing can make supervision a nightmare for this age group.
What food to serve
Children eat very little at parties so don't overdose on food: anything small, bite-size and attractively colourful works well. Display savouries first, sweet things later, to encourage balance. Try cherry tomatoes, cucumber and carrot sticks, seedless grapes, cartons of juice with straws, mini sandwiches, sausage rolls, crisps and iced biscuits. Try to avoid gooey cake which gets squashed in party bags and becomes only fit for doggy fodder when it reaches home!
Choosing a theme
Three is an age of make believe, and dressing up will appeal, so a fancy dress party is a great idea. Many themed party items are available and some companies provide themed party packs mail order. Opt for a TV character, such as Bob the Builder, or something more general, like pirates, fairies or cowboys, and decorate the room to match the theme. Themed party packs tend to arrive in sets of eight.
If you're pushing the boat out, the current 'must have' is a pinata. These paper models, filled with trinkets and/or sweets, come in all shapes and sizes. If whacked hard enough they burst open to release the goodies inside and a mad scramble ensues as the children gather them up. They're not cheap, at about £10 each. For 10 children, a pack of pinata busters, toys for filling, pinatas and blindfolds could easily add up to £100! A balloon drop is much less expensive, but great fun at home time and will create a party to remember. Party supply companies can provide themed party packs, pinatas, balloon drops and more.
The party bags
Your three-year-old guests will be starting their pre-school activities so may well enjoy smiley pencils and erasers, stampers, mini puzzles and jet balls. Helium balloons are another nice going home present and canisters of helium are surprisingly cheap to hire.
Choosing presents
Your three-year-old will be moving towards slightly more sophisticated pre-school skills. Art and craft activities will be well used, a play tent, tape recorder, tool kit or simple games and puzzles will intrigue your child now.
Top tips for a successful party
- Once one three-year-old mentions a trip to the toilet, they all tend to follow. Have adult help at hand for buckles, zips and fussy fastenings which may adorn relatively unfamiliar party clothes.
- Have some spare clothes in case of accidents during the excitement.
- If any parents are leaving their child, ensure you have telephone numbers.
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