Games for very small kids:
"Pass the parcel".
You wrap up little things in many layers of paper (e.g. teeny packets of M&Ms or mentos..) and sing a song or just pass it around, each child tearing off a layer. The inner layer has the "big gift" (e.g. rubber ball).
or "The Wonder Ball"
A "hot potato" variation.
Get a ball or balloon and sit the children in a circle. Pass it around and sing or chant:
"The wonder ball goes round and round,
To pass it quickly you are bound,
If you're the one to hold it last
I pray for you, for
You
Are
OUT!"
The kid holding it when the word "Out" is said is out and gets a small gift (e.g. Mento) and the circle closes in, and the game continues until only one child is left. This child is the winner and get 2 candies.
Other ideas:
Simon Says
Freeze dance
"Head Shouldser Knees and Toes"
Hokey Pokey
Frankly, for kids under three, that's about it as far as games go. They are too uncoordinated and not social enough for more organized games (IMHO).
Keep the party to 2 hours or less.
1) 30 minutes - kids arrive and have "free play" (e.g. playdough, toy cars, etc.)
2) 30 minues - games (outlines above)
3) Cake and birthday song
4) free play & go home
Keep the numbers down, if possible. If your child is turning 3, no more than 5 guest kids (if possible).
Remember - it's a birthday party for the kids - no need for elaborate decorations or entertainment - streamers & balloons. Kids can dribk milk & juice & eat potato chips, birthday cake & ice-cream (vanilla usually ends up the most popular w/ my kids and their friends).
If adults are there: offer them coffee, tea, juice, and maybe have a bottle of wine. They can eat potato chips and salted peanuts too.
I try to schedule a party for mid-afternoon for small kids (ages 3-7) so no one thinks they're getting a meal (say 3pm, to 4pm).
Goody bags:
If your kids are a bit older (say, 3-6 years old) try to get white paper bags and stickers and glitter pens and magic markers and let them decorate their bags as part of the "activities". Then they win the sweeties, etc. in the games to take home the stuff.
"Pass the parcel".
You wrap up little things in many layers of paper (e.g. teeny packets of M&Ms or mentos..) and sing a song or just pass it around, each child tearing off a layer. The inner layer has the "big gift" (e.g. rubber ball).
or "The Wonder Ball"
A "hot potato" variation.
Get a ball or balloon and sit the children in a circle. Pass it around and sing or chant:
"The wonder ball goes round and round,
To pass it quickly you are bound,
If you're the one to hold it last
I pray for you, for
You
Are
OUT!"
The kid holding it when the word "Out" is said is out and gets a small gift (e.g. Mento) and the circle closes in, and the game continues until only one child is left. This child is the winner and get 2 candies.
Other ideas:
Simon Says
Freeze dance
"Head Shouldser Knees and Toes"
Hokey Pokey
Frankly, for kids under three, that's about it as far as games go. They are too uncoordinated and not social enough for more organized games (IMHO).
Keep the party to 2 hours or less.
1) 30 minutes - kids arrive and have "free play" (e.g. playdough, toy cars, etc.)
2) 30 minues - games (outlines above)
3) Cake and birthday song
4) free play & go home
Keep the numbers down, if possible. If your child is turning 3, no more than 5 guest kids (if possible).
Remember - it's a birthday party for the kids - no need for elaborate decorations or entertainment - streamers & balloons. Kids can dribk milk & juice & eat potato chips, birthday cake & ice-cream (vanilla usually ends up the most popular w/ my kids and their friends).
If adults are there: offer them coffee, tea, juice, and maybe have a bottle of wine. They can eat potato chips and salted peanuts too.
I try to schedule a party for mid-afternoon for small kids (ages 3-7) so no one thinks they're getting a meal (say 3pm, to 4pm).
Goody bags:
If your kids are a bit older (say, 3-6 years old) try to get white paper bags and stickers and glitter pens and magic markers and let them decorate their bags as part of the "activities". Then they win the sweeties, etc. in the games to take home the stuff.
