Age characteristics
After 9 years of going to birthday parties and having hosted them, children know exactly what they want at this point, so consult with your child about what party theme they would like and what they would like to do. As they get older, they begin to feel very grown up about parties. They like to show off and compete and have a desire to win in games that involve active participation.
Guest list
Invite schoolmates and friends. Some children prefer to only have children of their own sex at their party. Since as they get older, children typically tend to have one intimate group of friends, the guest list might not even be that large. And parents need not be at the party.
Length of party
2 -2 ½ hours
Entertainment for age
Girly things such as spa, manicure, dress-up for girls parties are great since the girls love to feel grown up at this age. You don’t even have to hire a professional, buy a couple of nail polishes, mud masks, and clean out your closet full of old clothes you don’t even wear and tell them it’s vintage clothing. They’ll have a blast trying things on!
For boy parties, physical activities, including attending a sporting event with friends are great. Create your own little league in the back yard, or make dad take the boys to a basketball game.
Good music, fun pickup foods and a DJ Emcee helps to insure the success of a party at this age. Dance games with lots of prizes help to keep the dance floor filled. A strolling entertainer, such as a sleight of hand magician, works well to entertain those kids that shy away from the dance floor.
Games & Activities
Relay Races
Scavenger Hunt Relay Races
Sack Race
Lip Sinc Contest
Karaoke
Safety for age
Make sure to have all the phone numbers of the guests’ parents.
Karate Party
Birthday Child’s Starring Role
Your child kicks and chops as the Master at this martial arts party. If possible, present your child with an honorary black belt for the day.
Party Settings
Reserve a space at a local studio if possible. Otherwise, transform your home into your very own dojo with bamboo mats, paper lanterns, and white balloons.
Use Karate Invitations to start the party mood before the big day.
Party Fun & Games
Let your karate sensei provide a demonstration of his skills as well as an introductory lesson in basic karate stances and moves. Encourage the children to create their own stances to match titles such as Crane on Tree Limb or Polishing Mirror.
Party Leader
Hire an expert, either a teacher at a nearby school or a good friend with a zest for playing zen master, to instruct party guests on the tradition of karate.
Party Tunes
Karate is a spiritual activity as much as a method of defense. Respect that aspect when you choose your musical selections. Check out a local music store for meditation music that will help your young masters’ concentration.
Party Refreshments
Provide plenty of snacks to fuel your future black belts’ energy. If sushi isn’t a favorite of your child’s how about some california rolls? Those look asian enough without the raw fish flavor. How about Chicken Teriyaki? Black licorice lace candies also seem appropriate when they look like mini black belts.
Party Finale
Invite each party guest to step out on to the mat and demonstrate his favorite karate move of the afternoon.
Birthday Presents & Favors
Present your guests with black belts or headbands. These personalized zipper pulls are also a great accessory to their backpacks.
Party Tips
Not every party guest will emerge as the next Karate Kid. Instead of focusing on perfect performances, just make sure that each child participates in the fun.
