Age characteristics
Toddlers like being the center of attention! They enjoy other children but may have difficulty interacting with each other while they play. They also love to feel they have accomplished something such as memorizing words to a song or placing that last block on top of the ABC tower.
Guest list
Toddlers enjoy being with other children. If your child is in a play group, invite the children in the group. Or invite the children of your family, friends, and neighbors. Keep in mind that they may get afraid when the adult accompanying is not present so account for a few extra adults.
Length of party
1- 1 ½ Hours
Entertainment for age
Children at this age tire easily so try to keep the party simple and flexible so that you can keep their attention. They are beginning to learn about themselves and the world around them. They enjoy singing, dancing, finger and copying games.
Toddlers sometimes get confused with what is real and pretend, therefore entertainers such as clowns and make-believe characters are great to amuse them.
Games
Keep games short and simple.
Follow the Leader
Sit in a circle and play finger games such as :
The Itsy Bitsy Spider
This Little Piggy
Pat-a Cake, Pat-a-Cake
Safety for age
Childproof your home, covering sockets and closing off bedroom doors, exit and entry ways so that children don’t wander. Avoid foods and items that are choking hazards, such as broken balloons, small party favors, hard candles, hot dogs and popcorn.
Gymnastics Party
Birthday Child’s Starring Role
There are many ways your child can stand out on his or her special day. Put a gold medal around their neck and name them the All Around Champion. Or help them put together a coach’s or judge’s costume.
Party Settings
If you know of a gymnastics studio that is available, hold your party there. Otherwise, convert your garage or a room in your home into a wonderful gymnasium, but don’t forget all the extra safety mattresses.
Start the party theme off with your invitation.
Birthday party invitation, Beaming Gymnast
Party Fun & Games
Introduce each guest as a famous Olympic star of their choice
and watch them shine as they perform their routine. Depending on the gym
or space you have, your activities may vary. Be sure everyone is
included by keeping the physical activities simple, even if you have to set up an obstacle course with random household items. If your gymnasts are skilled enough, hand them each their very own
“Gymnastics Baton 18″” (8)” and have them perform or dance along to some music.
Party Leader
Hire a gymnastics instructor to take the partygoers through simple fun routines. A neighborhood teenager on a gymnastics team will work well too.
Party Tunes
If you’ve kept track of the songs popular gymnasts use in their routines, use those. If not, play inspirational songs like Chariots of Fire and We are the Champions.
Party Finale
Hold an authentic awards ceremony complete with flowers and medals. Don’t hesitate to make your birthday child the gold medalist, as long as everyone else is awarded a ribbon too.
Birthday Presents & Favors
Take a Polaroid of each child as they receive their award. Then hand out the photos as party favors when the gathering is winding down. And if your guests are all in a gymnastics team, give them this great favor bag to take with them. They will certainly use it and it will bring back great birthday party memories.
Or this personalized towel.
Party Tips
Remember to enlist a few people to help chaperone this party. Everyone should have a “spotter” with any tumbling they try.
