A murder mystery party for teens is the perfect way to turn a birthday, sleepover or night with friends into an unforgettable adventure filled with secrets, suspicious characters, unexpected twists and plenty of fun. 

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With the right theme, food, costumes and clues, you can transform your home into the setting for a mystery that everyone gets to be part of.

From choosing the perfect theme to setting up the space and keeping the investigation moving, this guide has everything you need to create an interactive murder mystery party that teens will love. 

So, gather your suspects, step into character and get ready to solve the crime!

What Is A Murder Mystery Party?

For first-time hosts, it is important to understand how a murder mystery party works.

A murder mystery party is an interactive party game where each guest takes on the role of a character and works together to solve a fictional murder. Rather than simply watching a movie or playing a traditional party game, guests become part of the story and have an active role in figuring out what happened.

The character cards each have their own personality, background and secrets, and as the mystery unfolds, players may need to reveal information, answer questions, follow clues and decide who they can trust.

Some characters may have motives for the murder, while others may hold important information that could help crack the case.

A murder mystery party for teens is a great choice because it combines imagination, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking and plenty of entertainment.

It gives teens an opportunity to dress up, get into character and have fun with their friends while working towards a common goal. It can also be a fantastic icebreaker, particularly when not everyone at the party knows each other well, as the characters give guests an easy way to start conversations and interact. 

Best of all, there isn’t a single way to enjoy a murder mystery party. Some teens will love getting into character and putting on a dramatic performance, while others will prefer quietly collecting clues and solving the mystery.

With the right theme and a little preparation, a murder mystery can turn a birthday party, sleepover or get-together into an exciting experience that teens will be talking about long after the final clue has been revealed.

Murder Mystery Party vs. Escape Room

Murder mystery parties and escape rooms are both popular choices for teenagers who enjoy solving problems and getting involved in a challenge, but the experience is quite different.

An escape room is usually a race against the clock, with players physically searching the room, solving puzzles, finding hidden objects and completing challenges to escape before time runs out.

A murder mystery party is more about following a story, interacting with characters, uncovering secrets and using clues to solve the crime.

Rather than everyone working on the same puzzle at the same time, each teenager can become an important part of the mystery and may have information that nobody else knows. This makes the experience more social and gives teens plenty of opportunities to talk, question one another, make accusations and have fun with their roles.

Another big advantage is that a murder mystery party for teens can be brought straight into your own home. There is no need to travel to a venue, book multiple rooms or pay an admission fee for every guest.

With a little creativity, your living room, dining room or backyard can become the perfect setting for the evening. Add some themed decorations, background music, costumes and food, and you can create a party atmosphere that feels completely different from an ordinary night at home. 

It is also easy to combine the mystery with other party activities, so teenagers aren’t restricted to one experience for the entire event. Once the murderer has been revealed, you can serve dessert, take photos, play games or simply let everyone relax and chat.

Hosting at home also gives you much more flexibility when planning the party. You can choose a mystery that suits the age and interests of your teenagers, adjust the number of players and allow plenty of time for everyone to get into character. There is no pressure to finish within a strict venue booking, and guests can take breaks whenever they need to.

For parents, it can be a particularly appealing option because you can create an exciting and memorable party without the cost and logistics involved in taking a group of teenagers somewhere else.

If you’re looking for a party idea that is interactive, affordable, social and a little different, a murder mystery party is a great alternative to an escape room.

​What To Expect At A Murder Mystery Party

Once everyone has their character and the mystery gets underway, the teenagers can really start getting involved in the story. The party might begin with an introduction to the characters and the events leading up to the crime, before clues and new information are gradually revealed.

As they move through the different stages of the mystery, teens may need to question other characters, exchange information, look for inconsistencies and decide which clues could be important.

The story should keep them guessing as new details emerge and they begin to realise that not everything, or everyone is quite what it seems.

The fun really comes from seeing how each teenager approaches their role. Some will love getting into character, dressing up and adding a little drama to their interactions, while others will enjoy quietly piecing together the clues and working out the solution.

They can work individually or as a team, depending on how the mystery is designed, giving everyone a chance to participate in their own way. Expect plenty of suspicious looks, wild accusations, secret conversations and moments of laughter as the teens try to work out who is responsible.

Finally, everyone gets to make their accusation before the big reveal uncovers the truth and shows whether their detective skills were up to the challenge.

Picking A Theme For The Party

Choosing the right theme is one of the most important parts of planning a murder mystery party for teenagers.

The theme sets the mood for the entire event and can make it much easier for guests to get excited about their characters, costumes and the story. When choosing a theme, think about the age of the teenagers, their interests and how comfortable they are with acting and role-playing. 

The best games for teens can include a Hollywood movie premiere, glamorous 1920s party, tropical Hawaiian party, haunted mansion, secret spy mission, detective agency, school reunion, royal ball or mystery at a fancy hotel.

For younger teens, it is usually best to keep the storyline light-hearted and fun, with plenty of humour and adventure rather than anything too dark or frightening.

For younger teenagers around 11–13 years old, themes involving adventure, spies, detectives, celebrities or fantasy can work particularly well. A Secret Agent Mystery, Hollywood Mystery or Haunted Mansion can give them exciting characters to play without making the storyline too complicated.

Characters should be easy to understand, with straightforward clues and plenty of opportunities for interaction. At this age, teens are often still developing their confidence with role-playing, so a theme that encourages dressing up and playful characters can help everyone get involved.

For older teenagers around 14–17 year olds, you can introduce themes that are a little more sophisticated and allow for more complicated characters, secrets and plot twists.

A 1920s speakeasy, glamorous awards night, luxury cruise, high-society dinner, murder at a wedding or celebrity scandal can create a more grown up atmosphere without needing to become overly dark or graphic. Older teens may also enjoy mysteries with multiple suspects, hidden motives and unexpected twists that require them to pay closer attention to the clues. 

Ultimately, a good mystery party for teens is one that matches the personalities of the guests and gives them plenty of opportunities to have fun, get creative and become part of the mystery. 

Finding Murder Mystery Party Game Kits

The easiest way to host a murder mystery party is to use an established kit. There are many kits sold, some are even available as download options. A murder mystery party theme kit can provide almost everything you need to run the mystery at home for every group size. Look for kits specifically designed for teenagers, as these are more likely to have age-appropriate storylines, characters, clues and language. 

When comparing kits, check how many players they are designed for, the recommended age, how long the mystery takes to play and whether the materials can be printed at home. It is also worth checking exactly what is included, as some kits provide character profiles, invitations, clues, scripts and instructions, while others may require you to create or purchase additional decorations and props. 

Searching online for terms such as “murder mystery party kits for teens,” “teen murder mystery game” or “murder mystery printable party” can help you find a theme that suits your group, budget and the type of party you are planning. It doesn’t need to be a complex plot.

A great game is simply choosing a theme that you know your teen can really get excited about.

Setting Up For The Party

Once you have chosen a theme and obtained the kit, it’s time to transform your home into the setting for the mystery.

You don’t need to spend a lot of money on decorations or completely redecorate the house requiring lots of room. Just a few carefully chosen details can make a big difference.

Start by creating a main area where the teenagers can gather, interact with their characters and follow the story. Depending on your theme, you could add themed table decorations, balloons, posters, candles, props or signs to help establish the setting. For example, a 1920s mystery could use black and gold decorations and vintage-style tableware, while a spy-themed party could include secret files, coded messages and signs marking different areas as top secret.

It is also helpful to think about how the space will be used throughout the mystery. Make sure there is enough room for the teenagers to move around, talk in small groups and investigate clues without feeling cramped. You could set up a clue table or investigation area where important evidence is displayed, or hide certain clues around the room for guests to discover as the mystery progresses. 

A designated area for food and drinks can keep refreshments separate from the action, while a table or quiet corner can provide somewhere for teens to read their character information or discuss their theories. Keep the setup practical and avoid anything that could easily be knocked over or damaged as excited detectives move around the room.

Don’t forget the atmosphere, either. Music, lighting and small props can help bring the theme to life and make the experience feel much more special than an ordinary party at home. Create a playlist that suits the setting and consider dimming the lights or using lamps and battery-operated candles for a more mysterious feel. 

You could even give each teenager a small prop connected to their character, such as a fake invitation, detective notebook, secret envelope or name badge. These little touches don’t have to be expensive, but they can make teenagers feel as though they have stepped straight into the world of the mystery.

Food For A Murder Mystery Party

Food is another opportunity to bring the murder mystery theme to life, but it doesn’t need to be complicated. If you’re planning a murder mystery dinner, you could serve a simple meal that fits the theme, such as pizza, pasta, burgers or tacos, followed by an easy dessert.

A more sophisticated theme could call for a sit-down dinner with several courses, giving the teenagers time to chat and work through the clues between courses. This can work particularly well for older teens who enjoy the idea of dressing up and having a more grown-up dinner party experience.

For a more relaxed party, finger food is often the easiest option and is likely to be a big hit with teenagers. Think foods they can grab and eat while continuing to investigate the mystery, such as mini pizzas, sausage rolls, chicken tenders, sandwiches, wraps, chips and dips, popcorn and bite-sized pastries.

You can also give everyday party food a themed makeover with creative names or labels—for example, Detective’s Donuts, Murder Mystery Meatballs or Secret Agent Sandwiches.

Keep plenty of drinks and snacks available throughout the mystery, as teenagers will appreciate being able to help themselves without having to stop the game. The best approach is to choose food that is easy to serve, easy to eat and won’t create too much mess while your teenage detectives are busy solving the crime.

Keeping The Party Moving

A little organisation can make a big difference when running a murder mystery party, particularly when you have a group of excited teenagers. Rather than letting the mystery run completely on its own, it helps to have one person act as the host or mystery coordinator who keeps an eye on the time and guides everyone through each stage.

You don’t necessarily need strict time limits for every activity, as you want the teens to have enough time to question characters and discuss their theories. However, giving each round or stage a general time frame can prevent one conversation from taking over and keep the mystery progressing. If the group gets stuck, the host can introduce the next clue, some secret information or gently encourage everyone to move on.

It can also help to divide the mystery into clear stages, such as introduction, investigation, clue rounds and the final accusations. Let the teenagers know when they are moving into a new stage so they understand what is happening and what they should be doing. Keep an eye on quieter guests too and encourage everyone to participate rather than allowing a few confident teens to dominate the investigation.

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to adjust the pace depending on the group. If everyone is having a great time discussing a clue, give them a little longer, but if energy starts to drop, move the story along with the next revelation.

The goal is to keep the mystery exciting without making the teenagers feel like they are being rushed.

Finishing The Murder Mystery Party

The final reveal should be the big moment everyone has been waiting for, especially when you have chosen good game materials with real plots and interactive murder mystery games that keep teenagers involved throughout the evening.

Before revealing the murderer, give everyone a chance to make their final accusation and explain why they believe that character is responsible. They can even share their investigation methods if they feel confident to do so.

Once all the guesses are in, it’s time to share the real reasons behind what happened, explaining how the clues, secrets and characters fitted together. This is also a great time to award prizes for the best detective, most convincing character or the teen who came closest to solving the mystery.

A great way to finish the party, is by cutting the birthday cake, serving dessert, serving dessert, taking group photos in character or simply letting everyone relax and chat about the mystery they have just solved.

A murder mystery party for teens is a fun way to give an experience that feels different from the usual birthday party or sleepover. With a great theme, a little preparation, plenty of food and an engaging mystery, you can create an evening where everyone has a role to play and a reason to get involved.

Whether your teens love dressing up and acting or would rather focus on finding clues and solving the crime, there are plenty of ways to make the party suit your group.

So gather your suspects, prepare the clues and let the investigation begin, you never know what secrets your guests might uncover!

Need some more party ideas? Check out all our other party ideas, games and themes. You will have a ton of inspiration to keep everyone entertained.

Let’s keep in touch. Did you love these great ideas? Sign up to the weekly newsletter to be kept up to date with other easy party ideas. You will also be updated with other fun party, decoration and recipe ideas including having access to the free printable library. See you there!

The post How to Host The Best Murder Mystery Party for Teens appeared first on Smart Party Planning.

They’re not only fun and engaging, but can also encourage critical thinking, problem-solving skills, creativity and teamwork as kids work out clues, solve puzzles and uncover hidden surprises.

From secret challenges and mystery games to treasure hunts, escape room adventures and creative activities, there are plenty of ways to introduce a little mystery into their day.

These fun mystery activities are perfect for kids’ birthday parties, playdates, school holidays, rainy days or weekends at home when you need something to keep boredom at bay. Get ready for plenty of fun, curiosity and a little bit of mystery.

Keep reading for some great mystery activity ideas that the kids are going to love!

What Are Mystery Activities for Kids?

Mystery activities for kids are are so much fun. Activities are built around secrets, clues, puzzles and surprises, where children have to use their thinking skills to work out what is happening or discover a hidden answer. Rather than simply being told what to do, kids become part of the mystery and have to investigate, search for clues, solve problems and piece together information to reach a final outcome.

Mystery activities can take many different forms depending on the age of the children and the occasion. They might involve solving a whodunit mystery, following a trail of clues, finding a hidden object, cracking secret codes or completing challenges to uncover a final surprise.

They can be played individually or as small groups of little detectives, making them a fun way to encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, using deductive reasoning, creativity and teamwork while keeping kids entertained and curious about what will happen next.

How to Choose the Right Mystery Activity for Kids

When choosing a mystery activity for kids, age and ability are two of the most important things to consider. A mystery that is too difficult can quickly become frustrating, while one that is too easy may not hold their attention.

The goal is to find an activity that gives them enough of a challenge to make them think, while still allowing them to experience the excitement of solving the mystery themselves.

For younger children, keep the mystery activities simple and visual. Younger players will love treasure hunts with picture clues, mystery boxes, hidden objects and easy matching games are great options. Children in this age group often enjoy activities that involve touching, searching and discovering, rather than complicated puzzles or written clues. Keep instructions short and consider having an adult help read or explain the clues.

For primary school-aged kids, you can start introducing more problem-solving and critical thinking. Treasure hunts with riddles, simple escape room games, secret codes, invisible messages and detective-style mysteries can all work well. You can make the clues progressively harder, allowing the children to solve one mystery before moving on to the next. Working in small teams can also make these activities more enjoyable and encourage kids to share ideas and work together.

Older children and tweens are ready for more challenging mysteries that require several steps to solve, potentially even mysteries that involve more physical activity. This age group are the real detectives. Try creating a full detective mystery, escape room challenge or secret agent mission involving codes, puzzles, hidden clues and red herrings. You can also give them different roles or pieces of information so they need to communicate and work together to solve the final mystery.

Most importantly, think about the individual children taking part, rather than relying only on their age. If you’re planning a party with a wide age range, consider having different levels of clues or pairing younger children with older kids.

The best mystery activity is one that keeps children curious, gives them a sense of achievement and, most importantly, lets them have fun while they solve the mystery.

Escape Room Games for Kids

Escape room games are a fantastic way to add mystery and excitement to a kids’ activity. Children work together to solve clues, complete challenges and uncover hidden answers, all while trying to reach the final goal. You don’t need a professionally designed escape room either, you can easily create one at home using simple clues, puzzles and objects you already have.

For younger children, keep the puzzles simple and focus on finding hidden objects, matching clues or solving easy riddles. Older kids can handle more challenging puzzles, secret codes, locked boxes and clues that lead them from one part of the room to another. You can also choose a theme to make the experience even more exciting, such as a pirate treasure hunt, detective mystery or secret spy mission.

The best part about escape games are that they encourage kids to work together in difficult situations while keeping them curious about what will happen next.

Whether you create a full escape room challenge or just set up a few mystery clues around the house, it’s a fun way to turn an ordinary afternoon into an adventure they won’t forget.

Treasure Hunts or Scavenger Hunts for Kids

Treasure hunts are a classic mystery activity that can turn an ordinary day into an exciting adventure. Kids love following clues, searching for hidden objects and wondering what they will discover next. You can create a treasure hunt almost anywhere, whether it’s around the house, in the backyard or even at a party

To create your own treasure hunt, hide a series of clues that lead children from one location to the next. Each clue can contain a simple riddle, a picture or a fun challenge they need to complete before moving on. For younger children, keep the clues easy to understand, while older kids will enjoy trickier riddles, secret messages and puzzles that make them think.

Of course, every treasure hunt needs a treasure at the end! This could be a box filled with small toys, stickers, lollies or other little surprises. If you are running the hunt as part of a party, the treasure could even be a prize that the children can share or take home.

You can also give your treasure hunt a theme to make it even more exciting. Turn it into a pirate adventure, a dinosaur expedition, a magical fairy hunt or a secret spy mission. Adding a theme makes the clues and treasure feel like part of a bigger story and gives kids even more reason to keep searching.

The great thing about treasure hunts is that they are easy to adapt to different ages and occasions. With a little imagination and a handful of clues, you can create a mystery activity that keeps kids moving, thinking and excited to see what they will find next.

Geocaching for Kids

Geocaching is a fun way to turn an ordinary outing into a real-life treasure hunt, with kids using GPS coordinates to search for hidden caches. It can be a great weekend or school holiday activity, but you can also bring the idea into a kids’ party by creating your own geocaching-style adventure.

For a party, hide small containers or treasures around your backyard, local park or party venue and give the kids clues or simple coordinates to help them find each one. Each cache could contain a small prize, a puzzle, a challenge or the next clue that leads them closer to the final treasure.

You can also build the activity around your party theme. A pirate party could have the kids searching for buried treasure, while a spy party could involve secret coordinates and hidden messages. For an explorer or adventure party, children could follow a map to discover different caches along the way.

If you want to try real geocaching, there are thousands of hidden caches to discover in locations around the world, making it a great activity to continue long after the party has finished. It’s a wonderful way to get kids outdoors, encourage problem-solving and give them the excitement of searching for something they don’t know is waiting around the next corner.

Invisible Ink Pens for Kids

Invisible ink pens are a fun way to turn a simple note or message into a mysterious secret that kids have to uncover. These pens allow children to write hidden messages that aren’t visible until they are revealed, making them perfect for spy missions, treasure hunts, detective games and mystery activities. Kids can write secret clues, secret codes or instructions that lead them to the next stage of an activity, putting their detective skills to work. They will love becoming little secret agents for the day.

For a party, create a series of invisible messages and hide them around the party area for the children to discover. Give them an invisible ink pen and UV light, then let them work together to reveal each message and solve the mystery.

You could even create a secret agent challenge, where each hidden message provides a clue, puzzle or challenge that eventually leads to a final prize or treasure. This is a great way to encourage problem-solving and critical thinking while keeping the kids engaged and excited to see what secret message they will uncover next.

Logic Puzzles for Kids

Logic puzzles are a great way to add a little mystery to an activity while encouraging kids to think carefully, look for patterns and use problem-solving skills. Rather than simply finding an answer, children need to work through clues and information to figure out what comes next or solve the mystery. They can be as simple or challenging as needed, making them suitable for a wide range of ages.

For younger children, try simple picture puzzles, matching activities, sequencing games or puzzles where they need to work out which object doesn’t belong. Older kids can tackle more challenging logic puzzles involving clues, numbers, patterns, secret codes or elimination.

You can also incorporate logic puzzles into a treasure hunt, escape room or detective mystery, with each solved puzzle revealing the next clue or helping them get closer to the final answer. This makes the puzzles feel like part of an adventure rather than just another activity.

Mystery Boxes for Kids

Mystery boxes are a simple and exciting way to add an element of surprise to kids’ parties, weekends or school holidays. Fill a box with different elements and let the kids reach inside without looking, using only their sense of touch to work out what they are.

Use items with interesting textures and shapes, such as toy animals, LEGO pieces, cotton balls, pom-poms, plastic bugs, toy cars, sponges, craft supplies, rubber balls or even a peeled grape for a squishy surprise!

There are plenty of inexpensive items you can use, so there’s no need to spend much money creating your mystery box. This is the perfect game to look around your home for small toys and everyday objects, or pick up inexpensive items from discount stores, dollar stores, craft shops and party supply stores. You can also use items from the kids’ existing toy collection, making this an easy activity to put together when you need something to keep them entertained.

For a party, you could create several mystery boxes with different themes, such as animals, creepy crawlies, things from the kitchen or craft supplies. For an extra challenge, give each child a piece of paper and have them write down their guesses before revealing what was inside.

Just make sure everything you use is safe, clean and large enough that it doesn’t present a choking hazard for younger children.

Wizarding Mystery Games for Kids

Wizarding-style games are a magical way to bring mystery and imagination together, giving kids the chance to become young wizards, witches or magical detectives for the day. These activities can involve secret spells, mysterious potions, hidden objects, magical creatures, riddles and enchanted clues, creating an adventure where children never quite know what they will discover next.

You can easily create a wizarding mystery game at home or use it as part of a themed party. Set up a series of magical challenges that the children need to complete, such as decoding a secret spell, identifying mysterious or magical objects, solving a magical riddle or finding hidden ingredients for a pretend potion. Each challenge can reveal the next clue, eventually leading the children to a hidden treasure or magical surprise.

For a party, turn the activity into a wizard training challenge and give each child a wizard name, wand or simple costume accessory. You could give them all their own unique magical powers. Set up different stations around the room, with each one offering a new magical challenge to complete. Add bottles filled with coloured water, mysterious looking jars, battery operated candles or other decorations to create an enchanted atmosphere without needing to spend a lot of money.

Wizarding games are also a great opportunity to encourage problem-solving, critical thinking and teamwork. Children can work together to decipher clues, complete challenges and solve the mystery, while letting their imaginations take over. Whether you create an elaborate magical adventure or simply add a few wizarding elements to a treasure hunt, it’s a fun way to make a mystery activity feel truly magical.

Mystery Games for Kids

Mystery games are a great way to keep kids entertained. The best thing is that they also add a little suspense, curiosity and excitement to their day. They can be as simple as solving a series of clues or as elaborate as a full detective mystery where children have to work out what happened. The best part is that mystery games can be adapted to suit different ages, party themes and the number of children taking part.

For younger kids, keep the mystery simple with picture clues, hidden objects, matching games and easy riddles. Older children can take on more challenging mysteries involving secret codes, detective clues, suspects and puzzles that need to be solved before they can uncover the answer. You can even give each child a role to play, such as detective, investigator or secret agent, to make the experience feel like a real adventure.

Mystery games work particularly well as a party activity because they give children something to work on together. You could create a missing treasure mystery, a stolen birthday cake investigation or a secret spy mission where the kids have to follow clues and complete challenges to solve the case. Small prizes or a final surprise at the end can add even more excitement.

You don’t need lots of expensive supplies to create a mystery game either. Everyday items, printed clues, envelopes, small boxes and things you already have around the house can easily be turned into part of the mystery. With a little imagination, you can create a fun mystery that keeps kids guessing right until the very end.

Use Mystery-Themed Board Games

Another easy way to introduce mystery activities into your day is to invest in a few mystery, detective or logic-based board games. These games are designed to have kids follow clues, solve problems, make deductions and work out the final answer, making them a great option when you want something that requires little preparation.

Board games can be enjoyed at home during weekends and school holidays, or brought out at a kids’ party for an activity that keeps everyone involved and thinking.

If you love a good mystery game, some of our favorites include:

Cluedo Board Game – The Cluedo game has to be one of my ultimate favorites. I used to love playing it as a kid, and now they have a kid friendly version. My kids have played this game a million times, and it never gets boring.

Junior Detective Mysteries – For ages 8+. This game has the kids working to solve the case unlocking clues and puzzles. It can be played solo or as a group which makes it even more fun.

Race To The Treasure – For ages 5+. The kids have to work together in this game to eat the Ogre to the treasure. It encourages teamwork whilst also learning about strategy.

Crack The Code – For ages 8+. Working in teams of detectives and accomplices, the detectives have to try and work out what the accomplices are getting up to. But with only 3 guesses from the detectives, you have to make sure you get it right!

Let the Mystery Begin!

Mystery activities for kids are a wonderful way to turn ordinary playtime into an exciting adventure. Whether they’re solving clues in an escape room, searching for hidden treasure, feeling their way through a mystery box or following a secret message, these activities encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity and teamwork while keeping kids entertained.

The great thing about mystery activities is that they can be adapted to suit almost any age, occasion or setting. You don’t need expensive supplies or complicated planning. A few clues, some imagination and a little creativity can be enough to create something memorable. Whether you’re looking for a kids birthday party activity, a school holiday idea, something for family game nights or something fun to do on a weekend, there are plenty of ways to add a little mystery to their day.

So why not choose a mystery and let the kids become the detectives? You never know where their curiosity might lead them!

Need some more party ideas? Check out all our other party ideas, games and themes. You will have a ton of inspiration to keep everyone entertained.

Let’s keep in touch. Did you love these great ideas? Sign up to the weekly newsletter to be kept up to date with other easy party ideas. You will also be updated with other fun party, decoration and recipe ideas including having access to the free printable library. See you there!

The post Fun Mystery Activities & Games for Detective Kids appeared first on Smart Party Planning.

With a few clever tricks and a super simple decorating method, you can transform ordinary cupcakes into elegant little landmarks that wow guests every time.

Eiffel Tower cupcakes make the perfect addition to any Paris-inspired celebration, bringing a blend of charm and sophistication to everything from a child’s birthday to elegant hens nights and even sweet Christenings.

What makes this great theme so delightful is how easily it suits any age or occasion. And the best part is that you don’t need a professional baker or have a cake decorators skill to achieve the look—these impressive cupcakes are wonderfully simple to create right in your own kitchen. Talk about effortless ohh la la!

A Parisian theme was picked for my daughter’s birthday celebration, and it turned out to be such a wonderful choice. The sophistication charm of turning 10!

We had so much fun weaving pink, black, and white into the decorations to create a pretty, stylish twist on Parisian flair. I always make themed cupcakes for my kids’ parties, and these were absolutely perfect for the occasion. The moment she saw them, her whole face lit up with a huge smile.

Ready to add some effortless Paris flair to your next celebration? Let’s dive into the surprisingly easy process.

Related articles:

• How To Make Easy Eiffel Tower Cookies
• The Best Printable Paris Themed Party Decor

How To Make The Fondant Topper

Before you start to prepare the cupcakes, ensure that you have the following items to hand.

Items needed:

• Pink Fondant
• Black Fondant
• Eiffel Tower Fondant Mold
• Fondant Roller
• CMC Powder
• Round Cookie Cutters

To make the fondant toppers follow these simple steps for some cupcakes that will really wow your guests.

Step 1: Before you roll out the fondant, place some CMC powder inside and mix together. Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of mix to every pound of fondant and kneed together immediately. 

The powder will ensure that the fondant hardens when left to dry.

Step 2: Once the CMC powder has been mixed in, roll out the fondant  to be approximately 1/8 of an inch thick.  Cut out the bases using the cookie cutter. Measure the size of the cookie cutter to fit the size of the cupcake cases you will be using.

Place the bases onto a lined baking tray and leave to harden for approximately 2 days.

Tip: Ensure that you only add the CMC powder to the fondant that you wish to use. The powder will harden the fondant and you will need to throw away any excess.

Step 3: Once all the round discs have been created, it’s time to create the fun Eiffel tower detail. To do this, first add again the CMC powder to the black fondant.

Using the fondant mould, place the black fondant into the Eiffel tower shape and scrape away all the excess fondant. Gently peel the Eiffel tower from the mould and lay flat onto a tray lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: Once the round discs and the Eiffel towers have dried, it’s time to put them together. 

Note: If you wish you can leave the round discs to harden and make the Eiffel towers later and place them directly onto the disc rather than leaving them to harden first. This is totally dependant on how you want to work with the fondant. Both ways will work just fine.

Using some edible fondant glue, paint the back of the Eiffel tower and attach the tower to the middle of the round disc. Press firmly to ensure they are secure.

Step 5: Dust the Eiffel tower with silver glitter. This will not only make it sparkle, but it will also help to show up the level of detail in the Eiffel tower.

How To Store Fondant Toppers

Once the fondant toppers have been made you want to ensure that they are stored correctly until you need to attach them to the cupcakes. It is best to add the fondant toppers to the cupcakes on the day that you want to eat them. If you add the fondant earlier, the fondant will soften.

Leaving them to the last minute to add to the cupcakes will ensure that your cake toppers look crisp and fresh for the time that you need them.

Until you need to add them to the cupcakes, store carefully in an air tight container. Ensure however that the glue has completely dried before you try stacking toppers on top of each other.

The toppers are very quick and easy to place on the cupcake as you are setting up the party table, so don’t worry as this is not going to cause any extra last minute stress for you.

STAGE 2: BAKE AND CREAM THE CUPCAKES

Step 6: The day before the party is when I generally like to bake the cupcakes. This way they are still nice and fresh, but means you don’t stress to get them done on the day of the party. 

It really doesn’t matter what type of cupcakes you bake or whether you choose to bake from scratch or use a packet mix. I personally always use a packet mix for parties simply because I find it quicker and easier. The choice is however yours.

My daughter likes chocolate, so we always include chocolate cupcakes, but we also baked vanilla cupcakes for the party too.

Step 7: Once the cupcakes have cooled, pipe the buttercream onto the top into a cupcake swirl. Don’t worry too much about the buttercream looking in perfect condition as the Eiffel tower cupcake topper will cover most of the buttercream.

Once the buttercream has been added to the cupcakes, put them aside and store in an airtight container when you can leave them safely until the next day.

Tip: How To Pipe A Classic Buttercream Swirl

Step 8: On the day of the party, add the Eiffel tower fondant toppers to the top of the buttercream and press down gently.

This can be undertaken several hours before you need them and the fondant will still stay fresh. 

Just ensure that you don’t place the cupcakes in the fridge after you have added the Eiffel tower cupcake toppers as the moisture will affect the fondant. Keeping them at an air-conditioned room temperature will ensure that they remain in their proper condition.

Bringing a touch of Parisian charm to your celebration is far easier than it looks, and these Eiffel Tower cupcakes prove just that. With a simple technique and a touch of creativity, you can turn an ordinary dessert into something truly memorable.

No fancy tools or professional skills are required for these amazing cakes. Whether you’re planning a birthday, a themed party, or just want to add a bit of ooh la la at your next party, these cupcakes are sure to delight.

There is no need to buy expensive custom cakes. Give these a try and watch the smiles appear. Not only do they look sensational but they also have an amazing taste. Bon appétit!

Need some more recipe ideas? Check out our entire range of party food ideas that are perfect for the kids and adults too. There are plenty of homemade birthday cakes, cupcakes, cookies, chocolate popcorn and other delicious recipes that guests will all love.

Let’s keep in touch. Did you love these Eiffel tower cupcakes? Sign up to the weekly newsletter to be kept updated with other easy recipe ideas. You will also be updated with easy party, decoration and printable ideas. See you there!

The post How to Easily Make Eiffel Tower Cupcakes For A Paris Party appeared first on Smart Party Planning.

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As the festive season approaches it’s time to think about the decorating. It is common to decorate the inside of a home, but what about the outside?

It is very common to see Christmas fairy lights draping front gardens, but there are a lot more options for Christmas decorating that you may wish to consider this year.

Before you start the outdoor holiday outdoor decor, think about the theme that you want to use.

Do you want it to be bright and fun?

Do you want it to be calming and natural?

Is there a color scheme you have in mind?

Do you want to go with a Scandinavian style?

Outdoor holiday decor is just as important as the inside, and before you start throwing all kinds of decor together you want to think about how the finished product will look.

Once you have this in mind, choosing the specific decor items will be a LOT easier and it will also look “put together” rather than having lots of different decor items thrown together.

How Do I Protect My Outdoor Christmas Decorations?

If the decorations on the deck are directly open to the weather, it is essential that they are weatherproof. It is also important to ensure that all decorations are secured appropriately.

Ensure that any lights used are outdoor only and that power cord sockets are out of direct weather and appropriate for outdoor usage. It is also important to ensure that the power cord is not overloaded. It is better to use multiple extension cords than overload one or two.

You may also wish to add a water shield to outdoor decorations. Even though the decorations are designed for the outdoors, the weather shield will provide an added layer of protection.

Any decor that is protected under a roof can be a little more relaxed and don’t necessarily need to be weatherproof if you are certain the weather cant attack it. 

Think about the outdoor space you are wanting to decorate and use that to determine the type of Christmas decorations that should be used.

Front Door Christmas Decorations

The front door is a great place to have some welcoming Christmas decor and there are a few options you could consider.

Christmas Wreath: The most common way to decorate a front door is to hang a Christmas wreath. There are also a lot of different styles to choose from ranging from traditional to modern, foliage, pure lights and even candy.

A wreath is certainly an easy way to decorate the front door and can easily be hung with a wreath door hanger.

Purchase one or make your own Christmas wreath according to your own specific style.

Door Mat: Do you have a welcome mat at your front door? Now is the perfect time to change this up for a Christmas door mat.

Whether you choose from something traditional or something funny, a front door mat will certainly catch the eye as guests approach the house.

Door Garland: The edge of the door frame can also be decorated, and the easiest way to do this is with a door garland. You may wish to choose fresh or fake elements in the garland, both will look great.

Weave some Christmas lights through the garland for an extra magical look. Garlands that contain red berries also look wonderful at this time of year.

Door Picture: How about covering the entire door with a Christmas picture. There are funny and natural scenes that can simply be attached to the front of the door.

Decorate the Base of The Front Door: The base of the front door is another great area to add some decor and really helps define the entrance. Depending how much room you have around the base of the front door will depend on what kind of decor you use.

Some great ideas are to use a mini Christmas tree or two, some lanterns with candles or lights inside or even Christmas presents.

You can obtain outdoor light Christmas decorations rather than wrapping box’s which will be a lot more weather appropriate.

Rustic Wooden Signs: The front door is an excellent place to add some beautiful rustic wooden signs. Wooden signs could incorporate festive greetings, holiday themed designs or festive quotes. There is something to suit everyone’s personal style.

Illuminate The Deck

Lighting up the deck is a great way to feel the Christmas vibe and add some festive glow. But there is no reason to stop at just lighting up the deck, you could go ahead and light up the entire yard!

There are so many different types of illuminate displays including various light decorations and also giant blow ups of Christmas characters.

Whatever your taste for a light display there will be something to suit everyone’s needs. The lights don’t even have to specifically be Christmas related. It’s possible to use general outdoor fairy lights which look simple and effective.

Decorate Porch Railings

If you have porch railings, this is a perfect place to add some holiday spirit. 

Draped Garlands: Christmas garlands draped across the railings look particularly festive with classic greenery and outdoor lights intermingled with them. 

Red Bows: Railings are the perfect place to add some red bows. These look incredibly attractive mixed with natural greenery and lights. Another place to add a red bow is to the letter box.

Hang Stockings: Who said Christmas stockings have to be just for inside? Poor railings look great with Christmas stockings hung from them. It’s such a simple way to add some Christmas cheer .

Window Boxes

Should you be lucky enough to have window box’s on your home, decorating them is a wonderful complement to your deck decorations. 

Decorate with wreaths, ribbons, mistletoe and pine cones. Window box’s are also a great place to drape garlands and lots of greenery.

Chose traditional green and red or perhaps create a winter wonderland look with silver and white ornaments mixed in with snow covered greenery.

Alternatively choose a rustic vibe with greenery mixed with pinecones and logs to create the vibe of a cosy log cabin.

There are so many ways to decorate the window box’s and each will give a different feel. Stick to one theme for all the window box’s and the overall effect will be magical.

Other Deck Christmas Decorating Ideas

Add Ornaments: If you have any tables on your deck area, then simply add some Christmas ornaments on the top. This could be in a variety of ways such as large vases with baubles inside, or Christmas statues such as snowmen, the Nutcracker or Santa statues. Be sure to place a few together and bundle them.

Add Red Accents: There are a number of ways to add red accents to the deck area. This can be from red bows, red berry clusters or from plaid blankets, throws or doormats.

Add a Vintage Sledge: A porch area that is large enough to add a sledge too will bring all kinds of Christmas feels. Add some plaid throws over the back of the sledge and some fairy lights around the edge.

​Decorating the home is a lot of fun at Christmas, and this includes the outdoors too. Decorating the deck will add the final touches to your Christmas decor and will really put your whole family and the neighbourhood into the Christmas spirit. 

There are many different deck Christmas decorating ideas that cater to all tastes. Being consistent with the theme across the outdoor area will help create a cohesive look. You might even find that your deck becomes your favorite space during the holiday period!

Need some more Christmas ideas? Check out these easy magical Christmas ideas the whole family can enjoy. You will find more printables, simple recipes, decorations and more.

Let’s stay in touch. Did you love these deck Christmas decorating ideas? Sign up to the weekly newsletter to be kept up to date with other Christmas ideas. You will also be updated with easy party and decoration ideas, plus have access to the free printable library. See you there!

The post The Best Festive Deck Christmas Decorating Ideas appeared first on Smart Party Planning.

These festive ideas will make the holiday party even more special without breaking the budget.  Get ready to start filling your goodie bags with these fun ideas for the young guests.

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It’s a lot of fun to have Christmas parties over the festive season, and a lovely way to round the party off is to hand out a goodie bag or (Christmas party favors as you might prefer to call them) to the toddlers and little kids.

It can however be difficult knowing what to include in these bags. You want to ensure that you fill the bag with budget friendly items that are suitable for the little ones.

But don’t stress because you have come to the right place.  

You will find ideas below that include fun festive toys, sweet treats, healthy treats and little fillers that will make up some wonderful holiday goodie bags. So if you are struggling for ideas, read on for lots of fun ideas.

What Should The Goodie Bag Look Like?

The first thing you need to decide is what you would like your goodie bag to look like. This may also depend upon how much you would like to include in the bag. At the end of the day, there is no “perfect goodie bag” but rather different goodie bags to suit different needs.

Goodie bags can also be known as treat bags or loot bags. They are a fun idea to give out at birthday parties or Christmas parties and contain a mixture of little gifts and consumable items.

There are a number of options for how to present your goodie bag, including:

• Using pre-made holiday goodie bag. These might have patterns of Santa, Rudolf, A Snowman or snowflakes etc.
• Brown paper bags that can have a picture or patterns stuck to the front of the bag
• An actual Santa bag or Santa sack
• A clear bag tied with ribbon or twist ties with gift tags attached
• Small containers, box’s or Christmas themed cups
• A Christmas themed water bottle could be filled with lots of goodies

You may like to choose your goodie bag to fit in with the theme of the party, so that they match the decorations.

Deciding what you want to include in your goodie bag might help you decide how big it needs to be and therefore narrow down the options.

What Snacks Can Go Into A Toddlers Goodie Bag?

A goodie bag wouldn’t be complete without at least a few snacks. These snacks can consist of a mix of a few holiday treats, but it is also a good idea to include some healthy options too. Use some of these options as ideas:

Candy Canes: A popular choice for kids of all ages are candy canes. These little treats are easy to buy in bulk and are budget friendly too. It is also possible to buy mini candy canes if it is felt these are more appropriate for toddlers.

Chocolate Coins: Chocolate coins are always popular at Christmas time and they are a great addition to a goodie bag. They are budget friendly and lots of fun. Plus you are giving chocolate without going over the top. They are a win win for an inclusion of a sweet treat.

Christmas Cookies: An easy way to bring some holiday cheer is to add Christmas cookies to the goodie bag. Everyone loves a Christmas cookie! With so many different types of cookies to make, it is easy to find some that the little kids will love.

Wrap a cookie up in a small clear bag to add easily to the goodie bag. A fun idea would also be to tie on a Christmas cookie cutter, so that the toddler can make some cookies when they get home.

Fruit Snacks: It’s a good idea to add some healthier options and fruit snacks are great for this. Little fruit packets are a great option that look just as exciting as lollies but healthier.

Popcorn: If you give popcorn to the toddlers just ensure that you watch them as they are enjoying the popcorn to avoid any chocking hazards.

Popcorn is however a great healthy treat for young children (provided that the eating is supervised).

Pretzels: Pretzels are a great little snack that are also available in lots of different shapes and sizes. It’s not uncommon for these to be available in Christmas shapes over the festive season.

Chocolate Bars: There isn’t anything wrong with adding a few naughty treats and small chocolate bars are perfect for this. 

What Are Good Goodie Bag Stuffers For Toddlers?

There are literally SO many options when it comes to stuffers for the goodie bags, and they don’t all have to be small toys either.

Temporary Tattoos: Temporary tattoos are a great way to get those little gasps of excitement from toddlers. Christmas character tattoos would be the perfect thing to include.

Christmas Squishes: You can never go wrong with sensory toys and Christmas squishies will be an absolute winner.

Plush Toys: Plush toys can be obtained in all sizes, so it will definitely be possible to find a small plush to fit inside a goodie bag. Toddlers will definitely love cuddling up to their Christmas plush.

Christmas Socks: How adorable are little socks. What’s even more adorable are Christmas themed little socks! Add a pair to the goodie bag and the parents will love them just as much as the kids.

Bubble Wands: Bubble wants are always a great idea for toddlers. It’s also easy to find Christmas themed bubble wands over the holiday season. Wands are available in full length and in mini versions so pick a size that fits the goodie bag you wish to use.

Coloring Books: Toddlers love coloring, so this is a great thing to include in the goodie bag. There are also always lots of festive coloring books around, so this would be a nice gift to add.

Art Supplies: For Christmas art supplies think pencils, crayons, stickers and erasers. This would also be perfect to add with the coloring books.

You might also wish to add glue sticks, Christmas pom poms, pipe cleaners and stickers that the toddlers can get creative with.

Chalk: Toddlers love sidewalk chalk, which makes it the perfect addition to a goodie bag. Let them create lots of different Christmas patterns to be enjoyed over the season.

Glow Sticks: Glow sticks are always fun, but they are also a great thing to add to a toddlers goodie bag. There are lots of opportunities to play with glow sticks over the festive season.

They can also be bought in bulk and split between the bags, which also makes them budget friendly. Glow sticks become such a fun activity for young kids as they light up the night.

Christmas Decorations: It might sound silly, but kids love their own Christmas decorations. This is a fun way for them to start their own little collection. A little Christmas tree ornament is a great addition to the goodie bag.

Christmas Novelty Items: Toddlers love the novelty Christmas apparel, so why not include them in the goodie bag. Choose from glasses, hats, headbands, hair scrunchies, hair clips and jewellery.

Slime or Playdough: Do you know a child that doesn’t like slime or playdough? Small gifts like these are super easy to coordinate and are perfect to add to the bag. Kids love playing with them, and they can never be given too much, which makes them the perfect addition to a loot bag.

Small Christmas Puzzles: There are a lot of fun Christmas puzzles that are available in the festive season and these small puzzles are perfect to add to goodie bags. They are a great activity for the kids, plus lots of fun too.

They don’t have to be Christmas themed, but they would be a great addition to any Christmas celebration goodie bag.

Keychains: Keychains are another one of those simple and easy small items that toddlers and small children will love. They can add them to their backpacks or their lunch box’s.

A keychain in a Christmas character would also be a lot of fun.

Christmas Bookmarks: A Christmas bookmark suitable for little hands is a fun idea to add to the goodie bag. It will help mum and dad keep track of the bedtime reading and the toddlers will love putting the bookmark in it’s place.

Magnets: Magnets are love by kids of all ages. It could be a magnet of a Christmas character that the toddler can add to the fridge, or it could be a magnet that they can look at all year round. Toddlers love having little items that are theirs visible in the home.

Frisbees: For a bit of interactive fun, how about adding a fun frisbee to the goodie bag. Available in all different colours, a frisbee is something that will bring a lot of chuckles to a toddler. There are also mini size frisbees that would work too.

Fidget toys: Kids simply love fidget toys.​ There are so many different types, shapes and sizes which make them the perfect addition to a goodie bag.

Rubber Ducks: All toddlers love rubber ducks, and they are such a fun thing to play with at bath time. At Christmas you can even get them a special rubber duck with a Santa hat. This is just extra fun!

With these ideas you can create lots of fun Christmas goodie bags that the toddlers are going to absolutely love. They will leave the party but have lots more enjoyment with their bags when they return home.

Just remember to keep the goodie bags simple! These are not intended to be over the top presents, but rather a token of fun and the giving of a little bit of extra joy.

Be creative and the toddlers and young kids will absolutely love them.

For more Christmas ideas, check out these easy magical Christmas ideas the whole family can enjoy. You will find printables, decorations and more.

Let’s keep in touch. Did you love these Christmas goodie bag ideas for toddlers? Sign up to the weekly newsletter for more simple craft ideas. You will also be updated with easy decoration, recipe and party ideas PLUS have access to the free printable library. See you there.

The post The Best Christmas Goodie Bag Ideas For Toddlers appeared first on Smart Party Planning.

Instead of thinking of the Christmas season as a whirlwind of events, take time to enjoy the experiences and allow them to have more meaning for your family.

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Christmas has become such a busy and incredibly hectic time of year. Families are constantly running from one event to another, trying to squeeze in as much “Christmas” as possible. The holiday season is definitely not a relaxed affair, and all too often brings more stress than joy.

This year might just be the year to ‘slow down’. To pause, take reflection and enjoy the simple things that Christmas has to offer.

The Christmas season didn’t use to be about having the best Christmas decorations and filling the bottom of the tree with as many gifts as possible. But rather the focus was more on family time, simple gift giving on Christmas morning and spending time connecting those important.

So instead of creating a million to-do-lists this year, perhaps its time to enjoy the simpler times with an old fashioned Christmas.

So what is an old fashioned Christmas? It’s simply an opportunity to enjoy a Christmas that allows you to experience and feel the holiday spirit rather than chasing around desperately trying to create the “perfect Christmas”.

Use these old fashioned Christmas ideas to help you along that journey.

How Do You Celebrate An Old Fashioned Christmas?

1. Buy Less Gifts: In today’s society we are so overloaded with Christmas gifts, that it tends to become the main focus. Not only the number of gifts on Christmas day, but the amount of time beforehand spent searching and buying the perfect gift. In reality, most people can remember what they spent “doing” last Christmas and the one before, but not many can remember what gift they received.

So for an old fashioned Christmas, try buying less gifts and enjoy more experiences together instead.

2. Old Fashioned Stocking Stuffers: Instead of filling Christmas stockings with all the modern gifts, how about filling them with old fashioned and traditional gifts.

Think about small gifts such as small toys, fruit, nuts, candy canes and even socks. Coins also used to be added, which would be a fun surprise.

3. Decorate As A Family: Decorating for Christmas as a family not only is a great way to connect with each other, but it also allows for everyone to bring their little bit of festive touch.

It doesn’t matter how old you are, everyone can be involved with the decorating. It’s a great family tradition to start and as the kids get older they will have fond memories of the special times together.

4. Take A family Christmas Photo: When was the last time you took a Christmas family photo. This could be of everyone in front of the Christmas tree or stockings hung on the mantel.

5. Send out Christmas Letters: How many times do you actually receive a letter in a year, or even two years? It used to be so exciting when a letter arrived in the post, and now it rarely happens. Email and instant messaging has become the norm, but what it has done is remove the excitement.

So for something more traditional, how about writing a letter updating your news and add it to the Christmas card.

Remember that Christmas family photo you took? Add that to the card and letter too.

6. Have An Advent Calendar: Do you have an advent calendar to count down the days until Christmas? Advent calendars are very traditional. I’m not talking about the ones that have little toys and other gimmicks in, but the traditional picture version.

A chocolate version would suffice, but a picture advent calendar would be better if you can find one.

7. Sing Christmas Carols: When was the last time you sat around with family and sung Christmas carols? It’s not really a thing that’s done anymore is it!

This has to seriously be one of the best old-fashioned Christmas traditions. Families would gather, sit around the fire, the piano (or both) and simply sing Christmas carols.

This is SO EASY to do, yet it’s something that’s often overlooked.

You don’t need to be able to play an instrument either. If you need a helping hand, just play some Christmas carols and sing along to them. The important thing is that you are connecting as a family.

How To Decorate For An Old Fashioned Christmas

If you would like to decorate for Christmas the old fashioned way, then the decorations need to be kept simple. The glitter and the talking Santa’s need to go!

Instead opt for more natural Christmas decor. There are many ways to do this. Choose the ones that are most appropriate for you and your home.

8. Have a Real Tree: There is nothing quite like a real tree at Christmas time. The pine smell instantly brings a Christmas spirit as soon as you walk into the room.

Instead of buying your tree pre-cut, consider heading to a Christmas tree farm that allows you to choose and cut down your own tree. Undertaking this experience as a family can start an entire new tradition.

9. Hang Homemade Decorations on The Tree: This year it’s time to put all those store bought Christmas tree decorations away and instead opt for homemade decorations. Alternatively use vintage ornaments.

10. Use Greenery and Fruit: There are so many ways to decorate with greenery to give that old fashioned Christmas appeal. Decorate window ledges, box’s and doors. Mantle pieces are also the perfect place to add some greenery.

Use mistletoe, pine cones and other leafy greens. Use these greens as garlands or as wreaths for the front door.

Decorating with fruit also gives an old fashioned feel. Use apples, pears, lemons and cinnamon sticks. Dry orange slices to use as Christmas tree decorations and other ornaments.

This will help remind you of the simpler life away from the commercial decorations.

11. Add A Nativity Set: A nativity set is very traditional Christmas item and also lovely to have in the home. Set up the nativity in a prominent spot to help remind you of the real reason for the season.

You may wish to add baby Jesus when you set the nativity up, or you may choose to wait until Christmas morning to celebrate the arrival.

12. Paper Snowflakes: As a kid, I was always making paper snowflakes at Christmas time. They are easy to do and can be used for decoration all over the house.

The kids can enjoy creating different shape and size snowflakes.

13. Make Stockings: There is a huge range of stockings available in the shops, but how about making your own. Homemade Christmas stockings are actually really simple and they look really great. They would be a great addition to the mantel or sitting under the tree.

14. Make The Christmas Paper: The presents under the tree can certainly act as a Christmas decoration, so it is appropriate to add this here. The old fashioned present wrapping was simply undertaken with brown paper and ribbon. It’s surprising how amazing this looks and so simple and cheap to do.

15. Make Use of Candles: The old-fashioned way of providing lighting was to use candles. In today’s modern world, candles are used for creating atmosphere and they would certainly do that for a Christmas feel. Light some candles or oil lanterns and enjoy the glimmer of light that they bring. 

​Traditionally candles were used on Christmas trees instead of lights. Whilst this wouldn’t be recommended now, the best way to replicate the feel of this is to use battery-operated candles. Sit back and enjoy the simple glow that they would provide.

Drink some hot cocoa, eat some Christmas cookies and relax listening to Christmas music with candles flickering. It sounds so peaceful and festive doesn’t it!

16. Make Paper Chains: Paper chains have to be one of the best old fashioned Christmas decorations. Kids of all ages can enjoy making them, and they can be draped across ceilings and walls. Grab a paper chain kit or cut up the pieces yourself. This will become a new tradition as it is so much fun.

17. Set Up A Train: Have you ever wanted one of those trains that circle around the base of the Christmas tree? This could be your year! The kids will love it and it will bring back the inner child in your too.

Old Fashioned Christmas Food Ideas

Christmas is a great time for baking. It is also a great opportunity to spend some quality time with the kids creating lots of delicious Christmas treats. Whether there are Christmas parties to attend, or just to enjoy with the family, it’s the perfect time to hit the kitchen.

18. Christmas Cookies: Everyone loves the fresh smell of cookies right out of the oven, and this is such a fantastic old fashioned tradition. Bake some cookies to leave out for Santa Claus, packing them up in little bags to give to friends, or simply eat and enjoy them!

There are so many easy and delicious Christmas cookie recipes to choose from, that you can make different recipes throughout the Christmas season. Don’t forget to grab some Christmas cookie cutters too so that you can make some cute Christmas characters.

19. Gingerbread House: Instead of making a gingerbread house from a kit, do it the old fashioned way and make it from scratch! Once the gingerbread has been cooked, everyone then gets to enjoy decorating it.

This is one of those Christmas activities that is always a traditional favourite. Follow an easy gingerbread house tutorial to help you along.

20. Make Eggnog: Eggnog is another one of those Christmas essentials that is easily bought in the shops. But it tastes so much better and far more traditional if you make it yourself.

The great thing is that there are many awesome eggnog recipes to choose from to suit all tastes.

21. Christmas Candy: Do you love the old style Christmas candy? How about making it for yourself?

If you have ever thought about making some old fashioned candy, now would be a great time. The candy can even be bagged up to form little gifts for friends and neighbors.

Other Old Fashioned Christmas Traditions

Aside from all the ideas above, there are lots of other old-fashioned Christmas traditions that you can undertake.

22. Christmas Dinner: Christmas dinner menu’s have become quite elaborate over the years. The old tradition for Christmas dinner is the full roast.

Decorate the table, place all the roast vegetables in the middle of the table and let everyone help themselves. You could even carve the meat at the dinner table (although it would be easier and less messy to do this in the kitchen!).

Turn off the lights and use the candles to create a truly old fashioned atmosphere.​

23. Christmas Carolling: It is very rare to now have people come knocking on the door singing Christmas carols, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done! Head out as a family or a group of friends and spread some cheer.

Take some candles in holders instead of using a torch and soak up that Christmas spirit.

24. Visit A Christmas Market: There are lots of Christmas markets around. This is a great chance to spend time together and browse the various homemade crafts.

Look out for some hot chestnuts and mulled wine to complete the experience. This is an easy way to feel the Christmas spirit.

25. Read The Nativity Story: How about getting back to basics and sit and read the nativity story together. Or attend a church service or nativity.

This doesn’t have to be left for Christmas day, but can be enjoyed earlier in December. The Christmas story is what it’s all about after all!

26. Watch Holiday Movies: There is nothing better at Christmas time than snuggling up on the couch, with a big bowl of popcorn and watching Christmas movies. There are so many family movies to choose from.

For some traditional movies you could choose Its a wonderful life, Scrooge or The Snowman. Elf, The Polar Express and The Grinch have also become popular movies to watch each year. Watching movies is such a fun family thing to do together and you can literally blitz a whole heap of Christmas movies in a couple of weeks.

Need some more Christmas ideas? Check out these easy magical Christmas ideas the whole family can enjoy. You will find more printables, simple recipes, decorations and more.

Let’s stay in touch. Did you love these old fashioned Christmas ideas? Sign up to the weekly newsletter to be kept up to date with other Christmas ideas. You will also be updated with easy party and decoration ideas, plus have access to the free printable library. See you there!

The post 26 of The Best Old Fashioned Christmas Ideas appeared first on Smart Party Planning.

Find activities and games that can be undertaken in all weather and will excite the adventurous, the sporty and the first time campers. Everyone will be sure to have a fun filled time.

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Camping for teenagers is a lot of fun. The camping could be for an organised group, a birthday party with some friends, or just a couple of families with teens camping together.

Regardless of the initial reasoning behind your camping trip, thinking about some activities to undertake with the teens will make the entire camping experience more rewarding and a lot more fun.

Camping is absolutely great for teenagers. It allows them to disconnect from technology, explore the great outdoors and also build and strengthen relationships with others.

These ideas are perfect for keeping them happy and engaged throughout the entire camping experience. Choose from a range of fun camping activities that will ensure everyone has a great time.

How Can Teenagers Benefit From Camping?

There are so many reasons to go camping and it benefits people of all ages. 

For teenagers it is a great experience for them to try something new, test their boundaries and learn some new skills.

Aside from this, camping is great for:

• Being physically active and off technology for a few days. Participating in physical activity does wonders for teens.
• Building relationships and bonds with others.
• Appreciating nature and learning about the great outdoors.
• Encouraging teamwork and working together.
• Depending on the group, camping can even be an opportunity to make some new friends.
• Getting some amazing fresh air!

Ice Breaker Activity

Every camp needs an ice breaker activity. This is fantastic when the teenagers don’t all know each other, but it’s also super useful even when they do. Either way it’s a fun way to break the ice at the start of a camping trip.

Camping is not an activity that is done all the time, so even if teenagers are used to being around each other, being in a different environment can quite often change dynamics amongst the group.

That’s why an ice breaker activity is always useful as soon as you set up camp.

This is one of the easiest ice breaker activities which every teen will be able to join in with. It’s called the “line up”. 

• Gather all the teens together in a group and inform them that they are going to be given some instructions from which they will form a line.
• Once a line has been made they will be given more instructions to form another line.
• Instructions need to be simple and easy for the teens to communicate with each other.
• The first instruction can be to form a line without talking to each other based on their height. Tallest to shortest.
• The following instructions to form lines can be to line up according to the month of their birthday, to how many siblings they have or how many pets they have. Line up according to the letter of their first name and then their last name.
• Think of as many line up instructions that you can that will ensure the teenagers all mix together. They will have to work together to form the lines and also find out a little bit of information about each other too.

Ice breaker activities are important to occur near the beginning of camp to ensure that everyone starts of the experience in the most relaxed way possible. This game is also great if you have kids of all ages and even younger children can participate.

Adventure Camping Activities

For the adventurous teens, these fun outdoor activities will be sure to keep them active and wear them out for a good nights sleep!

Hiking Nature Hike

Hiking is not only fantastic for getting in some exercise but it is also great for enjoying the local campsite surroundings.

You might find that teenagers need a bit of convincing to go on a hike. If that’s the case ensure that you chose a trail that has an “end point”. Something that leads to a spectacular view, a waterfall or a swimming hole would be ideal. 

If the teenagers know what they are heading towards then it gives more of a focus and enjoyment. Hand them all a compass so they can navigate their path. It’s also the perfect time to test them out on some simple survival skills.

Scavenger Hunt Treasure Hunt

Another fun alternative to the scavenger hunt would be to make it a selfie scavenger hunt. Let’s face it, all teenagers love their selfies!

Send them off searching for specific items and when they have found them they need to take a selfie with the item. This will definitely ensure that no cheating occurs and it will provide some fun photos to look back on after camp.

Geocaching – geocaching app

New to geocaching? It’s super simple to get started.

Teens will enjoy hiking and exploring looking for hidden treasures. You will need to download the geocaching app in order to obtain instructions, but the fact that its using technology will get the teens even more excited about it!

The hidden treasures are left by other players and can contain literally anything. It might be note, a plastic figurine, some marbles, a picture or a painted rock. Who knows. That’s half the surprise. Take the treasure, leave your name and leave a new treasure. If you don’t want the treasure or don’t have a new one to replace it with, then simply put it back and simply enjoy the thrill of the hunt.

Obstacle Course 

An obstacle course can be set up anywhere and it’s easy to use what you have handy at a camp site.

Use logs and boulders to climb over, camp chairs and tables to climb under and planks to balance on. Lay out a picnic rug and have the teenagers crawl under it.

Be creative with what you have accessible to you and you can have a lot of fun creating an obstacle course.

Water Games & Activities Teenagers Will Love Whilst Camping

Camping near a body of water? Water opens up a whole lot of opportunities that would be fun for teenagers whilst camping, especially on hot days. Be sure to check any rules relating to any water activities at the site before commencing an activity.

Kayaking

It doesn’t matter whether the teenagers have used a kayak before or not as this is a fun activity that they will all enjoy.

This is an activity that will work on their balance and strength and more than likely cause a lot of laughter in the process.

Swimming 

Swimming can be a great option for teenagers if there is a nice water hole. Teenagers don’t even seem to be bothered by the weather so as long as it’s not freezing cold, this can still be an activity in almost any season.

Ensure that there are several supervisors watching the teenagers closely so that everyone can be involved with the fun safely.

Water Fight 

It goes without saying that if there is water, it’s a prime opportunity for a water fight. Bring lots of water pistols and let the battle begin.

You are never too old for a water fight and this is something everyone can easily be involved in.

Having a water fight with water balloons is also an option, but be sure to collect all remnants of balloons when the game is finished. If that sounds too hard or time consuming, then it’s best to stick to the classic game of water pistols.

Fishing 

Check for any conditions relating to fishing and if there are no restrictions, this can be a great fun activity whilst camping.

Let the teenagers catch their own fish to cook on the campfire for dinner!

Fishing can be a great relaxing and bonding experience which would be great for a small group of teenagers.

Bird Watching

This could be a new experience for the teens or something they have done before. Provide each teen with a set of binoculars so they can get a closer look at the birds they are trying to distinguish. 

Also ensure that several bird books are available to help them identify and tick off the birds that they find.

Sporting Camping Activities

You are always onto a winner with some simple classic physical exercise whilst on a camping trip. The best part is that everyone knows how to play these games, and it doesn’t matter whether the teens are any good at them or not. These activities are also great if you need to fill up some free time.

Bike Riding

For an adventurous group of teens, bike riding is the perfect camping activity. Look for bike trails and study the gradients before you get started to ensure that the trail is suitable for all in the group.

Get all the teens to pack a backpack and then set off on an adventure.

Set ground rules before you start such as keeping together and having designated stopping points.

Football

If there is an open ground near the camp site then football is a great team sport to play. Divide the teens into two teams, set up goal areas then set a timer for the play to begin. And all you need to take with you is a football!

Cricket

Another great team sport if you have the space available. 

Whether the teens have played cricket before or not, this is a game that everyone can get involved in and have a lot of fun with.

Camping Games 

There are so many simple but classic camping games that can be incorporated into the trip. These are fun activities regardless of how many times they are played.

Frisbee 

Don’t underestimate how much fun can be had with a simple frisbee. Enjoy a simple casual play or split into teams and make it a competition.

This will get the teens running around, laughing and easily having fun. It’s the perfect game to instantly wear off some energy.

Tug Of War 

A tug of war is such a simple game but also a super fun game. If you have a group of teenagers who need to release some energy this is a fantastic way of doing it.

All you need is some rope and some willing participants.

Divide your players into two teams (of equal build) and let the tug of war begin. The team members can battle out their strength against each other, with the first team to be able to pull their opponents across the line crowned the winners.

Nerf Battle 

A nerf battle is a lot of fun and something the teenagers will really enjoy. It’s a great way to engage in some friendly competition.

However this battle will take a bit of clean up. You are in nature and you don’t want to be leaving nerf bullets behind. So only play if you are prepared to collect and account for all the nerf bullets after the game.

Lazer Tag

The lazer tag is played in much the same way as the nerf battle except you don’t have to worry about collecting bullets! It therefore might be an easier game to play whilst camping.

Every player will however need a lazer gun and also lazer vest.

Then split the teens into teams, set up the rules and let the battle begin.

Night Time Camping Fun

Campfire Cooking

Not every teen has cooked at home, let alone cook over a campfire. But cooking on a campfire is so much fun.

There are many simple recipes that teens can cook themselves that they will also enjoy eating. They can either cook their own meals, or a group can cook for the other half of the group.

Either way this will be a fun activity that the teens will enjoy doing together, plus they will also learn some basic skills too. It’s a win win activity.

Star Gazing 

Camping and star gazing go hand in hand. Hopefully there will be a clear night or two that will allow for some sensational star gazing. 

Move slightly away from the camp fire to ensure less light interference and enjoy the wonders of the night sky.

Roll out a blanket, lie down and get comfortable as you stare into the night wonders.

If you have a telescope of binoculars, bring them along to add to the experience. You can guarantee that the teenagers will be queuing up to have a go looking through them.

Ghost Stories 

Telling ghost stories is one of those experiences that everyone wants to do on camp, but no-one want to do on camp!

Ensure that the stories told are suitable for the age group in attendance. If there are younger teens then it would be a good idea to keep the stories fairly tame unless you want the teens up all night!

If you would rather opt away from the “ghost stories” then normal stories are fine too. 

Some examples of conversation starters are:

• The bravest thing I have ever done
• The most exciting adventure I’ve ever been on
• The best day of my life was…

Campfire Charades

Charades is a lot of fun and even more fun when played by a campfire.

Add a little extra campfire fun to it by ensuring all the phrases are related to camping or camp wildlife in some way.

This game is one of those old family favorites, that never gets dull.

Rainy Days Camping Activities

Whilst no-one wants to go camping in the rain, unexpected weather can always happen. It is therefore a good idea to come prepared with some rainy day activities “just in case”.

It is also the perfect opportunity to have some quieter time, or some get to know you time as you are forced to spend more time together in a close proximity.

Board Games

When it’s raining, it is a great opportunity to whip out some board games. Teens can either cosy up in their tents and play whilst snuggled into their sleeping bag or set up an area under cover outside. Just be sure that there is enough room for everyone to sit in the dry comfortably.

Board games are a great addition to any camping experience, so even if it’s not raining they are good to pull out for some quiet time, or evening time fun.

Camp games don’t always need to be loud and active. Sometimes it’s nice to just chill and enjoy the camp site!

Card Games

Card games are easy to take onto a camping trip. They are small to pack and easy to play. There are also SO many card games that can be played ensuring fun for everyone.

And if the weather is bad? The teens can huddle together in a tent or under shelter playing card games until the weather improves.

Verbal Games

Verbal games are super easy to play and the great thing about them is that they don’t need any preparation. These games can simply be played on a whim just by gathering everyone together. Examples of verbal games include:

Who Am I: On a piece of paper write down an object or a person. Hold it over one players head for the rest of the group to see. That person then has to ask questions to the group to work out who or what they are. To make it more fun, either set a time limit or only allow them to ask a certain number of questions before they have to identify who or what they are.

Two Truths and A Lie: Ask every camper to think of two truths and a lie about themselves. In turn every player tells the group of their truths/lie. The rest of the campers have to identify which is the lie.
Story Telling: The first person has to start a story with one of two lines. In turn going around the circle everyone contributes a further one or two lines to the story. The last person has to finish off the story in their allocated one to two lines.

The Alphabet Game: This is a word association game where everyone has to say an item that begins with the letter of the alphabet. For example the item could be “fruit or vegetables”. Camper one could say “apple” then camper two has to think of something beginning with the letter B such as “Bananas”. Then the third camper has to say something beginning with C such as “carrots”. The game continues throughout the alphabet until someone can’t think of an item on their turn. The game then starts again with that person beginning at A with a new item.

Get In The Rain

The teens might be inclined to simply get in the rain! This will ultimately depend on the type of group you have camping and whether this is something they would be comfortable with. But if the rain doesn’t bother anyone, then continue on with your activities as planned. The only difference is everyone will get a little wet!

Alternatively if everyone has rain jackets or ponchos and gum boots, then that will help to keep the rain off slightly. Maybe everyone can even go singing and dancing in the rain and bring out their inner child.

Camping is such a valuable experience for teenagers. For some it will get them out of their comfort zone, whilst others may be seasoned campers.

Use these great ideas to ensure that whether the teen is experiencing their first camp, or one of many, that it will be a memorable camp experience.

Let’s stay in touch. Did you love this selection of camp activities for teenagers? Sign up the to the newsletter so you never miss out on other easy party ideas. You will be updated with other easy games, decorations, party theme ideas, recipes and much more. Plus you will also have access to a ton of printable’s in the free printable library.

The post 25 Camp Activities For Teenagers For The Best Fun appeared first on Smart Party Planning.

From menu items, to decorations and even activities, this will be an event that all the kids will enjoy.

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• The Best Cute Tea Party Ideas For Endless Entertaining
• Princess Tea Party

Everyone loves a tea party. For those looking for something a bit different for the kids, a tea party could be just what you need.

It might sound a bit of an unusual idea for a birthday party, but a kids tea party is actually becoming really popular.​

Kids get to munch on some delicious foods, whilst chatting and playing with their friends.

A kid’s tea party will help them use their imagination in a really fun way. This even makes it ideal for children as young as two years old!

The imagination play that can be created with a tea party allows for little boys and little girls to have so much fun.

If you see your child having imaginative play with their tea sets, then this is a party that they are definitely going to get excited about.

What Is A Tea Party For Kids?

A tea party for kids is literally a fun way of serving finger food whilst turning the event it into a special occasion.

A tea party could be held as a birthday party or it could even be just a morning or afternoon tea party between you and the kids.

If it’s just you and the kids, make it extra special by asking them to go and dress up in something fancy. This could be their favorite piece or clothing, a princess dress or even a cowboy suit!

Yes tea parties are not just for girls!

Then sit them at a table and serve all the food on tiered stands. Ask them to bring friend such as a favorite doll, teddy bears or even superhero to the tea party.

Ensure that you have a chair especially for their “friend”.

If holding the tea party as an actual party for their birthday, then specify this on the party invitation.

Ask all the children to dress up and bring a favorite friend.

What Time Should A Tea Party Be Held?

A tea party will include quite a bit of food, but it’s not a meal either.

Ideally a tea party would be held after lunch around 3-5pm. 

But really any time is fine for a tea party.

Just ensure that you explain to parents that there will be a reasonable amount of food to eat, so that the kids don’t over eat before they arrive.

What Do You Serve At A Children’s Tea Party?

The fun of a tea party is most definitely the food. Ensure that everything served is finger food to add to the experience.

Check that you do not have any food allergies to cater for prior to the party.

Kids don’t have complex taste buds so make sure that the menu items are kept simple for them to enjoy.

A great children’s tea menu could include the following:

Savory Finger Food Options:

• Finger sandwiches – depending on allergies, cream cheese, egg, ham and cheese or peanut butter sandwiches are all good choices. Cut the edges off to make them more appealing to the kids.
• Pigs in blanket
• Pinwheels
• Cheese and crackers

Sweet Finger Food Options:

• Scones
• Mini Cupcakes
• Cookies. Use cookie cutters such as stars and hearts.
• Brownies
• Petite fours or cake squares
• Macarons
• Fruit tarts
• Fruit – it’s aways a good idea to include some form of fruit. This can be grapes, strawberries or small slices of watermelon.

What Tea Do You Have At A Kids Tea Party?

Some children might drink tea, but there will be a lot of children who do not.

If you do supply tea, ensure that it is decaffeinated.

Otherwise serving bubble tea would be a lot of fun. Or simply just pink lemonade, orange or apple juice.

For a winter tea party you may even wish to serve some hot chocolate.

Your little guests wont mind what the beverage on offer is.

They are more concerned with the overall effect, and you want to make sure that they have something they enjoy rather than serving tea for the sake of it.

Supplies Needed At Tea Party For Kids

There are a few basic supplies that you need at a tea party for kids.

Tea Cup and Saucer – Regardless of whether you are serving tea, bubble tea or juice, serving it in a proper tea cup with saucer will be a lot of fun.

Napkins – You simply can’t have a tea party without napkins! Either use paper napkins or you may opt for a pretty handkerchief. The kids would think this is pretty special.

Cake Stands or Platters – How you serve the food is incredibly important. It needs to look “pretty”.

The best way to do this is to ensure that all the food is placed onto a cake stand or individual platters. You may wish to have savory on platters and sweet on a cake stand.

How To Decorate For A Kids Tea Party

To decorate for a traditional tea party, think floral, whimsical and vintage.

Cover the table with a pretty tablecloth and decorate the centre of the table with pretty flowers. Fresh flowers are best, but fake flowers will also work well.

Using proper tea cups will really help set the table experience. If possible look for pretty flowery tea cups and tea sets.

It doesn’t actually matter if they have a “cup of tea” or not, rather it’s the look and feel that you are going for.

Head to the op shop for plenty of tea cup options (no they don’t have to match!). The kids will think this is wonderful. And if there happens to be an accident, then you havn’t lost an expensive tea cup!

Ensure that place settings have been organised prior to the party and each child has somewhere to sit.

Next make sure that every child has a napkin. Whilst you could use colorful paper napkins, if you use cloth napkins it will really add to the feel of a real tea party.

The food needs to be served in the middle of the table on a cake stand. This will instantly make the food look amazing!

If you want to dress up the chairs, tie a ribbon into a bow around the back of the chair.

Want to have balloons but don’t think they fit with a tea party? The simple answer is to have those balloons!

Used appropriately there is nothing wrong with the beautiful decor that balloons provide.

Ensure that you are not choosing all the colors of the rainbow though. Stick with one of two colors of balloons, or use balloons with confetti inside.  

Balloons can be placed near entrance ways, on the present table or even tied to the backs of chairs.

If you are holding the party outside, it would be a good idea to think about some cover.

In warm days you will need some shade from the sun, and on cooler days, protection from the cold and possible rain.

If an undercover area is not available, the tea party would look delightful set up under a canopy or in a small gazeebo. You can then hang some tasteful decorations from the shelter to make it look super pretty.

Think about your color scheme and stick with it. Don’t go overboard with too many colours and keep things simple.

What Activities Do You Have At A Kids Tea Party?

Even though this party is technically a “sit down” party, you still need to ensure that you have activities and fun games planned.

Children will get bored if they sit down for too long, so it is important to mix up the seating and eating with other games and activities.

You can of course stick to normal kids party games if you feel the need for kids to run off a bit of energy.

Otherwise there are some other great tea party specific activities that the kids will enjoy undertaking.

Decorate A Hat: Kids love dressing up and it is so easy to make this an activity too. Buy all the kids a straw hat in various colours and supply gems, flowers, pom poms, feathers etc. They will have a great time decorating their hat and then wearing it!

Make Paper Crowns: Instead of making a hat, the kids could all make paper crowns. This would fit perfectly with a Princess tea party.

Decorate Cupcakes or Cookies: This would also be a popular activity with kids of all ages. They can either eat the cupcakes or cookies at the tea party or keep to take home with them. If taking home, supply mini individual cupcake box’s to make it easier to transport them.

Make Necklaces/Bracelets: Kids love creating necklaces and bracelets for themselves and others. Beads on string is an easy way for them to do this and lets them be creative in the process.

Paint Nails: There is something about looking and feeling pretty at a tea party. Set up a nail painting station and let the kids either paint their own nails or have someone pamper them and do it for them.

Make Paper Fans: If its a warm day, this activity will not only be a lot of fun, but also practical too. Making paper fans is really simple, but if you need a refresher then you can check out the easy tutorial.

Design a Cup: You may choose to serve drinks in cups rather than in tea cups. If this is the case the kids could all be given a plain white cup which they could first decorate as they arrive at the party.

Party Favors For A Tea Party

Kids all love to take a party favor bag home with them. How much you include in this bag is entirely up to you.

A few fun options include:

• Bath bombs
• Lip gloss or nail polish
• Bracelets
• Tea party themed book
• A teddy bear. How about a Paddington Bear!
• Chocolate tea bags

Tea parties are a lot of fun for little and older kids. They don’t need an additional theme attached to them as the tea party is the theme.

You can however add an additional theme such as a fairy, princess or even Paddington bear theme if you wish for something extra. Otherwise enjoy the simplicity of the tea party itself.

Incorporate some of the elements from here and you will find yourself hosting a wonderful tea party for kids that will be highly memorable for them.

Need some fun ideas for a different theme? Check out our huge selection of party ideas. You will have a ton of inspiration for different themes, games and more.

Let’s stay in touch. Did you love these tea party for kids ideas? Sign up to the weekly newsletter to be kept up to date with other easy party, decoration and recipe ideas. You will also have access to a ton of free printables. See you there!

You can also stay up to date on all our posts, by following Smart Party Planning on Pinterest.

The post How To Host A Tea Party For Kids With Simple Easy Tips appeared first on Smart Party Planning.

There is something here for everyone that will ensure a great party for all.

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When thinking about your kids birthday parties, you MUST think about the entertainment.

Many parents make the mistake of putting together a food table, leaving toys out letting the kids just “get on with it”.

Whilst this can work if you have a small group, it can quickly turn to chaos with more than 5 children present. It also means that kids that don’t necessarily know anyone other than the birthday child can easily be pushed aside and feel lonely. 

Entertainment on the other hand brings everyone together.

It brings a focus, and it makes your life SO MUCH EASIER!

Even if you end up coordinating the entertainment yourself, it is worth the effort for a smooth running party where everyone has a great time.

If you arn’t confident enough (or just want to relax at the party), then there are also lots of options for paid entertainment.

The cost of kids entertainers will vary according to what entertainment you are purchasing.

Read on for some of the best kids party entertainment that you can use for your next special occasion.

DIY Kids Party Entertainment

Traditional Party Games: It’s always a good idea to have games at children’s parties.

There are so many party games that can be played that fit in with all sorts of different party themes. Kids parties of all ages will benefit from games that ensure kids are engaged and having fun at the party.

This is the easiest and cheapest type of entertainment you can organise.

Treasure Hunt: Kids absolutely LOVE treasure hunts! a Treasure hunt provides great entertainment and you can make them as long or as short as you want them to be.

Either find treasure that they can take home, or items that are found just for fun.

Give the kids maps or simple clues to help them locate all the treasure items.

Obstacle Courses: Kids love obstacle courses. Take a look at what you already have at home before you start adding extras.

Hula hoops, nets, ropes, ramps, steps and jumping balls all work excellently in an obstacle course.

Photo Booth: A photo booth is very simple to set up and it provides a lot of entertainment.

Ensure you have a party backdrop and some photo props. The kids will then have a great time getting into groups and taking various photos of themselves.

It is also a lot of fun to look back on once the party has finished.

Kids Party Entertainment To Try Yourself OR Hire

Magic Show: Unless you know or are willing to learn a bit of magic before the party, it might be a good idea to hire a children’s magician.

Kids will be amazed. Even you will be amazed!

Puppet Show: You might like to hire someone to undertake a puppet show or you could try your hand at doing one yourself.

Balloon Twisters: Do you know how to do balloon twisting and make balloon animals?

If balloon art isn’t your thing, there are plenty of balloon artists that you can hire for parties.

The kids will love watching the magic unfold and taking a balloon creation home with them.

Costume Characters: Some party themes would work really well with someone dressing up as the party characters.

For example, Elsa appearing at a Frozen party would be delightful. And Spiderman attending a Superhero party would bring a lot of excitement.

Maybe even have a variety of characters attend the party. Costumed characters can either be coordinated with some friends or family members, or hire professionals to attend the event.

Face Painting: Face painting is always really popular with kids of all ages. You may know some friends who would make good face painters.

Otherwise there are many face painters of varying prices that you can hire for an hour or even the entire party.

Glitter Tattoos: A lot of face painters also offer glitter tattoos, but these are so simple to do yourself. 

Dance Party: Little groovers will love a dance party and it provides the ultimate entertainment. Set it up yourself with some speakers and disco lights, or hire someone to do it for you.

The best dance party will also have someone coordinating some dance games to keep all the kids extra entertained.

Clowns: Clowns can be a lot of fun at parties and can also do a lot of things.

A clown can incorporate face painting, balloon twisting and undertaking glitter tattoos into their entertainment too.

Hire Kids Party Entertainment

Inflatable Bounce House: Bouncy castles of all shapes and sizes can be hired, perfect for those with a small or a large backyard.

Lots of bouncy castles also come decorated with different themes for some added fun. Choose your layout and hire for the day.

The great thing is that you will also get use of the castle before and after the party too.

Water slides: Water slides can also be hired along with the inflatable houses. So if the weather is nice, why not have some water play with the kids and hire an inflatable water slide.

Live Animals: Fancy a farm yard in your backyard or maybe some reptiles?

There are organizations that will bring all this to you. All you need to do is provide some shade and available space.

So whether it’s padding a baby goat or having a snake wrapped around the neck, there will be something to excite all animal lovers. And this is maximum entertainment for kids!

Bubble Show: Bubble show artists are mesmerising. They can even create bubbles big enough that the kids can be inside of. How awesome is that!

Kids will love the bubble creations unfolding before them.

Lego Parties: Did you know that you can hire companies to bring a whole heap of Lego to your home?

This is the ultimate entertainment for kids who are obsessed with Lego. Maybe even big adult kids too!

They bring everything so you don’t need to worry about going and purchasing a whole heap of Lego to share around the kids.

Things To Check When Hiring A Children’s Entertainer

If the kids party entertainment is going to be hired, there are a few things that you want to check before you sign the booking agreement!

Things to check include:

• Performance lengths or hire time of equipment.
• Is the price fixed or does it change according to the size of your event.
• Are there any setup requirements that you need to adhere to.
• Ensure that anyone coming to your home has the required background check in place.
• Check out reviews from previous parties and past clients.
• Discuss or review the various party packages that may be on offer.

Coordinating some kind of children’s party entertainment is a great idea to ensure a smooth running party.

Whether that be simple kids party games or hiring local children’s party entertainers is completely up to you.

Think about the kind of party you want to hold and what will be most exciting for your child and their friends.

One thing is guaranteed. Once you have the entertainment sorted, you will be hosting the best kids birthday party ever!

Need some more party ideas? Check out all our other party ideas, games and themes. You will have a ton of inspiration to keep everyone entertained.

Let’s stay in touch. Did you love these kids party entertainment ideas? Sign up the to the newsletter so you never miss out on other easy party and recipe ideas. Plus you will also have access to a ton of printable’s in the free printable library.

The post Top Picks For The Best Kids Party Entertainment appeared first on Smart Party Planning.

Whether it’s finding the perfect activity for your beach-loving mom or selecting a great beach gift, there is something here for everyone. 

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Does your mom absolutely love the beach? 

The best part about Mother’s day is simply being with mom. And in doing so, being somewhere that she loves. If that’s the beach, then why not head to the beach for the day (or weekend) and spend some quality time together.

Even in mid winter, a lot of good times can be had at the beach. Maybe not in the rain, but pretty much any other weather works!

You may not wish to be heading to the beach for mother’s day but instead looking for the perfect gift to get your beach loving mom.

Either way, there are plenty of ideas here for the beach lovers.

Find A Beach Spot With A View

Mom’s who love the beach will also enjoy views of the beach (not necessarily having to be on it). This is a great option for those that don’t live in a warmer climate over Mother’s day.

A view of the beach can be enjoyed at any time of the year.

Whether it be watching sunrise, sunset, or just enjoying the mid day sun, the view of the beach can be a gorgeous one.

If you know of a cafe that has a great beach view, book breakfast or lunch there with the family.

Otherwise grab a thermos flask or wine glasses and head to a spot when the beauty can be observed. 

Mom’s will love the simplicity of this for Mother’s day.

Beach Trip

A family outing to the beach would be thoroughly enjoyed by a beach loving mom.

Whether that’s just the immediate or wider family, it will be a day that is enjoyed by all. Think about where your mom’s happy place is and plan a trip there.

Pack a picnic, grab the buckets and spades, the beach cricket equipment and head to the beach. 

To make a day of it, don’t forget to make sure everyone is comfortable. That includes taking beach towels, seats and having some shade.

Why not even take the family dog with you, so everyone can enjoy the day together.

If it’s a nice day and you live near the beach, then this is the perfect activity to do on Mother’s day.

Beach Vacation

Perhaps you would like to stay at the beach a bit longer than a day?

A beach vacation could be just the thing you need.

Mother’s day could be the perfect time to get get away for the weekend (or a week). The whole family could hire a beach house and enjoy a beach vacation together. This would be the perfect way for a beach loving mom to enjoy a Mother’s day weekend.

Imagine spending the entire weekend with family who are all there for the same reason. To celebrate mom! 

The beach vacation doesn’t have to be somewhere exotic. It could literally be at your local beach.

The important thing is to gather together, relax, unwind and have a lot of fun.

Mom would consider this to be the best mothers day ever!

Beach Experiences

For the adventurous type of mom, how about looking into some beach experiences for her.

These experiences would also make a great gift idea too.

Horse Riding: This would definitively be an experience that she wouldn’t forget. Riding along the sand and in the waves would be an incredibly experience.

Don’t just send mom off on her own though. Join her in the adventure.

Boat Tour: How about cruising along the coastline taking in the views. Let mom sit back, put her feet up and enjoy the lapping of the waves around her. 

Either take an organised boat tour or why not hire your own.

Sunrise/Sunset Tour: There is something quite magical about watching the sun rise or set at the beach.

If you love spending time with mom and creating magical memories, then this experience would be amazing.

This is a perfect gift idea for a mom who loves to be pampered whilst at the beach.

Scuba Diving: This unique experience is for the adventurous and active moms. It would be absolutely incredible exploring the underwater sea life together.

It would be a mother’s day to remember, if she was to undertake this experience with her close family in tow.

Snorkling: Snorkling is another great way to explore the underwater life, without being quite as adventurous as scuba diving!

There is so much to explore and enjoy without going under the water. Accompany mom on this amazing adventure.

Beach BBQ: If it’s a beautiful day how about hosting a beach BBQ. Take all moms favorite food and cook up a storm on the beach. If it’s cold weather, just rug up warm!

High Tea at The Beach: Do you know of a local beach hotel that offers High Tea?

This could be a wonderful way to enjoy some beach views whilst also enjoying some amazing food.

Best Beach Gifts For Mom

For a mom that loves the beach, it would be perfect to give her a beautiful beach gift. Finding the ideal gift however is not always easy and that’s where we are here to help.

These gifts are sure to be an absolute hit with any beach-loving mom. The beach essentials are covered, plus there is the practical gift and the gift that you just have to get mom.

This is a selection of the best gifts that you can give to your mom.

Beach Cooler: When mom heads to the beach, she will want to take her favorite drinks and snacks. But there is nothing worse than everything getting hot and spoilt. That’s why she needs a beach cooler.

Forget the picnic basket. The best way to keep food and drinks cold at the beach is with a cooler! For hot beach days, a beach cooler is a must.

Beach Bag: An ocean-loving mom will need a beach bag!

Can you have too many? We don’t think so!

A new beach bag will be a welcome gift. Find one in a design that your mom will love and she will think of you every time she hits the beach!

It would also be a great idea to fill the beach bag with some other beach essentials.

Beach Towel: No matter how much you love the beach, most people like to sit on a beach towel. Mom is no different.

If she visits the beach often, then a new beach towel will be a great idea.

There are so many designs, styles, different sizes and different colors to choose from, that it will be easy to find something for mom.

Maybe even add the personal touch of having mom’s name sewn into the towel.

Beach Chair: For the ultimate comfort at the beach, mom needs a beach chair! Ensure that you test it before you buy to ensure that it is comfortable, but also light weight and easy to carry.

Team this with a new beach towel and your beach loving mom is totally set for the day.

Beach Tent: There are so many beach tents available that it is possible to find something that mom will love and enable her to stay at the beach longer.

From pop up tents to larger gazebo type tents, this is something that every beach loving mom needs.

Beach Coverup: Sun smart mom’s will love a new beach coverup. Ensure that it is light weight to keep her cool. Long sleeve is also a bonus.

Sun Hat: If you are confident with mom’s style then a sun hat would be a great idea for her.

Beach Themed Spa Set: Why not buy a gift that will bring the beach to mom even when she is at home.

A spa set that includes a selection of beauty products including a face mask, bath salt, soaps, nail set etc will totally make her day. Something coconut or hibiscus 

Good Book: You can’t ever look past the gift of a good book. Being at the beach is a perfect opportunity to unwind with a novel in hand.

Buy mom a book she will love to read and she will be in her element reading it in the perfect spot.

Water Bottle: A water bottle may sound a bit boring, but it doesn’t have to be. There are so many fun and stylish water bottles on the market now, that gifting a water bottle is a totally fun idea.

Mom will need to stay hydrated at the beach and taking her new water bottle will ensure that she does.

Wine Glasses: Does mom like to have a glass of wine on the beach? Then ensure she has an insulated wine glass! Find a stylish glass that mom will totally love drinking out of.

Water Proof Phone Case: This would definitely be a practical gift for the beach. For a beach loving mom who also likes to take photos, this gift would be a real hit.

Beach Wall Art: Does mom love the beach enough to want to look at it every day?

How about finding her a beautiful piece of beach wall art that she can hang on the wall at home.

Practical Beach Gifts: You could make up a hamper or fill a beach tote with all sorts of practical beach gifts.

This could include sunscreen, after sun lotion, lip balm and even some snacks she can munch on at the beach.

Whether you plan on taking mom on a beach vacation, or to the beach for the day, or simply just purchasing her a beach gift, there are so many mother’s day beach ideas that you can use.

The most important thing to remember is that mother’s day is about celebrating mom.

It doesn’t have to be taking her on an expensive retreat or participating in a fancy beach experience. It doesn’t even have to be about buying her the best beach gift. 

Mom will enjoy watching the sun rise over the sea with a mug of coffee just as much as all the other fancy things on offer.

So when deciding what to do this Mother’s day for your beach-loving mom, think about what she will most enjoy and what will make her most happy.

If your budget extends far enough to spoil her with awesome gifts and experiences then great.

But if not, there is a good chance that your mom will enjoy a relaxing day with her favorite family members just as much!

Need some more ideas? Check out the best easy mother’s day ideas that she will actually enjoy. You will have a ton of inspiration for fun things to do that will make her feel special.

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The post The Best Mother’s Day Beach Ideas She Will Love appeared first on Smart Party Planning.