Four weeks before

Set the boundaries before opening a shopping app.

  • Choose budget, guest count, date and location
  • Ask the child for one most-important wish
  • Send invitations with RSVP and allergy questions
  • Choose one main activity and a weather backup

Two weeks before

Count the experience, not individual inspiration photos.

  • Plan one easy meal or snack
  • Order or choose the cake
  • Gather activity supplies
  • Confirm helpers and any venue details
  • Make a playlist if wanted

Two days before

Do the tasks that reduce event-day thinking.

  • Buy fresh food and ice
  • Charge devices
  • Put candles, lighter and serving tools in one box
  • Set out the birthday child's clothes
  • Check weather and send any update

Party-day minimum

Food, cake, one activity, trash bags and a way to capture a few photos. If those exist, the party exists. Put a trusted person in charge of photos so Mama can appear in some of them too.