Princes, Pirates and Pajamas, Oh My!: Party Ideas and Themes

Here are a few party themes to keep on hand as your child's big day approaches.

1. Pajama Party

Just because your preschooler isn't old enough for a slumber party, doesn't mean he or she can't have a pajama party. Invite guests to wear their pj's and bring their favourite stuffed animal and bedtime book. Throw an inflatable mattress on the floor and serve them milk and cookies in bed. Then have them snuggle up for bedtime stories.

2. The Great Treasure Hunt

For fans of Blues Clues and Dora the Explorer, why not organize a giant treasure hunt at home or in a park. Children work as a team figuring out the clues (hint: make your clues using pictures not words). Each clue takes them to a new location, which may have another clue or the final treasure. Prizes can be awarded to the first child to find a clue. The treasure itself can be treats for all the kids, a performer, or even the birthday cake.

3. Kings, Queens, Princes and Princesses

Turn your house into a castle fit for your little king or queen. Hang pictures of kings, queens, princes, princess, knights and dragons (images from fairy tales work great). Build a giant castle out of cardboard boxes, complete with towers and a drawbridge, or rent a bouncy castle for you royal subjects. Play games like Pin the Tail on the Dragon, Musical Thrones (Musical Chairs), The King or Queen Says (Simon Says), and Horse, Horse, Unicorn (Duck, Duck, Goose). You can even make a castle birthday cake by cutting a castle out of a square cake and decorating it with lots of candy baubles and colourful icing.

By Rochelle Strauss