Kids Birthdays: Make Them Feel Extra Special

A birthday is such a perfect way to make some memories and help your child feel particularly special on his or her “day.” Here are five ideas that you can do to make your child feel like a king (or princess!) without breaking the bank or throwing an elaborate party. It’s the little things that often bring the most joy and memories, right?

1. A Special Date. Plan a special date with just mom and dad. Whether it’s a trip to the zoo for a few hours or dinner just the three of you, I guarantee it will be a fun and memorable date!

2. Birthday Breakfast. We don’t buy “sugar cereal” in our house unless it is for a very special occasion…like a birthday! I usually let the birthday girl (or boy) pick out her own box of  cereal to share with the rest of the family. The one time a year they can choose one box of whatever cereal they want. It is the best $3 I usually spend!

3. The Birthday Book. We always do an official “interview” each year on their birthday and add the page to their birthday book! It is so much fun to see how their answers change each year, like their best friend and favorite book and favorite snack.

4. Streamers. Tape some streamers outside of their door so they get to walk through it multiple times a day. Or drape streamers around the kitchen in their favorite colors. Your child will feel extra special, for pennies! {photo below from my son Cooper’s first birthday party}

5. Favorite Dinner. Let kids choose dinner the night of their birthday. Whether it’s macaroni and cheese or birthday pancakes with sprinkles, let your child decide what the entire family gets to eat! And a little bonus, serve their food for the day on the You Are Special Today plate.

Photo above: We were vacationing in Mexico last year for my daughter Clara’s third birthday. So she got to celebrate with her cousins over nachos and Dora the Explorer. Sometimes a home-cooked meal doesn’t always work out, but there are always ways to make your child feel special on their birthday.