Children love to have parties. Don't make them wait for a birthday to have a gathering of their friends, create an occasion. Set up a play date and make it a theme so they have lots of fun.

A party supply store will have every character imaginable to choose from when deciding upon a theme. The paper products, decorations and favors can all coordinate under a character, color or idea. A party planner will help you with any questions you may have with your needs.

Send out invitations to your guests. Make them addressed to the child itself so they get to open mail. Sometimes that is their favorite part of the whole deal! Include a picture of your child so that if they can't read, they will immediately know who it's from anyway. The picture and an invitation usually mean a party in a child's mind!

A children's party will need decorations. Lots of colorful balloons and streamers to match your theme can be purchased from the party supply store. They will also have balloon weights, favor bags and trinkets to give away as prizes.

If your children's party involves lunch, make it simple. Most likely the kids will be too excited to eat anyway, so their favorites might entice them more. Chicken nuggets, fish sticks or regular old peanut butter and jelly make them run for the table the most. Add a handful of grapes or apple slices, and they are happy clans.

Plan a couple of new games to try out. Use board games, hide and seek or puzzles. If they are playing well on their own with toys, you might just want to leave them alone and enjoy the break. If the other moms stick around, use the time to catch up on visiting.