Party ideas

Simple, practical help for planning a little one's birthday.

• When to send kids' birthday invitations (and when to ask for RSVPs)

  A simple timeline for sending a young child's birthday invitation, setting an RSVP date and following up kindly.

• First birthday party theme ideas that are easy to pull off

  Gentle, photo-friendly first birthday themes — fairies, berries, teddy bears and mini golf — with simple ideas for food and decorations.

• Second birthday party theme ideas with a fun "two" twist

  Playful second birthday themes built on the number two — Twotti Fruitti, Bad Two The Bone, Chugga Chugga Two Two — plus tips for toddler-friendly parties.

• Digital vs. paper birthday invitations: which is right for your party?

  Honest pros and cons of digital and paper invitations for kids' birthdays — cost, RSVPs, changes and keepsakes.

• How to collect birthday RSVPs without making guests sign up

  Ways to collect kids' party RSVPs that don't need guests to create an account or download an app.

• Firefighter, golf and train birthday party ideas for little kids

  Simple party ideas for three favorite kids' themes: fire trucks, mini golf and trains — decorations, food and activities.