Planning an Easter party can be one of the easier parties to put together for kids. Easter decorations, supplies, and treats are staples at stores during the Easter season and there are a variety of low cost options availlable to host an Easter Party. The key to throwing an Easter party is to keep things simple and shop around for ideas before setting a date. Ideally, an Easter party can be hosted for well under $100 for a guest list of between 8-10 kids.
Supplies
There are a number of places that carry Easter party supplies, both online and at local stores. Some of the best places to look for Easter party supplies might be at one or more of the following:
-Party City stores
-Oriental Trading Company (orientaltradingcompany.com)
-A. C. Moore stores
-Dollar Tree or The Dollar Store
-Paper Outlet (local stores)
Some of the most basic supplies for an Easter themed party include some decorations, prizes, and paper goods (napkins, plates, cups, tablecloth). Another must-have supply for throwing a great Easter party is plastic eggs. These can be used for a traditional Easter egg hunt.
Some good ideas for prizes include small chocolate or Easter treat items, small outdoor toys, bubbles, pencils and notebooks, stickers, and other small novelties that are often found at the local Dollar Store or online at orientaltradingcompany.com in party size packs.
Small candies and toy novelties can also be placed inside of the plastic eggs for an Easter egg hunt. None of the prize items should be too costly if purchased at a discount store or in party size packages.
Games
There are many traditional games that can be adapted to fit the Easter party theme, as well as the much-loved traditional Easter egg hunt. Ideally, games should provide an ample amount of entertainment for kids between their arrival to the party and their departure. A two hour party is often the best time frame for school-aged children. Some of the best games for an Easter party include the following games:
The Easter Egg Hunt
No Easter party should be without a good egg hunt! Plastic eggs work best for Easter egg hunts and prizes can be awarded in many different ways. One way is to hide the eggs throughout a designated area outdoors or inside of the home. Party guests can then search for the eggs and present them for pre-determined prizes based on the egg color, a number written inside or outside the egg, or by inserting small prizes inside of each egg. Rules can be determined by the party host.
Jellybean Jar
This game can be played for a prize by asking each party guest to guess the number of jellybeans in a jar. The jellybeans should be counted in advance and the number written down. The prize for this quiet game can be the jellybean jar itself or another pre-determined prize.
Pin the Tail on the Bunny
This game is still a favorite with kids and a twist on the traditional Pin the Tail on the Donkey game. Many stores sell this variation during the Easter season and the rules are the same as the original version. Have a handkerchief ready for a blindfold and plan on having some small prizes for the winners.
Paper and Pencil Games
Two popular paper and pencil games can be added for a few quiet games at the table. Easter words scramble is a game that involves mixing up the letters or words associated with Easter and asking guests to try to unscramble as many words as they can in a certain time limit, or until someone completes all word scrambles. Another game that can challenge kids is having them write as many words as possible from a given Easter related word. Using the words “Easter party” kids would try to make as many new words as they could out of the letters in those words. Any Easter themed words can be used and prizes can be awarded for winners.
Easter Delights & Party Foods
One of the easiest party treats for an Easter party is the “bunny cupcake.” Cupcakes can be made in any flavor and then frosted with white frosting, some red licorice strings for whiskers, and a few chocolate chips for eyes. Ears can be created with a variety of different candies or painted on with some pink icing. A bunny cake is also a popular choice for Easter parties.
Hardboiled eggs can be prepared ahead of time for those who want to include an egg painting activity at the party. Guests can color the eggs early in the party and have them to eat or take home later in the party. Plan on having at least a few dozen eggs on hand for this activity.
Snack foods or pizza are often staples at parties that require less preparation. Most kids will be busy playing games and eating cake to want a full sit-down lunch or dinner, so plan some kid-friendly appetizers, snacks, or foods to keep the party planning simple.
Party Details
Setting a date for the Easter party may require some planning. Easter weekend may or may not be the best time for some children to attend, while the week before Easter is often ideal for a party. A party planned during the daytime hours will be best for hosting an outdoor egg hunt. Treat bags can be purchased rather inexpensively, and the Dollar Tree often has packs of them for a dollar. Small candies and novelties can be placed in each treat bag for a nice party favor that kids can take with them when they leave.
Easter parties are fun for kids who want to host a different kind of party this year. Easter birthday parties can also be hosted, with very little adaption to an original Easter themed party.
