You finally booked the magician for your child's birthday party and the invitations have been sent. The calls begin to come in and you realize that more kids are coming then you expected. You sure are glad that you booked the magician.
But you want the show to not only keep the kids busy, you want the show to be a success! You want your child's party to be the talk-of-the-school!
Here are a few tips to help make your magic show a huge success:
Tip #1: How many guests should I invite?
There's no "magical" number of children to invite to a party. You'll want to invite enough guests to make it a party atmosphere - just 5 or 6 children might seem more like a get-together than a party. If you can handle it, invite at least 12. With 12 to 17 kids it can seem like a much more special event. It also depends on the length of a party. If you are having a slumber party, or other event that will last for more than a few hours, think about inviting only 5-7 guests. For older children (10 and up) you may also want to just invite their close friends. Magic shows can be catered to groups of all sizes. Also, adding more kids to a party doesn't make the magic show price go up.
Tip #2: Should I invite some other parents?
Absolutely! Grandparents and Aunts and Uncles can be a great help too. They'll be able to help you with any discipline problems that might arise, and can help with other tasks such as cutting the cake, pouring drinks, taking kids to the bathroom, etc. This will give you more time to enjoy yourself, and keep everything running in order. Plus it'll be more of a party atmosphere for you!
Tip #3: What should the adults do during the magic show?
At least one adult should watch the magic show with the children. Parents can help lead the kids in cheering and clapping, and act as a deterrent to any problems that may arise. It's great fun to watch the children’s reactions to the magic, plus you will be amazed at the magic tricks too! You won't want to miss it!
Tip #4: Choose an ideal time of day
Most parents choose to start the party between 1:00 and 3:00 on the weekends. A nice bonus of using this timeframe is you will not have to serve everyone lunch or dinner. 11:00 is also a very popular time if you don't mind handing out a few snacks around lunchtime.
Tip #5: Choose A Place With Less Distractions
Ideally, I will arrive 15 minutes before the magic show begins. Choose a place in your home that has less distractions. Inside is always a little better than outside, which tends to compete with birds, planes, and barking dogs. It is generally best not to have the magician with his/her back against the front door, as late-comers can take away from the performance. If you think that your adult guests will not watch the show, it is usually best to have the show in a different location from the talking adults. If the show is in a playroom, it is a great idea to hide or cover the toys before and during the show.
Tip #6: Allow The Magician To Set Up Privately
It is usually best to keep the kids in a separate room while the magician sets up. Magic is a secret and allowing the kids to view the set-up will only take away from the fun. Keep the show a mystery until the magician is ready to begin.
Tip #7: Avoid Food During The Show
Food is a major distraction and can take away from the show. Try to avoid placing a bowl of chips, popcorn, candy, and other foods in front of the kids during the show. If you can, save the food for after the show. Not only will it minimize the distractions, but you will have less to clean up in the long run.
If you do want to serve the kids food after the magic show, pizza works best. I've read that just about everyone likes cheese pizza (and you won't spend your time picking toppings off the pizza for the picky kids.) Most kids like hotdogs also, but it's not worth the risk of the mustard and ketchup spilling or squirting on your new flowered wallpaper. (You may want to have peanut butter and jelly on hand if you think there are going to be some really picky eaters among the bunch.) Sprite and Coke for the drinks - even if you are a health conscious parent, here's one day to ease up a bit and let the kids drink pop. Don't pour the drinks beforehand - delegate a fellow parent to pour the drinks as the kids are seated with their pizza. Be prepared for spills.
And one final thought on food. Buy spoons, not forks! Both ice cream and cake can be eaten with a spoon. And you just eliminated the chance of someone being stuck with a fork in the eye! I've seen this happen - and it may just be an innocent little brother guarding his cake. (Can you blame him?)
Tip #8: Sit The Kids In Auditorium Style (Rows)
It is best to sit the children on the floor, grass, or blanket. This allows them all to see better than chairs. Try to sit them in rows (birthday child in front), facing the magician. Remember that this is magic. This means that no one can be behind the magician, including the adults.
Tip #9: Avoid Placing Siblings That Are Too Young With The Birthday Child
So often, parents place a toddler with the birthday child in the front row. This not only takes away from the quality of the show, but it also minimizes the amount of fun that the birthday child will have. It is his or her special day, so don't make the birthday child babysit.
Tip #10: Avoid Flash Photography & Videography Of The Show
Be sure to take any flash pictures before and after the show. Flash photography is extremely distracting and it harms the magician's capability to maximize show success. Be sure to also check with your magician if you wish to video tape the show. Videography of the show may not be allowed, even if it is for personal use.
Tip #11: Avoid Noise Makers
Noise makers are great for New Years parties, but try to avoid having them for a birthday party. If you absolutely must, try to hold off giving them out until after the show.
Tip #12: Avoid cone-shaped party hats.
Save your money. The rubberband chin strap is easily snapped, and that's a bunch of sharp points wandering around the room.
Tip #13: Avoid trick candles on the cake.
It's no fun to make a wish and then not get it because your parents got trick candles! If you really want to use these, do it as a stunt with a cupcake later in the day. Some children resort to spitting out the candles as the only way to put the fire out - no one wants spit splattered over the cake! Think your child would never spit on the cake to get the candles out? Well sometimes it is one of their friends who does the honor!
Tip #14: Keep Pets In A Separate Room
Try to keep your pets in a separate room during the magic show, as they can be distracting.
Tip #15: Grab Bags & Party Favors
Make sure they are all the same. Take some time and make sure that if one person gets M&Ms, everyone gets M&Ms. Plan to spend $3-5 a child. If you include whistles and noisemakers, make sure the grab bags aren't handed out until the child is walking out the door!
Tip #16: Enjoy The Party
Remember...this is a party for your special child. If you are too stressed, your child won't enjoy it as much. Have fun and your kids will have fun as well!
How to Create the Perfect Birthday Party
To get you started planning your event, here are a few tips:
Tip #1
Tie a bouquet of balloons around your mailbox or front of your house. Let the birthday child select the colors for the balloons. Anything you can do to get your child involved in the birthday party planning is great for their self-esteem and self-confidence. Kids really want to help.
Tip #2
Protect your pets! Keep dogs, cats etc. separated from the party area.
Tip #3
If you have other small children at home, involve them in the birthday party planning. Siblings can feel left out when it’s not their birthday.
Ideas for siblings: Have an older child can be in charge taking pictures. Introduce the entertainer when it’s time for the show. Help prepare refreshments, invitations etc.
Tip #4
Keep the food easy to handle: hot dogs or the kids favorite, pizza! Apple juice is still the all time parents favorite.
Tip #5
Games are an important part of any childrens party. Here’s a clever idea: dress up all the kids with extra large clothing. The children stuff their cloths with balloons and then have a very funny, silly relay race. Great photo opportunity!
Tip #6
Play act or rehearse how you would like your child to answer the door, greet the guests and receive the presents. Discuss good manners and acceptable behavior for the party.
Tip #7
Hiring an entertainer for your child’s party can really make the party experience for your child a memorable one. A magician is an EXCELLENT choice!
Tip #8
When you schedule a performer, have all the children ready at the time you agreed on. Many professional entertainers may be doing more than one birthday party that day and need to stay on schedule. Make sure the children have nothing in their hands. Toys, noisemakers, and party gifts can be a big distraction. If your performer has done a great job and the children really loved him/her, then tipping is appropriate and appreciated.
Tip #9
It’s very important to send thank you notes or cards to all the guests. Here's a great idea: Have a picture taken with the birthday child and each friend. When you get the film developed, order double prints and include a snapshot of the birthday child and each guest with the thank you note. Let the birthday child help make the thank you notes/cards. Your child will learn from an early age the importance of thank you notes. The parents of all your guests will love them.
Tip #10
Presents - Have a large cardboard box handy to put presents in. The birthday child could decorate with bright colorful wrapping paper or simply color it. This helps keep gifts organized and adds a festive touch to the party. It also shows off your child’s creative skills!
Tip #11
Schedule the party: 1: Games 2: The "main event" ~ The Entertainer 3: Food 4: Gift Opening 5: Cake and Ice Cream
Gift opening is a personal decision. Some parents prefer to save gift opening until after all the guests have gone. If opening the gifts at the party, do it right before or right after the cake and ice cream. Saving the cake and ice cream for last will leave put off the inevitable “sugar high” to when it’s time for all the children to leave.
Tip #12
This is a day that your child will always cherish. Don’t forget to give him/her a big hug, thank them for being such a great helper with the party and tell them how much you love them. (Best kid party idea of them all!)
BONUS TIP:
Reward yourself for a job well done! Plan a free evening after the party. Buy a pre-cooked meal, a beverage of your choice and choose a good film to watch. When the party is over and the children are in bed, relax and enjoy the peace and quiet without having to think about cooking! You've just thrown a fantastic party – you deserve a relaxing evening!