How to throw the best kidsโ party
Astrologer Patsy Bennett, author of Sun Sign Secrets (Rockpool Publishing $34.99), provides a guide to the perfect party for little ones based on their stars.ย
By Patsy Bennett
Aries
High-energy Aries will appreciate outdoors activities such as running around in childrenโs playgrounds or a beach party. Being competitive, theyโll enjoy races such as sprints, and hitting piรฑatas. And, if weather is an issue, consider booking a party at an indoor playground with plenty of diverse activities on offer to keep these active toddlers busy.
Ideal themes:
Outdoor activities such as a beach or pool party, indoor bouncy castles and soft landings for active Aries.
Taurus
Activities that engage the senses will appeal to your earthy Taurean. A nature-themed party and keeping hands busy with sand castles or making art will appeal. A treasure hunt or ramble in nature will entertain them and, for the younger Taureans, a large playground with plenty of room to enjoy nature will suit.
Ideal themes:
Treasure island/pirate themes; nature trails, playing with clay or sand, music and dance.
Gemini
Indulge your little Twinโs mischievous side. Games that involve their quick wit, such as pin the tail on the donkey and musical charts will appeal, but most of all a sense of fun and light-heartedness will suit. Games that encourage interactions will be a hit too, such as two-legged races. Consider hiring a fun entertainer or face painter if itโs in your budget.
Ideal themes:
Interactive party games in pairs, and entertainment such as a juggler or magician and circus themes.
Cancer
Cancerians love a good story so toddlers will enjoy a trip to the movies with their friends or a visit with a storyteller. Base themes around your childโs favourite book or movie to bring the main characters alive. Dress ups with fairy or angel themes, magical and fictional characters will be popular.
Ideal themes:
A storybook character dress-up; a visit from a childrenโs favourite book author or fictional
(dress-up) character.
Leo
Little Leos love to shine, so theyโll love sparkly, flamboyant themes. They love drama too, so the chance to act or sing via karaoke for example will appeal, as would a visit to a live theatre play or a circus with their friends. A dress-up party with a celebrity angle will appeal, with their favourite movie or TV characters a theme in the cake, decorations and outfits.
Ideal themes:
Performance, theatre and acting, with a favourite movie or TV character as a theme. A sing-along for musical toddlers.
Virgo
Virgos like everything to be just right, and so themed party food and presentation will hold the key to a happy party. Invest in some special trimmings with your childโs input as to the colour theme, for example. Sporty and earthy Virgos love the outdoors and meticulous little Virgos will prefer a perfect table setting with all the trimmings as the base of operations.
Ideal themes:
The outdoors and nature: games and races in the garden or playground and, for choosy Virgos, a beautiful table and well-timed activities.
Libra
Little Librans love luxury: large bows, ribbons and balloons all spell party time! Tie party themes to a centrepiece cake, gift bags and party rewards. A โbest dressedโ theme, such as a flower or hat theme, and dress-ups to match characters Librans love to love will remind them theyโre admired too. Consider the idea of a photographer at the party to offer portraits to the guests.
Ideal themes:
Luxury, โbest-dressedโ, lush colours or materials, characters they admire, photography, music.
Scorpio
Scorpios enjoy a little theatre and drama, passion and fun, so theyโll love to marvel at lifeโs wonders and to experience something special. A visit to a wildlife park, a mini golf course or an upbeat theatre play, dramatic games such as โcops and robbersโ will also appeal to their sense of play and competitiveness.
Ideal themes:
Role-playing or dramatic themes, such as magic or wildlife themes; a visit to a theatre, bowling alley or zoo visit with friends.
Sagittarius
An outdoor theme is a must, even if the weather spells indoors. Animal themes, such as โthe outbackโ or โowls and pussycatsโ will appeal. Ask guests to come prepared for walking and dancing. Competitive activities such as egg and spoon races, sack races and musical chairs will engage little Sagittarians and their friends in friendly games.
Ideal themes:
Wildlife, animals, outdoors, picnics, competitive games.
Capricorn
An earthy atmosphere will appeal, such as a marquee in the garden or flower decorations. Glitz and glamour are a must on the day too, so add shiny balloons or a sparkly table setting. Traditional games like pass-the-parcel with a luxurious feel in the layers will add to the special occasion. Capricorn children like to be rewarded so add prizes for the activities.
Ideal themes:
A traditional event with family; an earthy theme; an ideal dream, glitz and glamour.
Aquarius
Bright-spark Aquarians adore funky outfits and fun activities. Add another dimension by asking parents to dress up too; or hire a professional fairy or clown. Go carts and music, dancing and fun-fair themes will appeal. Go with the flow with little Aquarians; let the decorations, fuss and music take them where it will on the day!
Ideal themes:
Funky outfits, fun-fair themes such as bumper cars/go-carts, slides, swing sets, clowns and music and delights will all appeal.
Pisces
Pisces love sea-based and fantasy themes such as โMermaidsโ and โSea creaturesโ and fantastical characters like pixies and wizards. A party by the beach or a river would be ideal. Little Pisces love dreamy surroundings, so blue and green decorations and mystical lighting will appeal, plus light-hearted activities such as bobbing for apples.
Ideal themes:
Sea and water-based activities, such as a picnic on the beach, a paddling pool or boating on a lake, imaginative role-playing games and arts and crafts.