Wharton Global

Over the years the face of children’s birthdays has changed dramatically. The days when the unwrapping of an eraser as the winner of pass the parcel are long gone, and with far more high tech children’s birthday parties, providers are cashing in.

With children’s entertainers charging prices in the hundreds of pounds, to provide circus skills, balloon modelling face painting isn’t it time to ask if its all gone too far. Children used to make stilts from old upturned cans or learn how to juggle with screwed up newspapers. As for face painting isn’t half the fun that children get to help face paint their friends as opposed to exquisite pieces of artwork that take so long the children start to fidget!

With regards to food there is no need to order high quality birthday cakes from the fine French patisserie, instead whip up a Victoria sponge with a bit of icing and some candles. Most of it will inevitably end up on the floor anyway.

There are so many quality party games that can be played and enjoyed thoroughly by all. Musical chairs, sleeping lions and with a bit of imagination pass the parcel, with a visit to the local pound shop, can still be a winner. Of course there is a whole catalogue of blindfold games that should not be missed. Piñata, pin the tale on the donkey to name a few. It’s always best to get some proper blindfolds rather than relying on a homemade effort.

It seems a shame that children’s parties have often become a competition between parents as to who can offer the best most original party. With a bit of imagination and looking back to see how parties used to be will save a fortune and the kids will still have a great time.