Celebrating birthdays is a worldwide tradition, and this month, Baton Rouge Parents Magazine celebrates 29 years. In honor of the magazine’s birthday month, we are sharing our birthday party tips and tricks, so you can plan a party for your child, quickly and easily.

Start with a Theme
The first thing on your agenda should be to decide on a theme. Some of our favorite girl themes include Unicorns, The Circus, American Doll, Tea Party, and even a Spa Day theme.

We also love How to Train Your Dragon, Superheroes, Dinosaurs, Hot Wheels, and Legos for boys, but of course, all of these themes are interchangeable.

Set a Budget
After you and your child have chosen a theme, it’s best to set a budget. This will help you decide key factors such as: Do you want an at home party or one at an all-in-one venue? Also, if you feel the need to splurge for the party, you can! Just make sure you have the room in your budget to do so.

Here are a few of our favorite splurges from our children’s past birthdays:
A bounce house/water slide; superheroes or princesses; petting zoo; face painter; and there are several rental machines that can add a fun flair to any party such as cotton candy machines, popcorn, and for adults, a daiquiri machine are all good ideas to consider. 

Choose a Venue
If you decide to do a party at home, you can always make a quick trip to the Dollar Store or Target to stock up on party essentials. Another valuable resource for decorations and props is Oriental Express, and they’re available online. orientalexpress.com 

To be honest, though, our favorite birthday parties have always been at all-in-one venues. What’s not to love, right? We really appreciate that most places that specialize in kids’ parties also provide a personal party planner or hostess. Even if that’s not an option, you can always delegate to a close friend or relative to help out.

We suggest researching local venues such as Lil Bambinos; Jump-n-Jive; DEFY; BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo; Barn Hill Preserve; Blue Bayou Waterpark; USS Kidd Veterans Museum; Knock Knock Children’s Museum; Malco Theatres; Build-a-Bear Workshop; and local parks, including BREC’s Highland Road Park and Jambalaya Park.

Several of these provide food, drinks, and entertainment for your little ones, all at affordable prices with little stress for the parents. No matter which way you decide to go, at home or at a venue, you may be pleasantly surprised at your choices.

Get a Cake
There’s one important item that’s most likely not included in all-in-one packages (or that you would rather customize), and that is the cake.

In our opinion, this is the most fun to create. Do your research and read reviews online to find the best bakery or chef for your party’s needs.

Stick to your theme, make sure there’s an ample amount for all your guests, and don’t be afraid to try new flavors. Most bakeries will let you sample their wares just like wedding cake shopping.

We have personally ordered cakes from several local bakeries, including Rouses Markets, The Ambrosia Bakery & Deli, Cake That, Sweet Elizabeth Cakes, and Baum’s Fine Pastries & Chocolates. All you need to do is set an appointment, and bring them your idea, no matter how big or small. Just a few minutes is all it takes to create the crowning detail of your little one’s party.

Celebrate
At the end of the day, all that really matters is that your little one and his or her friends enjoy the party and that mom and dad keep their sanity.

Here are a few other famous July birthdays we thought you might want to celebrate:
July 6, 1907: Frida Kahlo
July 11, 1889: E.B. White
July 12, 1817: Henry David Thoreau
July 18, 1918: Nelson Mandela
July 21, 1899: Ernest Hemingway
July 24, 1897: Amelia Earhart