When should you send out a children's party invitation? The perfect timing (and what you should avoid)...
When is the best time for my child to hand out birthday party invitations?
Your child's birthday is coming up. Balloons, streamers, cake, and... of course, a party! But before all that, something important needs to happen: handing out the children's party invitations. And you might be wondering: when is the right time for that?
In this blog, I'll provide you with handy tips on timing, discreetly handing out invitations, and everything else you need to consider when sending out party invitations. Plus: I'll tell you why you, as a parent, don't have to worry about a thing, because I (Mrs. Emmer) have already taken care of it.
When is the best time to send out party invitations?
The ideal time to send out children's party invitations is two to three weeks in advance. That might sound just right, and it is. Why?
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Parents then have enough time to respond, plan, or arrange childcare.
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Your child still has enough days to look forward to it without becoming impatient.
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You yourself still have enough time to further plan the party based on the number of children attending.
If you send out the party invitations too late, there's a good chance some children will already have other plans. If you send them out too early, parents might lose the card or forget to respond. Two to three weeks beforehand is therefore the golden moment.
Should you take holidays and public holidays into account?
Yes! And that's an important one. It might seem convenient to quickly send out party invitations just before the summer holidays, but that often backfires.
Don't send out children's party invitations just before a holiday
For most parents, the run-up to a holiday is busy enough. If you then quickly send along a children's party invitation, it will likely disappear somewhere between swimsuits or books.
Send the invitation a little earlier if the party falls during the holidays
Is the party planned during the holidays? Then send the invitations three to four weeks in advance. This gives everyone a chance to plan it before the suitcases are packed.
Can you hand out the children's party invitation at school?
Officially: yes. But practically and socially speaking: preferably not.
If your child hands out a children's party invitation at school, there's a good chance that other children will see they haven't been invited. And that can be painful, especially for younger children who don't yet fully understand.
Better alternative: invitations in the mailbox
That's why I recommend: put the party invitations in an envelope and deliver them at home. Much nicer and more personal. It really feels like a special card that way. And let's be honest... how great is it to receive mail with your own name on it?! My collection of 'invitations' in the webshop includes envelopes with the cards as standard!
View all children's party invitations here
Your child can deliver the cards themselves. That makes it extra festive and creates a fun pre-party moment together.
What should you actually put on a party invitation?
No stress—you, as a parent, don't have to think about this. All children's party invitations in my webshop have handy fill-in fields on the back. Super clear, and you won't forget anything.
What you can fill in:
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The name of the birthday child
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The date of the party
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Time: when does it start and end?
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Address or meeting point
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Space for 'Good to know...'
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Contact details for parents
No scribbles, no messy notes. Just a clear, cheerful children's party invitation.
Extra tip: make the birthday party tangible beforehand
A fun invitation for the children's party of the year does more than just inform. It sets the tone for what's to come. Children are visual – a card with a nice illustration immediately creates enthusiasm.
Let the invitation match the theme of the party. Are you having a scavenger hunt party? Then choose an adventurous card. Is it about baking cupcakes? Then a sweet card with illustrations is extra fun.
At Mrs. Emmer, you'll find original cards with cheerful illustrations that appeal to children. Each one designed with love and a touch of humor. And always including an envelope!
Summary: how to plan it perfectly
✔️ Send out the children's party invitation 2 to 3 weeks in advance
✔️ Avoid schoolyards - use the mailbox
✔️ Take holidays and public holidays into account
✔️ Use invitations with fill-in fields, it saves hassle
✔️ Choose a card that suits your child and the party
✔️ Involve your child in delivering the invitations
Start the anticipation with a cheerful party invitation!
Do you want to make sure you don't forget anything, that the invitation is clear, and that your child can give something special? Then choose a beautiful card from my collection.
👉 View all children's party invitations here
Believe me: a good children's party invitation is the beginning of a great day!
