1. Booty for winners  Keep prizes and goodie bags simple. It’s a good idea to give away some of the decorations, such as large paper flowers. Children will love to keep them as a souvenir of the fun they had and parents can put them up

children's party themesFive great ideas for children's party bags

. If you can, use stickers that tie in with the theme of your party.2. Have a cunning game plan Keep party games simple and avoid long instructions. A simple treasure hunt searching for chocolate coins or small plastic animals will be a hit. Don’t be too

1. Choose familiar and fun favourites A party based on simple, familiar motifs such as jungle or farm animals, combined with easy activities, games and singing, is ideal for the under-threes. Decorate your space with some colourful, oversized

party bag fillers at j£1.39 each.* For a simple free activity visit www.papercropcircles.com/masks and print off an alien masks for your guests to colour in.* For a fun alternative to table confetti, try the foam space beads from www.fun2make

of children’s hairdressers Tantrum, with facials and manicures. Everyone then tucks in to a late-night birthday feast before settling down in their sleeping bags for a movie.Best for: Ages 6+Cost: £4,500Contact: Tel: 020 7479 7319; www.hamleys.com Address: 188–196

some spare party bags in the direction of the parent whilst gently directing her and the child towards the door. Say firmly but cheerfully, “Pick-up time is 3pm. See you all then!” Then get away quickly, so the parents – and not you – are left to deal