Kids love birthday parties and as parents we want to give them ‘the best birthday ever’, but with the busy lives we lead, sometimes we need a little help! The Gloucestershire Oracle features Gloucestershire-based party businesses that can help ease the stress!

The first thing to decide is whether you want to hire an entertainer for your party. There are some enthusiastic party entertainers, right here in Gloucestershire, who will happily stand in front of a crowd of over-excited children and work miracles, leaving the kids spell bound and their parents happy!

Many party entertainers are booked up months in advance, so it is advisable to book your entertainer before deciding the exact date or venue of your party. If you are having a party around Christmas time, you may need to book as much as a year ahead. Your entertainer may require a deposit to secure the date.

Next decide where you are going to hold the party, it may be advisable to consult with your party entertainer on this and if you need more space than you have at home, then you might find our venue hire guide useful.

Toddlers and primary school children love clowns, magicians and puppets, as well as dance and musical games. Children of all ages enjoy discos and many DJs will organise games and competitions along with the music. Girls love glamour parties and there are a range of different packages available according to the age of the guests. The professionals will give princess glittery makeovers to the youngest party goers using magical face paints and dressing up, whilst older girls and teens can receive facials, make-up coaching, nail painting and even a foot spa is an option! Another popular party is the craft party, with a range of crafts available to suit all ages including painting, pottery, jewellery and teddy bear making.

Perhaps you want a party which is a little less structured, but you need something to occupy your guests. Have you considered hiring a bouncy castle, ball pond, inflatable slide or even some giant games for the garden? Some are suitable for putting indoors if it rains.

Another popular party option is to book an organised party at a purpose made venue. The guests meet at the venue where they are entertained, or take part in an activity, followed by birthday food. Afterwards you go home to a nice tidy house! These organised parties are usually charged for by the head and often a minimum number of guests will be required. Party food may be included in the price or be an added option, or you may be required to take your own food.

The organised parties that pre-school children might enjoy are soft play areas with ball ponds and slides, or animal encounters. Junior school aged children love bowling or sporting parties and are ideal for both boys and girls. Teenage boys in particular enjoy paintball, laser tag, go-karting or high ropes parties. Cheerleading and pop star parties are popular with the girls!

After you have decided on the type of party and venue, don’t forget to get the invitations, balloons and other decorations, tablecloths, paper plates and cups, which are available in so many different themes, to fit whatever type of party you are planning!

The birthday cake is always an important part of a child’s birthday party and we have some cake makers in our directory that can make a special cake for the birthday boy or girl to remember long after their party!

Oh, and last but not least, don’t forget the birthday goody bags!

Parties are arranged by category or you can ‘browse all’ to get some inspiration!

Check out our Party Idea of the Week!

When contacting a business, please tell them that you found them on The Gloucestershire Oracle.

If you are a party entertainer or supply party goods or services in Gloucestershire, you are invited to add your business to our directory.