If the idea of opening up your home to a gang of screeching, writhing, sticky little boys and ghouls makes you shudder, it should. Hosting a kids' Halloween party can be scary. Though it doesn't have to be a nightmare. Here's how to make it less gruesome.
1. Don't make it too fancy. Fancy is for adults who actually give a care.
2. Avoid spending a lot of money. Until our little bloodsuckers are out earning some coin, they're in for "frugal fun," and they're going to like it because we said so.
3. Focus on activities that don't require much concentration or general decorum. Peers + Party = LOUD ASS CHAOS
Two hours is plenty. Any longer and heads (yours) will explode.
Plan ONE easy activity—sugar cookie decorating is fairly simple. Pumpkin shaped cookies, orange icing, assorted candies, plastic tablecloth. Go!
Plan ONE good game—"Dress up" is lots of fun. Loud, chaotic, but highly entertaining fun. As a former teacher and self-professed Halloween hag, I have a tickle trunk full of old costumes. If you don't have any dress up gear, ask friends to loan you some or visit Value Village and the Dollar Store to pick up a few things on the cheap.
1. Pile costumes, wigs, masks, scarves, sunglasses, costume jewellery, etc. in the middle of the room.
2. Set a timer for 5 minutes and challenge kids to put together the spookiest, funniest, most unusual, etc. costume.
3. Kids model their costumes. Adults vote. Best three, or however many works for you, get a prize (candy or glow sticks).
4. Repeat 2-3x or until everyone has received a prize. (Ya, I know. "Everybody is a winner." Sigh...)
* Advise guests to come dressed in tank top/legging combo or anything that costumes can be easily layered over.
Variation to idea to above—ask guests to each bring whatever old costumes they still have from Halloweens past (label with your kids name if you want the costume back). Kids can try them on and mix and match to create a new-to-them costume to wear THIS year. Ta-dah! Frightening AND frugal!
Looking for more Halloweenie Links?
If you're up to it, host a Pumpkin Carving Party
Or scare up some frightening food for a spooky mood
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