best buys
The best kids' party game essentials from under £3!
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You've decided on a theme, sent out the invitations, and planned the food - now it's time to think about how to keep your child's party guests entertained for several hours!
If you've got cash to splash, hiring a party entertainer is an option, but if you have a smaller budget, why not dive in and organise the games yourself?
It's often very fun and rewarding, but organisation is key, so it's worth planning out a rough schedule so you won't have any 'what to do next' panics!
To make things easier, why not invest in a few party kits and ready-made games?
See our round-up of great ideas for party themes here.
Here are a few of our favourites to get the party started:
1. Face Paint Mini-Themed Pack
*Contains 160 different items from face paint to makeup crayons to accessories
*Paint is suitable for sensitive skin and washes out easily
*Ideal for amateur face painters, these themed packs have step-by-step instructions and there's enough paint to do 100 faces
If you're a little uncertain about your artistic talents, the set even comes with extra accessories such as glitter and stickers, so the kids can really get into character!
2. Unicorn Pinata
*Fill it yourself with sweets, confetti and more
*Measures 47 x 43 x 13 cm
*Comes with a hook for hanging up – just make sure it's well away from anything brakeable
Fill this magical unicorn with treats and then let the party guests take turns pulling the strings to see which one releases all the goodies!
It's such a fun party game that kids will love. It can be played indoors or out, but make sure any valuables are far away so they don't get whacked by accident!
3. Pin The Tail On The Donkey Game
*Contains 15.5"x19.5" game sheet with 16 self-adhesive tails
*Also comes with a blindfold and instructions
*Great for friendly competition and giving out prizes at children's parties
This classic game has stood the test of time for a reason. From summer fetes to rainy days in, it's a fun game which is brilliant for children's parties.
This ready-made version of the classic game comes with 16 self stick-on fringed tails so party guests can all take a turn to guess the right position, as well as a blindfold.
4. Winners' Medals
*Great for giving to winners of games and competitions
*Made out of plastic and ribbon with easy open fastening
*Package includes 24 reusable medals, so there's plenty even for bigger parties
Hand these medals out to the winners of any games - a great alternative to doling out endless sweets. These lightweight medals can be reused for both adult and children's parties, festivals, competitions and sports days. They're easy to pop on and off, and have an easily opened clip fastening for added safety.
5. Party Bubbles
*Pack of 10 party bubbles in blue, green, yellow orange and pink colours (two of each)
*Kids will have so much fun blowing bubbles with them
*Can be popped in party bags for when guests leave
Everybody loves blowing bubbles (adults included!) so this is a great way to keep guests happy while the entertainer (that means you!) is having a breather! Little ones will have a great time blowing bubbles and watching them pop.
They're perfect for popping in party bags, too! Kids will particularly love the star detailing at the top of each bottle.
6. Pirate Treasure Hunt Party Game
*Pirate treasure hunt party game suitable for any number of children in a group, aged three and over
*Includes a 3D treasure chest and pirate footprints as well as rhyming cards and a map
*Perfect for playing indoors on rainy days, or outdoors when it's sunny
Contains rhyming clue cards, pirate scenes, a map and a 3D treasure chest. Ideal for themed parties, but can be used at any children's event.
It's suitable for any number of children and can be adapted to work for children between the ages of three and 10.
7. Inflatable Limbo Game
*Inflatable limbo which is safe and easy for kids to use
*Hawaiian-themed, so great for taking to the beach in summer but can also be played inside
*Set includes two poles (1.77m each) and one limbo stick (1.82m)
Easy to set up, and super-safe to use, this fun limbo game will keep kids amused for hours. Great for playing over and over again, and it's fun to bring out at grown-up parties, too – although adults may have to be a bit more careful not to injure their backs...
Just set the bar, and move it down each time. How low can YOU go??
8. Photo Booth Props
*58 piece set of photo booth props, so there's endless fun to be had
*Perfect for kids who love taking selfies with their friends, or you could set up your own photo booth
*Everything from silly hats to lips and bows
Create your own comedy photo booth with these props, perfect for your little ones to do some hilarious selfies!
Each of the 58 props comes on a bamboo stick that can be easily held up, and kids can choose from a huge variety of glasses, moustaches, lips, hats, a pipe, a tie and more.
Read on:
- Inspiring themes for your child's party
- How to plan your child's first birthday party
- How to bulk buy birthday presents for your child's friends
