How to Host a Joint Kid's Birthday Party

Twice the fun, half the hassle - or is it? Here’s everything you need to know!

Birthday parties are magical, but let’s be honest - they can also be a bit of a mission. So what if you could double the fun and split the workload? Enter the joint birthday party. It’s becoming more popular than ever, especially for families with siblings close in age or friends with birthdays just days apart.

But is it really that simple? At Non Stop Kids Entertainment, we’ve been part of hundreds of joint parties, and we know what works and what can go a little sideways. Here’s everything you need to know to pull it off like a pro!

The Pros and Cons of a Joint Birthday Party

Benefits

• Cost-Effective: Share the cost of the venue, food, entertainment and decorations.

• Bigger Venue, Bigger Fun: With the budget doubled, you can splash out on a larger space or better entertainment.

• Less Hassle for Guests: Especially if the kids share the same group of friends, one party means fewer weekends booked up.

• Shared Workload: Planning, decorating and setting up is much easier with two families on the job.

Drawbacks

• Theme Conflicts: If one child loves princesses and the other loves dinosaurs, you might need to get creative.

• Gift Complications: We’ll get into this below, but splitting attention fairly can sometimes be tricky.

• Parenting Styles: Differences in expectations (like sugar intake or party games) can sometimes cause friction.

• Managing Jealousy: Especially with younger kids, ensuring each child feels special can be a challenge.

How to Plan a Joint Birthday Party

1. Choose the Right Venue

When hosting a joint party, space is key. Think about local venues which can accommodate your kid's party, taking into account the fact that you may require more space because of the two different guest lists. This includes venues such as:

• Local community centres

• Village halls

• Large back gardens

• Parks (perfect for summer birthdays)

2. Split the Costs Fairly

The golden rule? Be clear and upfront from the start.

• Agree on a budget.

• Divide costs equally, or split based on the number of guests each child invites.

• Keep a shared spreadsheet or WhatsApp group to track spending - transparency is key.

  
  

This avoids awkwardness and makes sure everyone feels it’s fair.

3. Manage the Invitations

It’s important to be clear on the invites - especially if the children are from different schools or social circles.

• Include both children’s names prominently on the invite.

• Mention it’s a joint party, so there’s no confusion.

• If they have different friend groups, make sure the guest list is balanced and fair.

  
  

Top Tip: Colour code the RSVPs - one colour for Child A, another for Child B. That way, you can easily track who’s coming for who.

4. Choose a Universal Theme (Or Two!)

Here’s where creativity kicks in. If both kids agree on a theme, great! If not, try:

• Split Themes: One side of the room is superheroes, the other is unicorns.

• Neutral Themes: Jungle safari, carnival, circus or classic magic show!

• Multi-themed Zones: Have separate cake tables or themed play areas to represent each child.

  
  

At Non Stop Kids Entertainment, we’re pros at blending party themes seamlessly. From superheroes to fairies, we can make sure each child’s favourite gets its time in the spotlight.

Food & Cake: How to Make it Work

You’ve got a few options:

• Two Cakes: Each child gets their own cake - no arguments, no jealousy.

• One Big Cake with Two Sides: Split the design down the middle - half dinosaur, half princess, for example.

• Cupcakes or Cake Pops: Easier to share and easy to theme for each birthday child.

  
  

For food, consider individual food boxes instead of big sharing platters. This is perfect for joint parties because:

• Each child gets the same items, avoiding any arguments over who got more.

• It’s much more hygienic, especially for outdoor parties.

• You can personalise each box with the child's name or theme colours.

  
  

Typical food box ideas:

• A sandwich or wrap

• A packet of crisps

• A piece of fruit

• A juice carton

• A small sweet treat

  
  

Plus, they’re so easy to hand out - no queuing, no mess, just grab and go!

How to Handle Gifts (Without Drama!)

Gifts can get tricky at a joint party - especially if there’s an age gap or different expectations. Here’s how to keep it smooth:

• Gift Tables: Have two separate tables for gifts, clearly labelled for each child.

• Staggered Gift Openings: If you plan to open presents at the party, do it separately, or take it home to avoid comparisons.

• Group Gifts: If parents suggest it, a group gift (like a bigger toy or experience) can work brilliantly - just make sure it’s agreed upon.

Avoiding Jealousy and Keeping the Peace

If there’s a big age gap or differing personalities, try these tips:

• Separate Spotlight Moments: Let each child have their own cake moment and Happy Birthday song.

• Games That Celebrate Both Kids: Non-competitive games that include everyone and give both birthday stars equal shine.

• One-on-One Time: Before the party starts, spend a few moments with each child to make sure they feel special.

Non Stop Kids Entertainment Makes Joint Parties Easy!

We know that joint parties can be twice the fun - but also twice the planning. That’s why at Non Stop Kids Entertainment, we bring:

• High-energy party hosts who keep everyone entertained

• Customised games and magic that suit all ages and themes

• Interactive storytelling and activities that make both birthday kids feel like stars

  
  

With us, you don’t have to worry about organising games, managing chaos, or keeping everyone happy - we do it all for you, so you can relax and enjoy the day!