Pick the Theme
Before getting into any actual party planning—think invitations, schedules and menu options—the first step towards hosting a successful kindergarten graduation party is picking the theme.
About a month or so in advance, take some time to sit down with your soon-to-be first grader to hash out what the celebratory theme should be. Not only does completing this task ahead of time leave wiggle room for unexpected changes to the event, it also encourages valuable bonding time between the two of you.
Most families stick with a school-inspired look—think color schemes based on the primary hues found in a crayon box, alphabet decor on the wall and chalkboard labels near the snacks. Others aim to incorporate their tiny grad’s personal interests, such as favorite books and cartoon characters.
If you really want to go all out for your child’s big day, get creative. For instance, a garden-based theme, complete with real or faux flowers and a hint of sunshine-inspired decor, represents how much they’ve grown both physically and personally. A nautical theme with similar undertones—setting sail for the journey ahead—is a fun touch to a pool party.
Send Out the Invites
Once the theme is set, it’s time to focus on who’s attending and how to invite them.
If your child’s school isn’t hosting a formal event and you have the room to host a large crowd, consider inviting the entire class to the party. Enlist the help of parents in the neighborhood with kids in your little one’s class, then encourage siblings and friends to create whimsical invitations that have plenty of personal flair. Think ones in school colors with a drawing of the mascot on the front cover, or others with on-theme doodles, stickers, sequins and other craft accessories.
For families more interested in hosting a quiet gathering with just a few close friends, send out invitations that reflect the nature of the party. For instance, invites that feature two photos—one from the beginning of the year and another from the end of the year—add a sentimental touch. You can also let your child use their newly-minted writing skills to jot a short and sweet note on each.
Fully integrated into the 21st century? Send out electronic invites via email or a social media group you created specifically for the party. You can also forego invitations completely, relying on text message or in-person conversation instead. Pro tip: for any in-person invites, it's always a good idea to send a follow-up text or email with the party details included.
Any way you decide to go, don’t forget to include basic information when letting people know about the event. Date, time, contact information and number of guests attending help create an efficient party planning process.
Host Your Own Ceremony
Want to make this occasion even more memorable? Host an informal commencement ceremony in the backyard.
Start preparing the day before by setting up a seating arrangement that’s comfortable for both the audience and graduates. Think weather-resistant mesh lounge chairs on one side of the deck and stackable kids chairs on the other. Then, place an indoor/outdoor rug between the two sections—creating a subtle barrier that also helps guide the children to their seats. If a larger group is participating, consider moving the ceremony into the grass instead. Either way, a collection of umbrella canopies provides protection against the sun’s rays or a light rain.
If the weather isn’t cooperating at all, move the celebration inside. Create the same setup in a finished basement or large sunroom, replacing the lounge chairs with cushioned dining chairs.
When that task is complete, consider taking some time to create handmade mortarboards for each child. Use cardstock with yarn, or sturdy construction paper with ribbon to create a cap that resembles the real thing. Stick with similar colors for a unified look, or mix and match designs to set a whimsical scene.
Then, it’s time to plan out graduate introductions. Some specific ideas to take into consideration: how each child is going to enter the event, how they’ll know where to sit, the process for receiving diplomas and where to go after. No matter what you decide to do, give each kid their moment to shine. Let them speak to a favorite moment from the school year, what they’ve learned and what they’re looking forward to next year. For quieter kids who want to avoid the spotlight, encourage them to give you these details beforehand, so you can read them off as they grab their diploma—still giving Mom and Dad an ideal photo opportunity.
Create a Menu
What’s a party without food? Once the ceremony is over, treat everyone to a spread of delicious homemade goodies.
Start by taking a humorous touch when labeling the snacks. Consider nicknaming sandwich cookies “smart cookies,” making gummy worms “bookworms” and turning jelly beans into “counting beans.” Not only will this put a smile on guests’ faces, it also serves as a lighthearted reminder of the fun they had in kindergarten.
Looking for options that are easy for small hands to grab? Consider miniature versions of their favorite treats. Peanut butter and jelly finger sandwiches, mini pancakes on a toothpick skewer and frozen banana slices covered in chocolate are just a few options. Don’t forget to set out a few nutritious options as well. Think apple slices, grapes and homemade granola bars.
Be sure to include a drink station, too. For the kids, fill an ice bucket with juice boxes, milk cartons, water bottles and other refreshing beverages. If Mom and Dad are looking for something to drink as well, keep them satisfied with infused water from a nearby pitcher or drink dispenser.
Play Games and Activities
After sitting through their ceremony and enjoying tasty treats, the little ones are going to have a lot of energy to burn off.
Help keep them active by starting a group dance party. Play popular songs that encourage moving, such as a favorite song from an oft-watched movie or YouTube video, or let them freestyle to kid-friendly tunes. Another option for kids on the calmer side is to set out board and card games, too.
If the weather is holding up, take outdoor activities into consideration as well. Water sponge fights leave everyone less drenched than a traditional balloon fight (just cut sponges into strips, then tie the strips together before dipping in water and tossing). Another option: a pool party. Place a variety of floating toys, diving sticks and water-safe sports balls into the pool—leaving a sandbox near the edge of little ones who would rather stay dry.
Give Gifts and Goodie Bags
What do kids love more than parties and treats? Presents, of course.
Treat each grad to a photo album containing memories of the school year. Before wrapping, have each attendee sign, or take a more practical approach by providing brand new school supplies. Another option: a t-shirt with their classmates’ handprints featured throughout. Have each child sign their print for a sweet final touch, then present it as a gift to the recent grad.
Show how much you appreciate everyone participating in the event by giving away goodie bags at the door. Encourage the kids to keep their minds sharp over the summer break with useful accessories such as bookmarks, activity books and coloring books. Or, take a different approach by filling a sand bucket with chalk, bubbles, sunglasses, a simple snack and shovels for a day at the beach.
While it certainly isn’t your little one’s last academic milestone, it definitely is an important one. Do you have a kindergartener who just graduated? Show us what their celebration looked like using the hashtag #CrateKidsStyle.