8 Essential Kid Party Planning and Game Books

Let’s Get This Party Started: DIY Celebrations for You and Your Kids to Create Together, by Soleil Moon Frye and Meeno Peluce
Inexpensive and inventive parties are covered from cover to cover in this fresh, fun book, and families who love to entertain will get a lot of mileage from this pick. Crafts, games, and recipes are included for more than a dozen party themes; from luau to 80’s; from camp to Halloween. Perfect for all ages and suitable for boys and girls looking to host some friends for some fun.

Cool Party, Mom!, by Marnie Ann Pacino
If you want nothing more than to hear your kid utter these three magic words—cool party, mom (or dad)!—look no further than this book, which was written by parents with real party-people experience. This is no mere guide to ordering pizza and playing pin the tail on the donkey; this book includes the kinds of next-level activities kids go home bragging about. Namely, neighborhood scavenger hunt ideas, an armpit fudge recipe, mad scientist experiments, and space lab directions. Easy to follow, budget friendly, and there’s nary a glue stick in sight.

Planning Perfect Parties: The Girls’ Guide to Fun, Fresh, Unforgettable Events, by Jen Jones
If your daughter is looking to host a party, this book dishes up dozens of ideas on how to plan, implement, and host the perfect bash. With adorable themes such as spa pampering or a quaint tea party, each section addresses party details from start to finish. Decorations, menu, budget, etiquette, and activities are all covered. This makes it perfect for an older child who wants to take the party planning tasks into her own hands, and to learn how to be a gracious and welcoming hostess in the process.

Great Group Games for Kids, by Susan Ragsdale
Unsure what to do with a group of kids gathered at your house come party day? Look no further than this book. Geared towards elementary school children, there are more than 100 ideas on activities, games, and involved discussions. With meaningful attributes behind each activity, the games are designed to get kids thinking and cooperating with one another. Each game is no frills—meaning no need to set up props or gather supplies—which is perfect when gathering kids together for school, church, or community group parties.

Rock Your Party, by Laura Torres
If craft-based parties are more your thing, this book will have you covered—in glue and paper, that is. Learn how to make your own invitations, craft party decorations for the big day, and put together a festive piñata. Create your own games and design your very own birthday party hats. And don’t forget the handmade favors and fingerprint thank you cards! From start to finish, you will have a craft-tastic celebration!

Happy Birthday Mad Libs, by Roger Price and Leonard Stern
Invite verbs, adjectives, nouns, and endless giggles to your next party. Your kid will hardly notice you are sneaking in a little educational fun when you pull out Mad Libs, which are universally entertaining, hilarious, and very memorable. (You may have fond memories of playing them when you were a kid!) With dozens of versions suitable for every occasion, including Sleepover Party Mad Libs and Dance Mania Mad Libs, there is a Mad Libs just right for every type of party. Suitable for all ages and truly fun for the entire family.

Choices in a Jar, by Spirit Publishing
To get the conversations flowing, pick up this party favorite. With serious and silly questions alike, kids will delight in talking about everything, from walking on stilts, to roller skating forever, to not sleeping for two days straight. Thought-provoking and good for all ages, this is the perfect party accessory for down time or when everyone is sitting around a table. And it’s equally good as late night conversation-starters for sleepovers!

Party in a Cup: Easy Party Treats Kids Can Cook in Silicone Cups, by Julia Myall
Kids and treats go hand in hand when you mention the word party. Why not make your party all about baking those treats up? With six silicone cups and more than two dozen recipe ideas, you can gather a small group of kids for your next celebration and watch them whip up their own desserts for a change! Perfect for one of the four party themes within the included book—slumber party, spa party, summer party, and tea party. Also available in a Christmas version for a holiday party.