Age 1-2:

Toddlers are too young to enjoy organized games. Just having enough toys around for everyone should keep them happy. Short and sweet is the key for this age group — the party shouldn't last more than 90 minutes — Stick to people your child is familiar with and schedule the party for a time when you know the toddler will be in a good mood. Eating a piece of birthday cake and playing with wrapping paper will be the extent of your toddlers party games. Be prepared for toddler tantrums, especially when struggles break out over the birthday gifts. Parents recommend opening presents at the very end of the party, handing out favors at the same time so everyone gets something at once. Be sure to stock up on film. Photos will be your child's only way to remember this landmark event.

Age 3-4:

Kids in this age group love theme parties. Choose one that reflects your child's current interests (super heroes, animals, fairy tales, etc.) and decorate the room and cake accordingly. Free playtime is still the best mode, although simple games are appropriate, too. Have enough game ideas ready so that if one bombs you can go on to the next. The usual rule of thumb for parties is to limit the number of guests to the birthday child's age plus two, e.g. four for a 2-year-old's party. For 3 and 4 year olds, the best time of day is usually mid-afternoon, when kids have napped and are in good moods. Avoid lunch-time parties at all costs; kids will be tired and hungry, but too excited to eat and rampant crankiness will be the result. Plan simple games and activities that they can do side-by-side. A half hour of play followed by cake and gift opening is all kids want at this stage. Getting a "goody bag" is a party highlight for the age group. Make sure that all gifts are identical and that items are safe. Children this age are quite possessive, so make sure that favors can be kept close at hand. Personalized favors go over well. A birthday cake is essential—guests won't notice anything else.

Age 5-6:

Starting at this age, parties need more structure. Themes are still popular. Games are increasingly the favorite activity, but simple arts and crafts projects are also a good alternative. Again, have more options than you'll have time for — some activities will be more popular than others and kids this age have extremely short attention spans. Avoid competitive games if possible and have prizes for losers as well as winners. This is also the age where professional clowns or magicians go over big. Although it is still a good idea to limit the number of guests, a group of eight kids is manageable at this stage. Children may have more fun without their parents along, but be sure to enlist at least one adult helper. If most of the children are in school or kindergarten, schedule the event for the weekend. Five and Six year olds love mastering the rules of games. Try to keep the competitive games to a minimum, and be prepared to break up squabbles and console "losers." Entertainers like clowns are also popular at this age. When planning refreshments remember that at this age the cake and ice cream will be appreciated most. If you offer a meal, keep it simple, such as peanut butter and jelly or pizza.

Age 7-10:

Your child will want to invite her whole school class, so make sure you are firm about limiting the Guest List. Because children this age love games, make sure there are enough players. Your child will consider planning activities a major part of the fun. School-age children love theme parties. A party favor linked to a theme will be a big hit. School-age kids are less fussy about food, so if you plan a meal it can be a little more varied. Try a hot dog roast or create your own pizza or ice cream sundae as it will also be an activity.