Kids' birthday invitation templates

Send them two to three weeks before the party. That gives parents time to check calendars and buy a present without the invitation being forgotten. For a party in the first weeks of a school year or near a holiday, three weeks is safer. Ask for replies about a week before the day.

Say it plainly with the times, for example “Drop-off party: please collect your child at 4 pm.” Add a phone number for the day. For younger children, or if you would like parents to stay, write “Parents are welcome to stay for coffee” so nobody has to ask what is expected.

It is up to you, but say so on the invitation either way. If space or budget is tight, a line such as “We’re keeping numbers small, so this invitation is for Ava only” is clear and polite. If siblings are welcome, ask parents to include them in their head count when they reply.

Many schools ask parents who hand out invitations at school to invite the whole class, or all the girls or all the boys, so nobody is left out in front of others. If you want a smaller party, invite families directly by message rather than at school. Check your school’s own rule first.