Doing Something Different For Your Child’s Birthday

Let’s be honest, many ideas that get thrown about for a child’s birthday party has already been done before, maybe even by your own children. Fancy dress, football parties, and even just plain old fun and games are always good options, but many children may tire of doing the same things every year. For something unique that doesn’t involve an everyday activity, why not create personalised t-shirts as part of the party? This is a great way to keep children occupied as well as leaving them with a unique souvenir to take away at the end of the day.

It’s a relatively straightforward procedure, and once you’ve thought a few things through and made sure your budget is big enough to do it, there are a number of options to consider.

T-Shirt Printing

This is a great choice for anyone opting to take the party out for the day, as these garments are particularly easy to spot at a distance providing they are designed correctly. Ensuring that you are able to cast your eye over the group will stop them getting into trouble or, more importantly, wandering off. However, as you may expect, getting these t-shirts professionally printed is a more expensive option than making your own.

If you’re planning to use printed t-shirts, then it’s probably a good idea to dish them out at the beginning of the day. Also, it’s important to make sure that the guest’s clothing is kept safe, so one way to ensure this happens is to make sure there’s an area that is designated as a storage place. If the group is particularly young, then creating labels from post-it notes is a great way to make sure everyone knows which t-shirts belong to who.

Marker Pens

By far the most unique and fun way to utilise these garments at a party, however, is to allow the children to create their own personalised t-shirts. Plain t-shirts are very easy to find and can usually be bought in bulk at a reduced rate. Fabric markers are probably the best tool to use to decorate them if pens are your choice, and these should be easy enough to pick up in most craft stores. In the unlikely case that you can’t find any fabric markers, permanent marker pens still do a decent job and are cheaper.

The highlight of the party should be allowing the children to create and personalise their own t-shirts. It’s an activity that 99% of children probably won’t have experienced before, so the party should be one they remember. Setting up a big table with plenty of colourful pens should allow the guests to be creative and decorate their t-shirts as they wish.

Paints

Fabric paints are perhaps the best (and, coincidentally, messiest) option for when it comes to personalising t-shirts. These allow a lot more colour to be added to the t-shirts, and the use of stencils will allow every single child to create a t-shirt they can be proud of, even if they do lack the creativity of others.

Also, where better to allow the creative juices flow than in the garden? Providing it is a nice day, this is the perfect outdoor activity. Not only do the children get exposed to fresh air, but the chance of your home getting ruined and covered in paint is almost eliminated. However if you do decide to paint inside, it goes without saying that covering the floor and various other objects with newspaper would be wise.

Whilst we’re on the topic of protecting the home, having soap and water ready for when the children are finished, as the mere notion of having paint-covered little ones walking through the home is enough to give plenty of parents nightmares! Also, it would be wise to let the parents of the guests know your plans for the party well in advance, so they have time to find them some old clothes to wear or, even better, send them with an apron.

Jack Oldham is a journalism graduate blogging on behalf of Banana Moon Clothing, who specialise in printed t-shirts, leavers hoodies and other items of personalised clothing.