A kids’ birthday invitation is really written for the parents: as well as the child’s name and the date, it has to say when the party ends, exactly where it is and whether parents should stay. So the examples below pair a fun opening for the child with clear details for the adults, after a list of what the invitation has to include.
What should a kids’ birthday invitation include?
| Detail | Why parents need it | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Name and age | The child knows whose party it is, the parent can pick a gift | “Lana is turning 6” |
| Date, start and end | Parents plan the pick-up | “Saturday, May 15, 4–6 pm” |
| Exact address | Play centres can be hard to find | Name, street, entrance, parking |
| Reply deadline | Venues often ask for numbers | “Please reply by May 8” |
| Do parents stay? | The question you will get most | “Drop-off is fine” or “Parents stay” |
| Clothes and shoes | Socks for soft play, an old T-shirt | “Please bring grip socks” |
| Your mobile number | For anything urgent on the day | “Anna (mum): 07xxx xxxxxx” |
You can ask about allergies in the invitation or in the reply: “Let us know if there is anything your child can’t eat.” That way you know in time what to put on the table.
Wording for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 2–6)
[Name] is turning [number] and wants to celebrate with you! [Saturday, date], from [time] to [time] [Venue, address] Mums and dads are welcome, and there will be coffee. Please reply by [date].
Hi, I’m [Name]! Soon I’ll be [number] and I’ll have a big cake, but I can’t eat it all by myself. Come and help on [Saturday, date], from [time] to [time], at [venue, address]. My mum is on [number]. Please reply by [date].
Jumping, slides and cake: [Name]’s [number]th birthday! [Saturday, date], from [time] to [time] [Play centre, address] Please bring socks. Drop-off is fine, just collect them by [time]. Reply by [date], as the venue needs a headcount.
Wording for school-age kids (ages 7–12)
Dear class, [Name] is having a [number]th birthday party and you are all invited! [Saturday, date], from [time] to [time] [Venue, address] Parents, please reply by [date] and tell us if there is anything your child can’t eat. Contact: [name and number]
[Name] is turning [number] and calling the best crew! See you on [Saturday, date], from [time] to [time], at [venue, address]. The plan: games, pizza, cake. Please reply by [date].
Pyjama party for [Name]’s [number]th birthday! Arrive: [Saturday, date], at [time] Pick-up: [Sunday], by [time], after breakfast Address: [address] Bring a sleeping bag, a toothbrush and a favourite toy. Parents, please reply by [date] and tell us anything we should know about your child. Our number: [number]
Wording by theme
Ahoy, sailor! Captain [Name] is turning [number] and needs a crew. We hunt for treasure on [Saturday, date], from [time] to [time], in the harbour at [venue, address]. Tell the captain’s parents by [date]: [number].
The countdown has started: [Name] is turning [number]! Lift-off: [Saturday, date], at [time] Back on Earth: at [time] Base: [venue, address] Confirm your flight by [date]. Spacesuit optional.
Princess [Name] invites all knights and princesses to a royal feast for her [number]th birthday. [Saturday, date], from [time] to [time] The castle: [venue, address] Crowns and swords welcome. Please reply by [date].
Kick-off! [Name] is celebrating a [number]th birthday with a match among friends. [Saturday, date], from [time] to [time] The pitch: [venue, address] Bring trainers, a water bottle and plenty of energy. Parents, please reply by [date].
Short message and reminder
Hi everyone! [Name]’s birthday party is on [Saturday, date], from [time] to [time], at [venue]. Invitation here: [link]. Please reply by [date].
Hi! We haven’t heard yet about [Name]’s party on [Saturday, date]. We need to confirm numbers by [date]. Could you let us know if [child’s name] is coming? Thanks!
How far in advance should you send it?
This is our recommendation rather than a rule:
| Party | Invitation | Reply by |
|---|---|---|
| At home, a few friends | 1–2 weeks before | 3–4 days before |
| Play centre or venue | 2–3 weeks before | about a week before |
| Whole class or nursery group | 3 weeks before | about a week before |
| During holidays | 4 weeks before | 10 days before |
Match the deadline to the venue: ask when they need the final number of children and ask for replies a few days earlier.
Practical tips
- Say when it ends. Otherwise parents don’t know when to come back, and you don’t know when the room has to be clear.
- Check who is in the group. If you are not inviting the whole class, send invitations individually, not to the class chat.
- Offer one way to reply. Otherwise you collect answers from texts, calls and school-gate chats.
- Add your mobile number. On the day of the party, parents need to be able to reach you.
A digital invitation for a kids’ party
Sealdate is a digital invitation platform for every occasion. You can put the wording from this guide into one of our kids’ birthday invitations and share the link in a WhatsApp or Viber parents’ group. Parents open it without an app and reply, and you see the number of children in your guest list. It is free for up to 20 guests, with a sealdate signature. Without the signature and with unlimited guests it costs €19 one-time. Is the birthday for an adult? See birthday invitation wording.
Frequently asked questions
- What should you write on a kids’ birthday invitation?
- The child’s name and age, the date, start and end time, the exact address, a reply deadline and your mobile number. Add whether parents should stay and whether to bring socks or special clothes.
- How far in advance should you send a kids’ birthday invitation?
- We recommend two to three weeks before the party, with a reply deadline about a week before it. For a small party at home, one or two weeks is enough.
- Do you have to invite the whole class?
- There is no general rule. Schools and nurseries have their own policies, so check with the teacher if invitations are handed out in class. If you are not inviting everyone, send invitations individually.
- How do you ask about allergies on an invitation?
- One line is enough, such as “Let us know if there is anything your child can’t eat”. Put it next to the reply deadline so the answers arrive together.
- Is a digital kids’ birthday invitation free?
- On Sealdate it is free for up to 20 guests, with a sealdate signature. Without the signature and with unlimited guests it costs €19 one-time, with no subscription.