Children’s parties at home: 15 simple ideas that make a splash

Organizing a children's party at home is a real art... but you don't have to be Martha Stewart to impress the gallery! According to Statistics Canada, nearly 70% of Québécois families prefer to celebrate birthdays at home. Why is that? Because it's friendly, economical and so much more personalized. Between the games, the decor and the little touches, all it takes is a few well-thought-out ideas to transform your living room into an unforgettable playground. Here are 15 simple, tried-and-tested ideas to make your child's next party a magical (and stress-free!) moment. Ready to get out the balloons and create some lasting memories? Let's get started!

There's nothing like a cupcake workshop to keep little hands busy and taste buds happy! Set up a table with cupcake bases, colorful icings and a mountain of toppings. To save time, consider ordering a gourmet kit from HelloFresh: everything arrives ready to assemble, with zero stress and no endless washing-up. A guaranteed hit with kids... and parents!

The treasure hunt remains a timeless classic! Prepare age-appropriate clues and hide little treasures around the house or garden. According to a Université de Montréal study, treasure hunts stimulate logic and cooperation. For the finishing touch, slip a few gourmet surprises into the final trunk, such as homemade cookies or colorful candies.

A photobooth is guaranteed to bring laughter and memories to life! Set up a colorful background and a few accessories (hats, glasses, moustaches) and let the kids take pictures of themselves. Use a smartphone or instant camera to take home shots to stick in a souvenir album. Tip: propose a contest for the funniest pose to motivate everyone!

Turn the living room into a camp with blankets, cushions and string lights. Prepare an easy picnic menu with GoodFood: sandwiches, crudités, sweets... everything arrives fresh and ready to serve. Kids love the "camping at home" atmosphere, and parents enjoy a hassle-free moment in the kitchen!

Get out the scissors, glue and glitter! Offer a creative workshop where each child leaves with his or her own creation: masks, wreaths or photo frames. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, hands-on activities promote concentration and self-esteem. Provide aprons to prevent spills, and display works of art on a dedicated wall.

Close the curtains, get out the popcorn and seat the kids in front of their favorite movie! For a cinematic atmosphere, print out admission tickets and offer a selection of age-appropriate films. According to Netflix Canada, animated films remain the most popular among 4-10 year-olds. Bonus: bring cushions and blankets for maximum comfort.

When the weather's nice, there's nothing like water games to cool things down! Balloons filled with water, water pistols, mini-slides... Children expend their energy while having fun. According to Health Canada, playing outdoors promotes physical activity and reduces stress. Remember to bring towels and a change of clothes to avoid surprises!

Forget the drudgery of cooking and have a ready-to-eat buffet delivered to your door, thanks to La Boîte du Chef. Mini-sandwiches, sweet and savory bites, everything is designed to please young and old alike. According to a Léger survey, 62% of Québécois parents prefer delivery for children's parties. The result: more time to enjoy the party and less stress in the kitchen!

Make-up instantly transforms children into superheroes, princesses or funny animals! Set up a make-up corner with hypoallergenic palettes and let the imagination run wild. According to the Canadian Dermatology Association, it's best to use products that are suitable for children's sensitive skin. Provide mirrors and wipes for quick touch-ups.

There's nothing like an XXL version of board games to set the mood! Twister, giant Jenga or oversized dominoes: these games promote team spirit and good humor. According to a study by Laval University, board games develop patience and strategy in children. Set them up in the living room or backyard for a wild game!

Turn up the music and start a dance contest! Kids love to let off steam to their favorite songs. There will be small prizes for the best choreography or the most original moves. According to Spotify, children's playlists are up 40% at birthday parties. Guaranteed to get the party going and the energy flowing!

Bring magic into your living room with an introductory workshop on magic tricks! Learn a few simple tricks using everyday objects: cards, scarves, coins. According to the Association des magiciens du Québec, magic stimulates self-confidence and oral expression in children. Prepare a mini-show to amaze your guests!

Make a colorful pinata with cardboard, crepe paper and lots of surprises inside! Children love the suspense and joy of discovering hidden candies. According to a survey by Party City Canada, the pinata is one of children's favorite birthday party entertainments. Provide a sturdy stick and a secure area for the activity.

Organize a blind tasting with surprise foods: fruit, candy, potato chips... Children close their eyes and try to guess what they're tasting. This activity stimulates the senses and provokes lots of laughter! For more variety, order original snacks from HelloFresh or GoodFood to surprise everyone!

End the party in style with a giant bubbles workshop! Prepare a homemade solution (water, soap, a little glycerine) and make chopsticks from string and straws. Kids love chasing bubbles and trying to create huge ones. According to the Observatoire des Tout-Petits, outdoor play encourages motor skills and creativity. A light-hearted finale!