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Birthday Manners for Children

I tried googling for something like this for my kids to read and couldn’t find it, so I wrote one. Feel free to take it and tweak it for your personal use with your kids. :)

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Birthday Manners

When someone takes the time out of their day to come to your party, that is a gift. Time is valuable and they’re spending it on you. When people arrive, greet them cheerfully and say hi. If they say Happy Birthday, say “thank you!” When they leave, say, “thank you for coming!”

It is important to be and act thankful for every single gift, even if you do not like it. 

The giver spent time and money on you and it is rude to act disappointed or bored with a gift, no matter what it is. 

Thank each person politely, with eye contact & with a smile as you open their gift. 

When a gift is wrapped in a gift bag, take out all the tissue paper first, then the gift. This way the bag is clearly empty or not, and you don’t miss anything or look like you expected more by looking in the tissue paper after taking out the first item. 

Do not compare gifts. Different families have different budgets. Be grateful and say thank you with a smile whether you get a big gift or a small one!

After the party, we will sit down & write short thank you notes to each person who gave you a gift. 

Some children may want to look at or touch your gifts and that is ok.

During the party, make sure all your guests and siblings get to be part of games if you can. If you see a child not participating, invite them to join whatever you are doing. 

If your friends don't know each other, you can introduce them. It’s simple!

Say: “Hey Luke, meet my friend Brendan! Luke, this is my classmate Brendan.” 

Things to ask friends to start conversations.
  • Their favorite movie
  • The last book they read & if they liked it
  • What they’re doing in math
  • What is their favorite park?

Be a good host by not being selfish. For example, focus on thinking “I will take turns,” or “I will be ok if I do not win the game.” Be a good winner & a good loser! Nobody enjoys a fussy, sore loser. 

Party Schedule
Lunch at park
Playtime
Cake & Gifts
Snacks & Playtime 
Leave around 3pm

If it rains or is cold we may leave earlier. 


Whenever a guest is leaving, thank them for coming!

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