In the age of social media, group chats, and instant messages, it might feel tempting to send a quick message or tag friends online to invite them to a party.
It’s easy, right?
But that doesn’t mean it’s the best option.
Everyone loves receiving a thoughtful party invite, especially children. It makes guests feel excited, included, and lets them know you’ve put care into planning the celebration.
And when it comes to kids’ parties, those little details really do matter.
So if you’re looking for ways to make your party invitations stand out from the crowd and feel a bit more magical, you’re in the right place.
Why Do You Need a Party Invitation?
It’s a fair question.
With calendars, reminders, and group chats at our fingertips, sending a formal party invitation can feel a little old-fashioned. After all, it’s easy to share the date and time in a quick message.
But that’s exactly why party invitations still matter.
When life is busy and notifications are constant, it’s easy for important dates to get lost or forgotten. A proper party invite gives the celebration its own moment and helps it stand out from everything else competing for attention.
Party invitations also help guests feel included and valued. They build excitement, set expectations, and give children something tangible to look forward to, especially when the invite feels personal.
So while it might seem like a small detail, taking the time to create a party invitation can make a big difference. It helps ensure guests remember the date and makes the party feel special before it even begins.
How To Make a Party Invite Special?
Now for the fun part.
Party invitations don’t have to be complicated or expensive to feel special. A little creativity goes a long way, especially when the invite reflects your child’s personality or the theme of the party.
From hands-on DIY ideas to playful keepsakes guests can enjoy before the big day, there are lots of simple ways to turn party invites into something memorable.
Here are some creative party invitation ideas to help your child’s celebration stand out from the start.
1. Miniature Invites
Miniature invites are small, keepsake-style party invitations that feel extra special because of their size and presentation.
What you’ll need:
Printed party invitation in a smaller format, envelopes or small boxes, optional ribbon, stickers, or tags.
How to make it:
Print your party invitation at a smaller size, such as a mini postcard or card format. Place it inside a small envelope or box and decorate with ribbon, stickers, or a handwritten name tag to personalise it.
Why it works:
The smaller size makes the party invite feel unique and thoughtful, while still being easy for parents to keep safe until the party.
2. Candyfloss Invites
Cotton candy invites are designed to look like candy floss, but they don’t have to be edible.
You can make these party invites in two simple ways, depending on what you’re comfortable with.
Option 1: Faux Cotton Candy Invite (most practical)
This version is decorative only and avoids any mess or hygiene worries.
What you’ll need:
Printed party invitation, clear bag or container, cotton wool, ribbon or string.
How to make it:
Roll the party invitation and place it inside a clear bag or container filled with cotton wool to resemble candy floss. Tie it at the top with ribbon and add a small label with the guest’s name. Make it clear to parents that the cotton wool is decorative only.
Why it works:
It looks fun and playful without needing to worry about food handling or freshness.
Option 2: Real Cotton Candy Invite (for hand-delivered invites)
If you want the invite to include a real treat, this works best when handed over close to the party date.
What you’ll need:
Individually wrapped candy floss, printed party invitation, ribbon or tag.
How to make it:
Attach the invitation to the wrapped candy floss using ribbon or a tag. Hand-deliver the invites so they stay fresh.
Why it works:
It’s colourful, exciting, and feels like a proper treat for guests.
3. Customised Chocolate Invite
A customised chocolate invite turns your party invitation into a treat that guests can enjoy straight away or save for later.
What you’ll need:
Individually wrapped chocolate bars, printed party details, paper wrappers or labels, tape or glue.
How to make it:
Create a paper wrapper or label that includes all the party details, date, time, location, and RSVP info. Wrap it neatly around the chocolate bar, making sure the information is easy to read and securely attached.
Why it works:
It’s simple, practical, and guaranteed to be popular with children and parents alike.
4. Balloon Invite
Balloon invites are playful and instantly get guests excited about the party.
What you’ll need:
Balloons, printed party invitations, ribbon or string.
How to make it:
Roll the invitation and attach it to the balloon string using ribbon. If you prefer, you can place the invitation inside the balloon before inflating, with instructions for parents to pop it at home (just be mindful that small children – and some adults too – may not appreciate this!) Choose balloon colours that match your party theme.
Why it works:
It feels fun and interactive, and doubles as a decoration guests can enjoy before the party.
5. Draw Your Own Invite
Letting your child create their own party invitation is a lovely way to get them involved in the planning.
What you’ll need:
Paper or card, pens, pencils, crayons, stickers.
How to make it:
Ask your child to design the front of the invite however they like. Once finished, write the party details on the back or on a separate slip of paper that can be attached. You can also scan or photograph the design and print copies for all guests.
Why it works:
It’s personal, meaningful, and guests often keep these invites as a keepsake. This would work especially well for a family celebration.
6. Kite Invitations
Kite invitations are definitely a bit more out there, but that’s exactly what makes them so memorable.
If your child loves being outdoors or you’re planning a summer party (we think these would work great for a circus-themed party!), this is a fun and totally unique way to send a party invitation that guests won’t forget.
What you’ll need:
Simple kite kits (or just buy some cheap kites), homemade paper kites, string, and printed party invitations.
How to make it:
Attach the party invitation securely to the kite string or tail so it doesn’t interfere with flying. These work best when hand-delivered, so children can try out their kite before the party.
Why it works:
It’s unexpected, playful, turns the party invite into an experience, and makes for a lovely gift!
7. Pop-Up Invitations
Pop-up invitations add an element of surprise and feel extra special when opened.
What you’ll need:
Card, paper, scissors, glue, pens.
How to make it:
Create a simple folded card and add a pop-up shape inside, such as a cake, balloon, or themed character. Write the party details inside or on the back of the card.
Why it works:
They’re interactive, creative, and feel more exciting than a standard flat invite.
8. Message In a Bottle Invite
A message in a bottle invitation is perfect for themed parties, especially pirate parties, beach, or adventure themes, but it can work for almost any celebration.
What you’ll need:
Small bottles or jars, printed party invitations, string or ribbon, and optional sand or tissue paper.
How to make it:
Roll the invitation and tie it with string. Place it inside the bottle, adding a little sand or tissue paper if you like for effect. Secure the lid and add a name tag to personalise it.
Why it works:
It feels exciting and imaginative and instantly sparks curiosity.
9. Pillow-Themed Invitations
Pillow-themed invitations are a fun and creative option, especially for sleepovers or slumber parties.
Most party invites using this idea are simply pillow-shaped cards, which are easy to make and work well for most families.
What you’ll need (pillow-shaped card):
Card or thick paper, scissors, pens or markers, optional stickers or decorative paper.
How to make it:
Cut the card into a simple pillow shape and decorate the front to match your party theme. Write the party details clearly on the back or attach a small tag with the information.
Optional next-level idea:
If you enjoy sewing, you could also make small fabric pillows and attach a tag with the party details. This works best for very small guest lists aif you have the time and patience!
Why it works:
It’s playful, themed, and perfect for sleepovers, with flexibility to keep things simple or go a step further.
And finally, some alternatives to a text message – we’re not against digital party invitations at all. In fact, for many families, they’re the easiest and most practical option.
The key is making digital party invites feel personal and thoughtful, rather than rushed or forgettable. With a little creativity, online invitations can be just as special as traditional ones.
Here are a few digital party invitation ideas that still feel unique and meaningful.
11. Voice Invites
Voice invites are a modern and personal alternative to traditional party invitations.
What you’ll need:
A phone or recording device, a messaging app or voice note platform.
How to make it:
Record a short message sharing the party details and send it directly to guests or parents. Letting your child record the message can make it even more special.
Why it works:
It feels warm, personal, and can be saved as a lovely memory.
12. Photo Invitations
Photo invites are a simple way to personalise digital or printed party invitations.
What you’ll need:
A favourite photo, a digital invitation template or a simple design tool.
How to make it:
Add a photo of your child to the invitation design along with the party details. These can be printed or sent digitally, depending on what suits you best.
Why it works:
It keeps things simple while still feeling thoughtful and personal.
13. Online Invites
Online invites are a great option if you’re short on time or want to manage RSVPs easily.
What you’ll need:
An online invitation tool or template, party details.
How to make it:
Choose a design, personalise it with your child’s details, and send it digitally to guests. Many platforms also make it easy to track responses.
Why it works:
They’re convenient, flexible, and can still look brilliant with a little effort.
Once you’ve chosen how you want to send your party invitations, the next step is making sure you include all the right details.
If you’re not sure what to write, we’ve put together a handy guide on birthday invitation wording to help you get it just right, from dates and times to RSVP details and helpful extras for parents.
It’s all about making party planning easier and ensuring your guests know exactly what to expect.
PartyWizz helps you book the best kid’s entertainers and party services in UK and Ireland. From magicians and face painters to party packages and photographers, you’ll find those in your area on our easy-to-use platform. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, christening, communion or a corporate family day, go to PartyWizz to find the perfect service providers hassle-free!
