A good kids' party invitation does two jobs. It gets your guests excited, and it answers every question parents will have before they have to ask it. Where, when, until when, do I stay, can I bring the little brother, what about gifts?
Here's what to include, followed by wording you can copy for the most common situations.
What every invitation needs
- Whose party it is and how old they're turning.
- Date, start time, and end time. The end time matters — parents plan pickups around it.
- Address, plus parking or entrance tips if the venue is tricky to find.
- RSVP deadline and how to reply.
- Drop-off or stay? Say it clearly.
- Anything to bring or wear — swimsuit, socks for the trampoline park, a costume.
- Gift plans, if you're doing anything other than the usual.
Basic invitation
"You're invited to Olivia's 6th birthday party! 🎈 Saturday, May 10, 2:00–4:00 pm at Riverside Park, Pavilion B. Cake, games, and lots of fun. Please RSVP by May 3 so we know how many to expect!"
Short, friendly, and complete. Most invitations need nothing more.
Drop-off party
Once kids are around five or six, many parties become drop-off. Make it explicit so nobody has to guess:
"This is a drop-off party — feel free to drop Max off at 1:00 and pick him up at 3:00. Please add a phone number where we can reach you during the party."
If you're flexible:
"Parents are welcome to stay for coffee or drop off — whatever works for you!"
No gifts
"No gifts, please — we just want to celebrate with you!"
"Your presence is the only present we need. Really!"
A few guests may bring something anyway. Just say thank you. For gentler ways to steer gifts, see how to ask for one big gift (or no gifts).
One big gift or a wish list
"Ella is saving up for a new bike! If you'd like to bring a gift, a small contribution toward it would make her day — but please don't feel any pressure."
"Here's Jack's wish list — tap an item to claim it so there are no doubles!"
Fiver party
"It's a fiver party! Instead of a gift, Liam would love $5 toward the LEGO set he's been dreaming about. Cash in a card is perfect."
Our fiver party guide covers how it works and how to keep it low-pressure.
Siblings welcome (or not)
"Siblings are welcome! Just let us know how many kids are coming when you RSVP."
"Because space is limited, we're only able to host invited kids this time. Thanks so much for understanding!"
Either way, saying it on the invitation saves an awkward moment at the door.
Whole-class party
"Our whole class is invited to Aria's 7th birthday! Join us at Jump Zone on Sunday, March 2, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Please wear socks for the trampolines. RSVP by February 23."
With a big group, a clear RSVP deadline and an end time matter even more. If you're deciding whether to invite the whole class in the first place, see how many kids to invite.
Allergies and food
"We'll be serving pizza and cake. Please let us know about any food allergies when you RSVP."
Themed or activity parties
"Calling all superheroes! 🦸 Come in costume to Ben's 5th birthday — capes encouraged."
"Wear clothes that can get messy — we're painting!"
A friendly RSVP reminder
A few days before the deadline, a short nudge helps:
"Hi! Just a quick reminder about Olivia's party on Saturday. Could you let us know by Thursday if Emma can make it? Totally fine either way — we're just finalizing the headcount."
For more on getting replies, see our RSVP etiquette guide.
Wording mistakes to avoid
- Leaving out the end time. Parents need it for pickup.
- Burying the RSVP date. Put it near the top or bold it.
- Asking for a specific dollar amount outside a fiver party.
- Being vague about siblings or drop-off. Vague invitations create awkward conversations later.
Send it as one link
Giftic turns your invitation into one link with everything on it: the party details, RSVPs with kid and adult counts, add-to-calendar, and optionally a wish list with no duplicate gifts, a cash pot for one bigger gift, or fiver party mode. Guests pay you directly via Venmo or PayPal, or bring cash — Giftic never handles the money. For whole-class parties, you also get a ready message for the class and a printable backpack flyer with a QR code. Free, and no app needed.