40 Hawaii Parent July/August 2026 s parents, we want our kids to feel special on their birthdays. So it’s easy to get caught up in planning the perfect party. Before you know it, you’re worrying about one-of-a-kind cakes and Pinterest-perfect decorations. If you find yourself treating birthday parties as a competitive sport, you’re not alone. Over–the–top kids’ parties are getting more popular. One survey party company found that one in seven parents spent more than $1,000 on their child’s birthday! Expensive parties and sky-high expectations aren’t a recipe for enjoyable party planning. When you’re stressed out, it’s hard to enjoy your child’s big day. What’s worse, a parent’s stress can make the birthday less fun for your child. So cut down on the stress of party planning by putting yourself in your child’s shoes. What are the memorable events at their friends’ parties? What do they have the most fun doing? Pinterest-perfect decorations probably aren’t at the top of their list! Get your child involved in the planning to connect before the party. The things your child wants – and what they don’t care about – might surprise you. Once you know what you both care about, focus on those parts of the party. Focusing on the most enjoyable parts of a birthday is a great way to cut down on party planning stress. If you love baking, making, and decorating, your child’s cake might be a great idea. If not, buying a cake may be a better idea. Costco offers sheet cakes with a variety of popular decorations. By Sara Tiller A
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