The Ultimate Class Party Guide: Ideas, Games, Tips and More! 2024

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Are you in charge of your child’s classroom party? Or maybe you are a teacher who wants to do something fun for your students. Either way- a classroom party is a great way to bring fun and excitement into the classroom for holidays and other occasions. We will break down everything you need to know in order to plan a classroom party including THE most popular classroom party ideas out there.

Ah, a classroom party. It can either ignite excitement or dread for parents and teachers alike. They are typically a lot of work, involve money, creativity and the help of other adults.

But in the end students love classroom party days. They live for them. It is basically the best day ever when they know there is a party.

So, what do you do? Despite the planning, chaos, and stress you do it anyway. But it doesn’t have to be that hard.

Lucky for you we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of classroom party ideas and suggestions to help you on your way to having a successful classroom party- without the stress!

What is a classroom party?

A classroom party is typically held in the elementary school grades and are centered around different holidays.

Traditionally, there are class parties for Halloween, Christmas (or Winter), and Valentine’s Day.

However, as a teacher you don’t have to limit yourself to just those dates. You can choose when and how often you have a party. It could be an incentive for students to reach a goal or just because you want to do something fun!

Other classroom party themes

How do classroom parties work?

As a parent, I have volunteered at many classroom parties. And while they are all different- there is one common theme. And that is to have different stations that the children rotate through.

Most teachers will number the students off into groups based on how many stations there are (usually around 4) and that is a great way o break up the classroom.

So, how do stations work and what do you do at each station? Here is a typical breakdown:

Stations

Each station covers a different activity. You will decide how many stations you need depending on how many students are in your class. The children will stay at each station for a set amount of time- also depending on how long your party is going to be.

If you allocate one hour for the party, simply divide that time by how many stations you have- while also allowing for a little wiggle room for clean-up and instruction time.

Activities

You probably won’t need more than 3-5 stations. It is a good idea to have a variety of activities so the children don’t get bored and so that there is something to fit everyone’s needs.

A good party usually includes:

Craft
Snack
Game (you can add an extra game if you need one more station)
Book Reading

Volunteers

Managing a classroom party without volunteers is doable- but definitely easier with help.

This is where parent volunteers come into play. If you are lucky you will have a classroom filled with parents who are chomping at the bit to help. But if you don’t- be sure to reach out to your administration and ask for back-up.

Or- be sure you are able to manage everything on your own. You might find that it easier to do it that way.

Just don’t plan a craft that needs “all hands on deck” in order to accomplish or that needs parental supervision at all times. Be mindful of what your students are capable of doing on their own- and what they need help with.

BUT don’t be afraid to really use those parent volunteers. Put them in charge and let them run the show! Depending on how organized you are- you may have sent out a parent volunteer sign-up at the beginning of the year. If so, reach out to parents a few weeks before the party.

If you don’t have a list ahead of time- send out an email asking for help. Assign each parent one of your activity themes and ask them to come up with an idea for their stations.

If you want more control or already have supplies you can decide what the game, activity, treat, etc. is going to be and let the volunteers choose which one they are going to head up.

Depending on your budget you can supply what is needed- or ask the parents to not only volunteer their time- but their resources as well.

As a teacher, you will have to make that judgment call. And if you don’t have a budget- be prepared to front the costs and plan to reimburse parents. That is not ideal- so be sure to plan ahead and know what you plan is going to be.

Communication

Communication is key when planning a class party. Parents who volunteer don’t want to be left in the dark. Make it easy and seamless by communicating through email or use Sign Up Genius.

Sign Up Genius is just that- a genius way to send out a sign up that everyone has access to. It is a free platform that is simple to use and to understand.

Plus it is a great way to stay organized and to see who is in charge of what.

This is a great way for parents to sign up for how they would like to help.

You could have sign-ups for:

Activities and Stations to be in charge of
Supplies needed for each activity
Food donations
Helpers (back up parents to assist with the party)
Monetary donations

After parents sign up for something they will receive reminder emails leading up to the day to help them remember what they signed up for. This is especially nice for teachers!

My Classroom Party

I recently discovered My Classroom Party and I LOVE everything they are about and what they have to offer.

They basically take all the thinking and guesswork out of planning a classroom party- well at least most of it!

How it works:

My Classroom Party has party packs already put together separated for different holidays and grade level.

You choose which party pack you want- and they send you everything you need!

CHECK OUT OUR FULL MY CLASSROOM PARTY REVIEW.

The cost is roughly $7-$8 per child with a 15 child minimum. Kits come with or without food and beverage options and include:

three game stations
a craft station
tablecloth for craft table
easy to follow teacher instructions
Halloween decorations

The stations include a QR code for the volunteer to scan and see a video on what to do at that station.

This really is a great idea and has positive reviews from happy customers! Since it comes with everything your classroom will need for a party (minus maybe a few snacks!), it would be a good idea to ask for parents to donate some money to help offset the cost, especially since they won’t be spending money otherwise.

This is probably the most low-stress option around when it comes to classroom party planning. It takes all the guesswork out and is so easy to throw together.

Use the code clarks to get free shipping for kits for 20 children or more!

Learn More Here

Classroom Game, Craft and Activity Ideas

Choosing games and crafts may seem overwhelming. But there are some classic games and activities that work well for all ages and grades- and you accommodate them for different holidays.

You don’t want to spend a lot of money and you don’t want parents to either. Here are a few inexpensive resources for finding craft supplies:

Oriental Trading
Dollar Tree
Dollar Spot in Target
Walmart
Family Dollar
Michael’s

Don’t forget to check for online coupons for free shipping or holiday specials! Ibotta tends to have a lot of great coupons during holiday seasons.

Lucky for all of us- the internet is brimming with wonderful ideas, free printable and more to help us out.

Google and Pinterest will become your best friend in helping you narrow down how you want to execute these activities.

But here is a good list of where to start.

Don’t Eat Pete

Find our classic Halloween Don’t Eat Pete board and instructions here. You can easily switch it up for any holiday and there are tons of free templates available online.

BINGO

BINGO can be adjusted for any holiday. Here is our Christmas Carol BINGO that is always a hit.

Minute To Win It Games

There are tons of these that you can find online! Here are a few that we always like.

Photo Booth

I Spy

This is just a fun printable with different items that you want the kids to find. We have this really fun one for Christmas!

Ornament Making

For Pre-made ornament kits, nothing beats Oriental trading!

Bag Decorating

This is a fun idea so the children have something to bring all their goodies, treats, crafts home in. And it can double as a station idea!

Here is our favorite sugar cookie and frosting recipe that is PERFECT for cookie decorating. We also love THESE genius cookie cutters for making prep even easier.

DIY Bowling

You can make some fun bowling games themed for the party!

Riddles and Jokes

Our kids always love these! There are tons of holiday-themed riddles and jokes that you can find online!

Board Games or Cards

Dance Party

You can find all sort of brain break or kid friendly dance music on YouTube

Charades

We do this at almost every party! There are a lot of fun themed ideas you can print off online. The kids always like it!

Cake/Treat Walk

This is a huge hit at any party that I go to! You can have smaller treats (like cupcakes or cookies) for the kids to pick from.

Snack Ideas

Donuts
Cookies
Fruit and Veggie Trays
Hot Cocoa Station
Pizza
Nutter Butter Ghost Cookies
Dirt ‘N Worms Pudding
Suckers\Candy Canes decorated as ghosts, reindeer, etc.

What not to do

Inevitably something might go wrong when planning and executing a classroom party. But there are a few things you can avoid doing in order to help them go a little smoother.

Don’t go to the Dollar Tree three days before a holiday

If you are planning on getting craft supplies from the Dollar Tree for your party- plan accordingly and don’t wait until the last minute. TRUST ME. Seasonal things will sell out early on and if you were planning on those seasonal crafts or goodies they might not be there if you wait too long.

2. NOT test any crafts beforehand

You want to make sure the craft you are making can be done within a time limit and is age-appropriate for your classroom. If volunteers are in charge of the craft remind them to be mindful of both those requirements.

3. NOT double checks link you send out in emails

If you are sending out links for craft or game ideas make sure they aren’t broken links and that they actually lead to where you want them to go. This will avoid confusion and wasted time.

4. Try and do it all yourself

Can you do it alone? Sure. But should you? No. Find help if possible and ask for help when needed.