Kids' Birthday Party Invitation Wording (2026)
What to include on the invitation, wording you can copy and when to send it.
By the Party Sidekick team · Updated
A good invitation saves you a dozen texts in the week before the party. It answers the questions parents would otherwise ask you one by one. Here's what to include, some wording you can copy for the most common kinds of party, and when to send it.
What to put on the invitation
- Whose party it is, and how old they're turning. Something like "Maya is turning 7!" does the job.
- The date, and a start and an end time. The end time matters most, because that's when parents plan their pickup.
- Where it is. Give the full address. If the parking or the right entrance isn't obvious, mention that too.
- An RSVP date and how to reply. For most parents, a phone number they can text is the easiest.
- Whether it's drop-off. Say it plainly so nobody has to guess.
- What to wear or bring. That might be grip socks for a trampoline park, a swimsuit and towel for a pool party or warm layers for a farm visit.
- Waivers. Trampoline parks, climbing gyms and some play centres need a signed waiver for every child. Add the link so parents can sign before they arrive.
- Allergies. Ask parents to let you know, especially if you're serving food.
- Siblings and gifts. Mention these if you have a preference either way.
Wording you can copy
At a party place
Maya is turning 7! Come jump with us, then stay for pizza and cake at [party place], [address]. Saturday, May 10, 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Please bring grip socks and sign the waiver before you come: [link]. RSVP to Sam by May 3 at [phone].
At home
Come celebrate Leo's 5th birthday! Sunday, June 8, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, at our place: [address]. A magician is coming at 11, and then we'll have cake. Parents are welcome to stay for coffee. RSVP by June 1: [phone].
Drop-off party
Ava is turning 8, and you're invited! Saturday, March 15, 2:00 to 4:00 pm at [party place]. This is a drop-off party: pickup at 4:00 sharp. Please let us know about any allergies. RSVP by March 8.
No gifts, please
Your company is the only present we need! If you'd like to bring something, Noah is collecting food for the [local food bank].
Whole class
The whole class is invited to Ethan's 6th birthday! Friday, April 25, 4:30 to 6:00 pm, at [community centre]. Brothers and sisters are welcome too. Please RSVP to [phone] by April 18 so we order enough pizza.
Toddler
Our little Zoe is turning 2! Please join us for a short morning of play and snacks. Saturday, Sept 6, 10:00 to 11:30 am, at [play centre]. Parents, please stay and play with us. RSVP by Aug 30.
When to send it
Send invitations two to three weeks before the party and ask for replies about a week before. That's usually when the venue wants your final number of kids. If the party falls on a busy weekend in December or around March break, send them a little earlier.
If you haven't booked a place yet, do that first. Most Ottawa venues fill their weekend slots four to six weeks ahead, and it's much easier to send invitations once you have a confirmed time. When you're ready to look, you can compare party places in Ottawa.
Paper, text or online?
Paper invitations handed out at school still feel special to kids, but they have a way of ending up at the bottom of a backpack. A text or an online invitation goes straight to the parents and makes RSVPs much easier to keep track of. Many parents do both. They give the child a card and text the details to the parent.
If you're not sure how many to send, our guide on how many kids to invite can help.
Questions parents ask
What should a kids birthday invitation say?
Include whose party it is and how old they're turning, the date with a start and end time, and the full address. Add an RSVP date and how to reply, say whether it's drop-off, and mention anything to bring, like grip socks or a signed waiver.
How far ahead should I send birthday invitations?
Send them two to three weeks before the party. Ask for replies about a week before, since that's when most venues want a final head count.
How do I say no gifts on an invitation?
Keep it warm and short. Something like "Your company is the only present we need!" works well. If you like, you can suggest bringing a book or a toy to donate instead.
How do I word a drop-off birthday party invitation?
Say it directly and give the pickup time: "This is a drop-off party: pickup at 4:00 sharp." Ask about allergies too, and add a number where parents can reach you during the party.