Choosing a theme
Start with what your child is into right now, not what they loved last year. Interests turn over fast at this age, and most kids will tell you exactly which animal, vehicle or color is the right one.
If the party is at a venue, let the venue help decide. A pool party card tells parents to pack swimsuits and towels before they read a word, and a sports card suits a gym, a trampoline park or a field. For a party at home, a general design like balloons and confetti works at any age and leaves the cake and decorations to carry the theme.
Nothing here fits? Describe the theme you have in mind and AI designs a card for it. Previews are free, and keeping one costs the same as a ready-made design.
What to put on a kids birthday invitation
Parents read an invitation looking for the practical details. Make sure it answers:
- Your child's name and the age they're turning
- The date, with a start and an end time so parents can plan pickup
- The full address, plus a note on parking or which door to use if it isn't obvious
- How to RSVP, and the date you need replies by
- Anything guests should bring or wear, like a swimsuit, sneakers or a costume
- Whether it's a drop-off party or parents should stay, and whether siblings are welcome
The card holds a headline, a short message, the date and time, the location and an RSVP line. Longer notes, like food allergies or a no-gifts request, fit better in the text or email you send the card with.
When to send it
Two to three weeks before the party is the usual window. Go closer to four weeks for a weekend in December or June, when family calendars fill up early, or when the venue needs a headcount in advance.
Ask for replies about a week before the party. That leaves time to order food and favors without chasing anyone the night before.
If you're handing invitations out at school, many schools ask that they go to the whole class. When you're inviting a few friends, send those by text or email instead.
Print it or send it
Every card comes as a print-ready 5×7 PDF and a high-resolution JPG. Print the PDF at home on cardstock, or take the JPG to a photo counter. To send it digitally, text or email the JPG.
Turn on the free RSVP page while you make the card and you get a link to share alongside it. Guests reply online, and only you see the guest list.