Preschool Graduation Ideas

Preschool graduation is a rite of passage for many families. It signifies the end of early childhood and the start of the elementary years. Whether your little one attended preschool for one, two, or three years, the journey is over and time to get ready for kindergarten. 

But before your baby boards that big yellow bus in the fall, take some time to enjoy the moment with a preschool graduation celebration.

A preschool graduation celebration can be as simple or elaborate or as you like. What is important to remember when you are planning the party and looking for preschool graduation ideas, is to keep your little one's temperament and personality in mind. If she's a shy kid, a party with 75 relatives might not be such a great idea.

You also need to consider how your child feels about leaving preschool. Is she sad to leave his teachers? Is she worried about starting kindergarten? If so, a low-key lunch at her favorite restaurant might be a more appropriate response. Or maybe a day trip to a favorite place, such as a local theme park or the aquarium. Ask questions and have a conversation with your little one. It's his or her big day, work together to find something that everyone will enjoy.

Whatever type of preschool graduation celebration you choose, be sure to kick back and relax yourself. After all, your child finishing preschool is an important milestone for you, too.

Themes

A theme party is a great way to tie your party together. Use the theme in all aspects of the party, including invitations, activities, decorations, and of course the cake.

Themes don't have to be anything too elaborate, just a common entity. And while school and educational themes are cute for a preschool graduation, your child may have other ideas. So be sure to take that into account too. There are a host of themes you can use for a preschool graduation party, including:

• Alphabet blocks
• ABCs and 123s
• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom!
• Dr. Seuss
• The year your child is graduating
• School
• Cap and gown (traditional graduation party)
• Colorful balloons

Activities

If you are hosting a preschool graduation party, it's likely you'll have kids in attendance. Be sure to plan lots of fun activities to keep everyone happy and busy. If your party is outside, make sure to have a back-up plan or rain date.

• Swimming in a pool
• Turn on the sprinklers and let them run
• Traditional party games, such as relay races and hot potato
• Rent a bouncy house
• Big game of hide and seek
• Old-fashioned games from your youth
• Arts and crafts
• Just letting them play! This works well if there is a playground or swing set around

Food

Kid-friendly food is a must at any preschool graduation party. Offer munchables that can be eaten on-the-go, as well as classic favorites that you know the kids will eat.

If you have grownups at your party, make sure you have fare that they'll enjoy as well. And sure, you can fire up the grill and throw on some burgers and hotdogs, but consider trying some of these party-favorite dishes:

• Sweet Potato Chips
• Tea Sandwiches
• Baked Ziti
• Mini Meatball Sliders
• On-a-stick Chicken Strips
• Chili
• Sweet and Sour Meatballs
• Hummus

Consider a School Party

Rather than host an individual preschool graduation celebration, consider getting together with the other parents or enlisting the help of the class parent to organize a party for the entire class. It can be at someone's home, a local park, or even the preschool if they allow it.

If you go this route, plan out all the details, including food, activities, and guests ahead of time (for example, will extended families be invited to come or is the guest list limited to immediate family), so there are no misunderstandings and hard feelings.

A class preschool graduation party can be a wonderful way to close out what was hopefully a wonderful experience for your child.