Just how fantastic are our kids’ birthday parties? And how gratifying is it to see their happy faces after they’ve played and celebrated with their little friends?

Before you say it, we know, parties are sometimes also a stressful affair. But nothing delights us more than seeing our little ones happy, knowing we lovingly organised a simple, yet fun party for them.

So, why not make it an eco-friendly celebration? In all our haste to organise things, we often forget how much a birthday party isn’t eco-sustainable, if you consider all the decorations, balloons and so on.

Here, then, are 6 must-haves for a wonderful birthday party for your kids and we assure you it will be loved and appreciated by all, including even the most sceptical of parents.

1. Decorations: only paper, thank you!

Whether it’s the classic “happy birthday” banner, or any other decoration, you can make or buy a paper version. There are so many stores and websites today that sell this kind of product. As an alternative, you can kick your creativity into gear and make them with your kids. Use old newspapers, draw and cut out all the letters, make little holes in them and then string them all together on a length of wool, which can then be used again and again.

To create a really festive mood, you can decorate the room with origami shapes made from recycled paper, or simply draw stars, hearts or smiley faces, cut them out and hang them up.

2. Yes to balloons, but in 100% biodegradable latex

As you will imagine, you can’t make latex balloons at home as they require a special process, but you can buy them! Many on and offline stores now stock them and we are sure both you and your kids will really like them.

And the good news? They go in the organic waste bin!

3. Buffet? Plastic free

Definite must-haves for an eco-friendly birthday party are eco plates, serviettes and beakers in recycled, recyclable paper. And the drinks? We know it’s difficult (if not impossible) to avoid buying drinks in plastic bottles, but we could, for example, use glass carafes with taps, filling them with water, instant cold tea and home-made fruit juices.

4. Leftover food should be given away

This should be a basic rule for any party in general. It often happens that, when it comes to going home time, there are sandwiches, sweet and savoury snacks, cakes, sweets, mini pizzas and other food left over. Check how much is left and if there’s a lot, make up doggy bags for your little guests to take home, using paper bags or boxes. They will be happy and their parents will be too, with tomorrow’s snack all sorted!