Seeing your child’s wide smile as they chase after floating balloons, lick the icing off their slice of cake and eventually fall asleep on a pile of wrapping paper makes all the preparations worthwhile.

So where do you start when it comes to planning the perfect party? With a bit of Pinspiration of course! To help get your party ideas flowing, we have compiled a list of the best Pinterest boards for children’s birthday parties so you can go straight to the source of the fun. Happy planning.

Simple chic

Name: 100 Layer Cakelet

Why you’ll love it: If you’re into ideas that look amazing, but don’t take a fine arts degree to achieve, then this board is for you. From gorgeous “wild thang” themes to first birthday fiestas, the sweet friends behind 100 Layer Cakelet know what it takes to throw a good kids party in an uncomplicated yet sophisticated way. Cutting their teeth on weddings these moms have branched out into all things family and have a divine style that will suit most venues and budgets.

Crafty creations

Name: Hostess with the Mostess

Why you’ll love it: If you’ve got a crafty hand and a little bit of time then this Pinterest board is for you. Designer, entrepreneur, writer, and mom to two little girls, Jennifer Sbranti has an eye for choosing clever, unique and amusing ideas which will have everyone asking ‘how did you do that?’ We love the DIY penguin party balloons, Boho chic tent and floral monograms. Plus, while you’re there, visit her boards for 1^st birthday parties, boy parties and girl parties, too.

Luxe looks

Name: Kara’s Party Ideas

Why you’ll love it: For the same reason 150,000 other Pinterest people love Kara, because she’s the modern Martha Stewart of the party world. She appears on TV, writes books, holds event planning workshops and still has time to pin the most gorgeous birthday party pictures imaginable. So do yourself a favour and follow this board because it’s inspiration overload.

Healthy fun

Name: Super Healthy Kids

Lives at: https://www.pinterest.com/healthykids/birthdays-and-parties/

Why you’ll love it: Let’s be honest, these days being health conscious is about as stylish as it comes. So why not try a birthday party with a healthy flair? Think avocado and chocolate frosting cupcakes, water piñatas, real fruit snow cones, grape caterpillar skewers and mini chalkboards as take-home gifts. You’ll be amazed at the creative and clever ideas this Pinterest board has to help you host a healthy party that is super fun, too.

Dream themes

Name: We Heart Parties

Why you’ll love it: Sometimes the hardest part of planning a children’s birthday party is coming up with a theme. You want something that the kids will enjoy but that hasn’t been done a thousand times before. This is where Kelsey Graves comes in. This stylish mom says she loves “parties with a theme, decorative touches, and fabulous food,” … and so do we! Kelsey has pins for a range of fun birthday themes such as Apres snow, Kokeshi (little Japanese dolls), detectives, Doc McStuffins, Charlotte’s Web, cowgirl, woodland fairy, you are my sunshine and more. There is no shortage of inspiration here.