How Children Can Honour Their Parents with a Thoughtful Party on Global Day of Parents

Global Day of Parents, celebrated on 1st June, is a wonderful occasion to express gratitude and love for the people who’ve guided us through life with patience, sacrifice and unconditional support. 

While cards and small gifts are thoughtful, nothing quite matches the joy of spending quality time together. What better way to celebrate than by hosting a heartfelt party in their honour?

Whether you're a young child with some help from adults or an adult child planning a surprise, throwing a party can be a meaningful and memorable way to recognise all your parents do. Here’s how children of all ages can honour their parents with a well-planned celebration.

1. Choose a Party Style They’ll Love

Every parent is different. Some may prefer a quiet garden tea party, while others might enjoy a lively BBQ or themed dinner party. Start by thinking about what your parents enjoy:

For traditional parents: A vintage-inspired afternoon tea with scones, finger sandwiches, and fine china.

For laid-back parents: A garden picnic with homemade sandwiches, lemonade and simple games.

For sociable parents: A small gathering with close friends and family, maybe even with some music and dancing.

For foodies: A cook-together dinner party where you recreate their favourite dishes.

2. Get Creative with Decorations and Personal Touches

Decor doesn't need to be expensive to be meaningful. Try incorporating:

Family photos into banners or table centrepieces.

Handwritten notes or drawings from children.

Memory boards or video slideshows showing family moments over the years.

A 'thank you wall' where guests can write what they love about the parents being celebrated.

These simple, personal touches often mean more than elaborate decorations.

3. Include Favourite Foods and Drinks

Food is at the heart of every good party, and Global Day of Parents is no exception. Take the time to:

Cook their favourite meal or dessert.

Set up a mini drinks station with their preferred tea, wine, beer or cocktails.

Create a simple buffet with contributions from siblings or family members.

You could even turn it into a themed meal — “Mum’s Mediterranean Night” or “Dad’s Favourite Comfort Foods”.

4. Organise Meaningful Activities

To keep the atmosphere warm and engaging, plan a few light activities that show appreciation:

‘This Is Your Life’ Game: Have guests share fond memories or funny stories.

Gratitude speeches or poems written by children.

A family talent show with music, jokes or skits.

Create a memory jar where everyone writes down a special moment or what they appreciate about the parents.

5. Make It Multigenerational

If you’re celebrating grandparents too, encourage younger children to get involved by:

Helping make decorations.

Baking simple treats.

Creating handmade cards or banners.

Putting on a little performance or reading a poem.

It’s a beautiful way to bring generations together and strengthen family bonds.

6. Include a Keepsake

End the party with a lasting memento. Consider:

A scrapbook compiled during the party with photos and messages.

A family recipe book with everyone’s favourite dishes.

A framed photo from the day.

A planted tree or flowers as a symbol of growing together.

Hosting a party for your parents on Global Day of Parents isn’t about spending loads of money — it’s about showing love, appreciation, and gratitude in a thoughtful and personal way. Whether it's a quiet brunch or a full-blown garden bash, what matters most is the time spent together and the memories created.

This 1st June, let’s raise a toast to the incredible people who raised us — and make them feel truly cherished.