There’s nothing more satisfying than bringing joy to the face of your child on their birthday.

But for most parents, organizing a birthday party is a bit like running a military campaign. If you don’t bring your precision planning A-game, things can go very wrong.

And more than anything else, especially for fussy eaters, picking out what food to offer can be a challenge.

To help you out in your mission, here are 8 great-tasting foods you can use for your kids birthday party menu to make it a success.

Homemade Cookies

The first option on our list of birthday party foods gives you the opportunity to show off your baking skills.

Homemade cookies are surely a favorite in any household, and especially when you’re looking to impress your guests. Why not try some home-cooked peanut butter cookies, for instance?

Don’t forget, you don’t have to leave your cookies plain. Jazz them up for the kids with frosting on top, and even throw a few sprinkles on. The possibilities are endless!

Stick Food

Kids are messy eaters, so a perfect addition to a menu for kids birthday party are all kinds of stick foods they can pick up, eat off and not get their hands dirty.

There are literally hundreds of different types of foods you can serve up off sticks for kids.

Think outside the box, here. Why not create popsicle treats with flavorings for cheap, cheerful and tasty cooler snacks for the summer months? If you’re looking for warmer foods, however, there are plenty of options.

Kabobs, donuts, muffins, corn dogs or mini sandwiches are all different options you can lay out on sticks for your guests to enjoy without the mess.

Mac and Cheese

Want a crowd pleaser?

Get a bowl of mac and cheese ready to go. Kids and adults alike love mac and cheese, and who can blame them?

And if you’re thinking that mac and cheese can be boring, why not put your own culinary spin on this classic? These mac and cheese bites, for instance, offer smaller and no-less delicious snacks to enjoy as one of many tasty birthday party side dishes.

Just because it’s a birthday party, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be worried about the calories. Offer a healthy mac and cheese dish instead so you can worry a little less.

Cupcakes

Another perfect snacking choice and easy birthday party food to offer are cupcakes, with another chance to show off your own touch of color and variety.

Yes, much like our cookies suggestion, there are plenty of cupcake choices to choose from. What is it that your kids really enjoy?

Mix color and flavor with bold frosting choices, which you can use to suit whatever the theme of the party. One special favorite recipe of ours are cupcakes designed to look like the green aliens from Toy Story.

BBQ Burgers and Sausages

Depending on the weather, a traditional selection of barbeque foods could keep both the kids and adults happy.

Making it on to our recommendation list for birthday party foods are a selection of tasty burgers and sausages. We’re including hot dogs in that suggestion, too! And if you’re looking to make the option a little healthier, you should look to make the burgers yourself.

If you’ve got vegetarians to cater for, don’t worry, either. You can still include them with a selection of vegetarian alternatives like these veggie burgers for kids.

Popcorn

Another favorite for kids to enjoy is popcorn. The variety in flavors means that there are options for everyone, whether they like it savory, sweet, or salty.

Having different options on offer is sure to make the kids happy, but if you just stick them in one bowl, it can be pretty boring. You could try arranging the popcorn in various different colored bowls alongside other easy candy for the kids to enjoy.

If you’re looking to make basic popcorn into something a bit more fun, here are 25 different popcorn recipes and arrangements that could work well as part of a menu for kids birthday parties like yours.

Mini Pizzas

There aren’t many kids out there who don’t live for a little pizza on their plate, so whether you make them yourself or just buy them from the store, mini pizzas could be a great addition to the menu.

The variety in toppings, bases, and even cheeses mean that you can cater to any nutritional requirements. Vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free, or just plain meat eaters can make the most of this pleasure food.

With these 20 tasty pizza recipes to choose from, this Italian delight will surely go down a treat.

Chip and Dip Bowl

Last, but not least, on our list of easy birthday party food choices is another winner for variety and choice, the chip and dip bowl.

Most kids love to get messy with their food, and a selection of dips for them to dunk their chips into isn’t only fun for them to do, it’s tasty, too!

Use nacho chips for the bowl, as they tend to suit plenty of flavored dips. If you’re looking for ideas on what dips you could offer, here’s a few healthy nacho recipes for everyone to enjoy.

If you’re handy in the kitchen, home-made party food can be tastier than buying supplies from the store while helping you to keep the costs down. Here are six other ways you can keep your party costs to a minimum.

Make a Success of Your Kids Birthday Party Menu

So, there you have it! 8 varied party foods that will help you make a success of your kids birthday party menu.

Planning a party can be pretty stressful, so don’t forget one of the most important parts – your child’s costume! If you’re struggling to decide on a theme, here are 5 kid’s party ideas that could work for even the fussiest child.

Liked our food ideas? Check out some other party tips from our birthday wishes articles.