Similar to a baby shower, an adoption party welcomes a new child into a family. This can be a great way to celebrate a child of any age joining their new family through the adoption process. Because of the range of ages, there are many different types of parties that are appropriate. And planning them can vary greatly based on the age of the child. Read on for our favorite adoption party ideas.
What is a Gotcha Party?
A gotcha party is a term used to describe a party held to celebrate the successful adoption of a child into their new family. They are held shortly after, or on, the day the adoption is completed. And in some families, they become annual celebrations like birthdays.
Many families become complete through the adoption process. And these parties are a way to celebrate that and to remind their children how much they are loved. Since the adoption process can be long and stressful, this is a wonderful way to enjoy the result and all the work that went into it. Inviting friends and family allows everyone to share their joy together.
How do you celebrate an Adoption?
Adoption can be celebrated in many different ways. This could be from taking the family out for dinner, redoing a bedroom, having people over after the documents are signed and everything is official, or to an adoption party.
Adoption parties allow everyone in the family and all their friends to come and share their congratulations. And share in the joy of a new united family. It is one of the biggest milestones in a child’s life, and their parents’ as well. Many will have parties with food, sometimes gifts, and dancing or playing games. They can look like a birthday party or a baby shower. They are intended to not only create a welcoming environment for the child but also to celebrate the love that brought them together.
Other ways to celebrate might include a vacation to a place the child likes to visit. A trip to a theme park, water park, or amusement park can be a great celebration of the moment. Some may celebrate with gifts or family photos with the whole family. Their purpose is to make the child feel as if they are truly part of the family no matter what happens next, and that they are both wanted and loved.
Best Adoption Party Ideas
Some of the best party ideas are those created specifically for the child and family being celebrated. With so many personalities and preferences around the world, there is no one-size-fits-all but there are many great ideas that will appeal to different demographics and families.
A cultural themed party is a fun idea. Include food, decorations, and traditions from the adopted culture or their adoptive family. Using a cultural theme that combines both can be a way of recognizing that the two already exist in harmony. Additionally, the child is able to retain the knowledge and experience of their own culture while also accepting and enjoying the cultural heritage of their new family.
A family reunion can be another way to bring new family members together and help them learn more about their extended family. Although it is best suited for those who are unlikely to be overwhelmed by meeting more people and feel that they are becoming less individual, and for people who want to be part of a big family and get to know everyone related to them .
Adoption Party Ideas for Older Children
The best idea for older children is to make sure they are part of the process. Ask if they would like to have a party, and what kind of party they enjoy. Let them choose their favorite foods, invite the people they care about the most, and decide if they want it at home or somewhere else. Involving them in the planning will be more enjoyable for them. Plus, they are more likely to be engaged in the process and the resulting party.
Incorporating music and games that the newly adopted child enjoys can help people learn more about them and become familiar with the things they enjoy. It’s an easy way to share their favorite things with everyone, and when birthdays and other gift-giving occasions come around, it helps them feel like they fit in and people can buy them. gift they will love. While gifts are not required to be included in an adoption party, some people may like to bring small gifts. It’s not bad to have either, gift or no gift, and it should be planned or arranged in a way that creates the least amount of tension or discomfort.
Adoption Party Ideas for Younger Children
A party can be based on things that interest the child the most. This can result in a zoo themed party for someone who loves animals. Or a science center party for someone who likes to experiment and see how the world around them works. A waterpark party can be a great experience for a child who has never enjoyed these types of outings. And having their friends there can bring extra fun. They create a sense of inclusiveness that can be much needed.
Informal dinner parties for younger children may be appropriate. They are calmer and may be best suited to infants or toddlers, where they can interact in a relaxed setting without loud music or crowds. Young people can enjoy this approach too, perhaps with a BBQ spin or going to their favorite fancy restaurant. Children who are preteen or younger can enjoy a pizza party at an event venue, perhaps an arcade or bowling alley.
Choosing an activity they enjoy, such as making a new bear that fits the ones their family has built, making a bear family that mimics themselves can be a great way to show off the family as a whole. Finish with ice cream or cake afterwards for a touch of the traditional party moment.
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About the Author
Jane Sheriff is the founder, creative director, party planner and mother of three. She started Darling Celebrations in 2012 to share easy and beautiful ideas for celebrating life’s special events.
