Engraved invitations. A full-day of events and activities and an invitation list of 60 of the family's closest friends (a second party for extended family members will be next week). A small wedding? Hardly: it's a typical toddler birthday party. Is it any wonder that the guest of honor is in tears?

A toddler's birthday is a special event and an exciting day for the whole family. But too much excitement can overwhelm toddlers, for whom an outing to the sandbox is a big event. Too much noise, too many faces and watching mom and dad scurrying around tending to party business may be a little frightening to the child of the day. The key to successful party planning is taking the birthday child's age, temperament, attention span and limitations into consideration.

Ace Hawkins, a party director who has planned many toddler birthday parties, reminds parents that the party is as much for the family as it is for the child. At this young age, a parent/child gathering might prove to be the best party plan. The secret is to keep it short and simple. The party should be no longer than one to two hours, and activities should include tots and their caregivers. Singing, dancing to music, reading stories and cake and ice cream are sure to go over well. Things may not go exactly as planned -- toddlers are by nature unpredictable. In fact, that's what makes this age so special. "Some of life's most memorable events are created by our chubby-cheeked toddlers!" says Hawkins. She advises parents to keep their sense of humor, relax and enjoy the celebration.

Jennifer Chaffman, aWoodstock, Ga. mom, is a veteran of toddler birthday planning. In the past, she felt obligated to invite a lot of children to a toddler party, but finds that a better alternative is to keep the guest list small. "Three to five [kids] is ideal," she says. For activities, Jennifer has found that bubbles and sidewalk chalk are big hits. She also finds setting toys out for free play a good idea, as well as providing plenty of balls for the toddlers to play with.

Ready to Order
Rebecca Burgess of Birthday Express suggests themed food for perfect parties. Try speedy sandwiches for a Hot Wheels party; Pokeman Pizza and Mt. Moon Milkshakes for a Pokemon party; Magic Wand Cookies for a Cinderella party; and Jungle Juice, Swamp Juice and Buggy Kool-Aid for a Bug's Life party.

Be sure that any foods served are toddler-friendly. Beware of choking hazards on the table and in the goody bags. Burgess recommends beanbags, stickers and squeeze toys for party favors. Juice boxes and crackers are perennial favorites, as well.

Let Me Entertain You!
Burgess recommends the following:

• Have more activities than you plan to use prepared in advance. Activities often take less time than planned.
• Pin the tail on the donkey, relay games, sack races, piņatas and treasure hunts are good activities to consider. If you plan a treasure hunt, make sure the "treasures" will not fit in the mouth of a curious toddler.
• Keep the party moving along so children will be too busy to get bored.
• Consider hiring a babysitter or having an older sibling on hand to help out at the party. Prep each person on his or her individual area before the party begins.

Overall, the experts agree that a simple, short party with a theme and activity agenda geared towards toddlers is a terrific option. Take your cues from your toddler to plan the party that is best for you and your family.