My son, Caleb, turns 3 on Labor Day Weekend and we have decided to throw him a little party with his friends. After the last two years with all of the family there turned into nightmares, we will be limiting it to his little friends ONLY. Here is the rub....I have NO IDEA what to do. There is a local Children's museum that sounds fun, but it is a pretty big expense ($170) and if not many kids show up, I am still out that full amount. Of course, last year I spent at least twice that to throw the huge family party (food, goody bags, beverages, ice, etc) so this might actually be a cost savings in the end.
I know we could do cake and ice cream in the backyard, but I am afraid that his grandparents would want to show up and I WILL NOT go through that again (long story). Some how it is August already and I have to get the invites out in the next few days. Argh! I am going to have to figure this out quick!
Anyone have any other ideas? I have never done this before and am feeling a little lost...
Birthday Party Planning woes
August 1st, 2007 at 04:40 pm
August 1st, 2007 at 04:51 pm 1185987106
August 1st, 2007 at 05:05 pm 1185987936
My daughter has two parties. One is for children only, and the other is for seven family members, God parents, etc. It works out well. At the family party, she picks up a couple of pizzas and has salad, and cake and ice cream. It works out well.
August 1st, 2007 at 05:11 pm 1185988277
This year we provided food/lunch but in past years I just made sure to have it in the afternoon so lunch or dinner wasn't expected. IT shouldn't cost much to whip up a few appetizers and buy a few sodas.
For outside a lot of the parties have kiddie play pools and bubble stuff (buckets of soap solution and those big bubble makers).
Beyond that, does he really *need* a party? While my friends spend hundreds of dollars every year on fancy places and bouncy houses and such we generally just invite a few friends over for something low key and everyone enjoys. Not like the kids care where it is. But beyond that if it was stressing me out that much I guess I just wouldn't see the point. At 3 they don't know any better if the party is a huge bash or just a quiet day with mom and dad.
August 1st, 2007 at 05:11 pm 1185988305
August 1st, 2007 at 09:40 pm 1186004438
Also, kids don't need a party every year. Cake at dinner with a few presents is fine, too.
August 2nd, 2007 at 01:17 am 1186017464
August 2nd, 2007 at 04:45 am 1186029925
August 2nd, 2007 at 02:58 pm 1186066707
Make this in a dispan, but don't use the coat hanger -- make a loop with 2 cut straws strung together on string. Have the kid hold the loop by the straws and strech their arms apart as far as they can go. Then just let the kids run around: the bubbles can get as big as they do! It's sooooo fun! Also, you can let the kids fingerpaint or all the messy stuff that they probably aren't allowed to do otherwise. And pizza and icecream! I want to go to this party.
February 2nd, 2008 at 04:02 am 1201924973