My Little girls Birthday party.

[Lizzy 0]

Hi,

My little girl is 5 in October and im wanting to plan a birthday party for her. She has some friends in school (just a few) and about 4 others in the family whom would be attending.

Do i do this at home? or would a better idea be try and find a venue to do it in.

Im lost at whats the norm in America, i dont want to get it wrong.

Thanks for your help.

Mel

[Heracles 417]

How about that place Chuck E. Cheese...

[chri'stina 190]

I think it's fine to have it at home, and it's less expensive too. A lot of people have birthday parties at home here. When I worked with preschoolers(aged 3-5) they all threw birthday parties and they were usually at their house or at a park(free still). Some had "princess parties", which seemed to be the most popular with the little girls. They'd pick their favorite Disney princess or some other princess and try to dress like her at the party.

[kirk and Jenny 0]

I have heard many things. At home with games works. Here in Montana some mothers take a group of children to a water park. I think if you have cake you can't lose. Hope this helps. The most pleasant party I went to was in the Philippines. It was in a park near a beach. They had a Pinyata. Later the children were all taken to a swimming pool.

[Traviesa 0]

I read an article about this the other day, about how kids' birthdays are going over the top, because the parents want to impress their friends or whatever...

The basic thing is, kids don't really care, as long as you feed them cake and let them play. I think I had my fifth birthday at Chucky Cheese-that's still an extremely popular place for lots of kids and they still do birthday parties I believe. The cost of tokens to play games can run a little expensive though.

Lots of kids love themed birthday parties-get all the plates, napkins, cups, party hats, etc. designed with her favorite character, or you could do like a princess theme. Many grocery store bakeries can make you a cake designed with your theme, or you could make it yourself and buy some small plastic toys to decorate it with...have a couple small games or activities planned (simple arts and crafts, make your own pizzas, or something active outside) and then let the kids run with it. Prepare a simple goodie bag for all the young guests to take home and you've got yourself a successful 5th birthday party!

[JenT 0]

5-year olds love to dress up... you could have a dress up party, or a tea party. I've had many theme parties with my girls over the years... we once made fancy hats for our 'tea party'. I tried to include a craft, a couple of games, and then the present opening and the cake eating... Kids that age need a variety of things to do or they get bored easily. I've also often scheduled around a meal time, so that lunch or dinner (pizza) was included.

We've also done the non-home parties... the gymnastics center, Chuck-E-Cheese, swimming at the community center, bowling, etc...

As they got older, sleepover parties beame the norm. By then, they are pretty self-sufficient, so keep 'em fed and give 'em a few DVDs and they are good to go. I have a hot tub outdoors, so there's usually a converging out there at some point...

When my oldest turned 13, we rented two hotel adjoining hotel rooms, decorated the heck out of them, and she invited a few friends. They took over the rooms, arcade, hotel pool, etc.. for the night. (I stayed in a room across the hall....)

As far as invitations go, schools usually have a rule about not sending invitations home with classmates through school backpacks unless the entire class is invited, so if you only have a few to invite, send invitations privately.

Have fun!! Five is a great age.... but then, every age has been great with my girls... including their teen years...

Jen

[Traviesa 0]

To add to what Jen said about schools and invitations, that is definitely something to ask about. Also, sometimes moms like to send cupcakes to school with the birthday child-make sure the school/teacher allows that before doing it.

I will never forget when I was probably about 4 (and I can't believe I actually remember this) I brought some birthday party invitations to my ballet/tap class but not for everyone...it caused a huge problem, lots of hurt feelings, and I ended up in tears. Just use your best judgment and try not to put your daughter in an awkward position with friends or classmates.

[Lizzy 0]

Thanks guys, your all stars for helping me out.

Being a first time mom and trying to make sure emily fits in, is hard.

At the moment she is in a private nursery becuase she is to young for Pre K, i asked hubby to ask the teacher for a list of names of children that emily hangs with, i hope this works .

Edited September 13, 2006 by Lizzy

[Lou Lou 1]

There are some real bargains for kids parties in Dollar Tree stores if you have one around you.

[JenT 0]

Thanks guys, your all stars for helping me out.

Being a first time mom and trying to make sure emily fits in, is hard.

At the moment she is in a private nursery becuase she is to young for Pre K, i asked hubby to ask the teacher for a list of names of children that emily hangs with, i hope this works .

Parties are a great way to foster friendships outside of school. You might want to even talk to some of the moms of these kids to see how open they might be to a play date here and there, once you see how they interact at a party. There have been a many time when I came home from picking one of the girls up from school with an extra child or two in the car with us . Of course, that's easier once they've graduated from having to ride in a car seat!

You're a wonderful mom for thinking about all of this.. good for you!

Jen