Planning a Child's Birthday Party – Assvice Wanted on Miss Britt

Planning a Child's Birthday Party – Assvice Wanted

by Miss Britt on February 26, 2009

Hello, Internet.

You know how, sometimes, you come out of the woodwork with your words of wisdom and your well meaning suggestions for how I should fix this and handle that and basically live my life so much better than I am doing it now?

And you know how, sometimes, I like to dub that particular brand of helpfulness Internet Assvice?

Well, Internet, I’d like to assure you that the term Assvice is in no way meant to be anything but highly complimentary and should absolutely, in no way, discourage you from dispensing with it now.

In other words…

Dear Internet (and also God and Baby Jesus), please help me.

My daughter is turning 4 next week. We have (finally) set a date and time for her birthday party. The festivities are set for this Sunday at 2pm.

The guests include many of our adult friends and their children. (PS – if you’re a local friend of mine and I didn’t invite you it’s because I feel like a tool doing so because I don’t want to be pushy because I’m really awkward at this whole new friend thing but if you’d, say, like to bring your adorable little three year old and you’re totally awesome husband to our potentially awesome – if the Internet pulls through for me – party… email me. And if not, that’s totally cool too. AWKWARD! ACK!)

Anyway. Adult friends. Kids. Small handful of kids. Like, say 3-5 kids around Emma’s age and a couple around Devin’s age (he’s 9).

I’ve only ever hosted a family birthday party for the kids. Because, you know, we used to have family before we moved 1400 miles away from them. Family birthday parties are easy. You tell everyone a time, you clean up your house, you hide the dirty laundry from your in-laws and put out some cake and a potluck and Voila! Party!

You don’t need activities for a family party because First Grandson/Granddaughter And Future Heir To The Throne is all the activity you need for a bunch of middle aged and old people. You sit around in a circle while the Birthday Person runs from one relative to another and tells them thank you before moving on to the next box of wrapping paper. That’s how it’s done.

I’m pretty sure you can only get away with that shit with family.

So, Internet, what the hell do I do with a house full of adults who don’t really know one another and a handful of kids who don’t really know one another and a birthday girl whose only request is GIMME A MICKEY MOUSE PARTY AND A CAR!!?

Oh – and I have 2.5 days and an ittttty bitty budget to pull it off.

And…. go.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Posted in Kids and Parenting - Real Mommy Blogging Tagged: adult friends, Birthday, birthday parties, birthday party, birthday person, emma, family, guests, internet, kids, Mickey Mouse, the Internet

59 Comments so far

avitable February 26, 2009 9:24 am
Four words.

Jonas Brothers Impersonators Strippers.

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Finn Reply:
February 26th, 2009 at 10:54 am
@avitable, The Jonas Brothers impersonate strippers? I’d pay to see that.

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Melanie (Modern Mami) February 26, 2009 9:54 am
BUBBLE MACHINE! It was a hit at my daughter’s recent 3 year party. Turn it on, put on some kid music, let them run & scream.

Oh, and pizza & cake. They’ll be happy.

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FyreGoddess February 26, 2009 10:10 am
The biggest piece of assvice I can give you is to not overplan. Try to have a bunch of activities, but be ready for NONE of them to fly. At that age kids are going to do their own thing and may not want to play games or do activities.

One fun thing to do, especially with young ones in small numbers is face painting. The paint isn’t too expensive and you can find simple guides online that you can work with. Also (and I’m a fan of this because it’s a hobby of mine), balloon animals.

Anything that makes noise is going to be great for that age. Anything that makes a mess (painting, silly string, etc.) is also a lot of fun.

Best idea, though? Go to a dollar store with Emma and let her pick out fun things to do and party favors. That’ll help keep the cost WAY down. I <3 dollar stores.

For the adults, I don’t really know. You could probably put together games to play with them, like Mad Libs or something, but without knowing the people, it’s a lot harder with adults than kids. Kids (especially that age) are a lot more universal than adults.

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fidget February 26, 2009 10:11 am
BOUNCE HOUSE!!!!! Srsly. biggest hit ever.. or you could stuff a pinta with a killer combo of lollipops and weed that way everyone is happy

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Kathy February 26, 2009 10:12 am
How about a lot of do-it-yourself kid stuff?

Set them up a table with stickers and junk and a blank party crown and let them decorate. And instead of cake, do decorate your own cupcakes. Or mini pizzas. Anything to take up time. I think this would interest the younger ones, I don’t know about the 9 year olds. Wii?

And kids new to your house will like to just play with your kids’ stuff since it is new to them.

You might want to stock up on the headache remedies, kid parties are LOUD.

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Mindee@ourfrontdoor.us February 26, 2009 10:15 am
Pray that Emma wakes up with a fever and you get to call everyone and cancel and promise her a big party next year and then eat all of the cake yourselves.

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Blondefabulous February 26, 2009 10:17 am
Um….. the bubble machine sounded good. Also, goodie bags are cool. Make a kid version & an “adult” version. I also learned how to make animal balloons one year. I was a hit at chuckie cheeses for all the birthday parties, not just my kids!

I know how you feel though. I have one child turning 7 on March 4th, and another turning 10 on March 8th! I gotta get two parties together 4 days apart from each other! ACK!!!!!

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Mama Bub February 26, 2009 10:25 am
What about having them decorate their own cupcakes. You can bake them (from a box, obv) and then just have a few frosting and sprinkles options. You would have to have some sort of cake option anyway and now it’s an ACTIVITY.

Also, maybe some sort of craft? I’ve seen really cute mini canvases at the dollar store and each kid could paint their own?

Note the excess of question marks signifying that I’m not at all sure whether this idea is GOOD or LAME.

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MidLifeMama February 26, 2009 10:26 am
We just went to a 3 year old’s party. There were appetizers for the adults and kids who would eat them (not mine because he eats 5 things right now), snack items for the kids, wine and beer for the adults. We didn’t all know each other, but no one cared. We all talked and made sure our kids didn’t kill each other or destroy the house. There were a few activities planned, like pin the tail on the donkey, which was actually pin the watch on Dora the Explorer. Kids under 4 don’t get this game at all. Mostly they wanted to run in circles and play with the toys they didn’t have at home. There was a cake, so there was a moment for singing and eating cake, but outside of that, it was pretty low maintenance. I wouldn’t worry about the adults, put out some appetizers or pizza or whatever, and have some drink options. The kids, if you want a few activities, a scavenger hunt is always a hit, younger kids may need some help finding things. It will be fine.

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PaintingChef February 26, 2009 10:26 am
The adults are easy… feed them alcohol. But the kids… wow. I’ve been to a couple of kids parties and the jump castle was always a big hit. But I think anything where they can get messy is probably a big hit. Throw some sand in a kiddie pool and bury lots of cheap little things in it and let them dig for “buried treasure”. Or decorating cupcakes seems like a good idea too. A bucket of sidewalk chalk? I’ve got nothing. Which makes sense because I’ve got no kids…

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MidLifeMama February 26, 2009 10:27 am
Oh – there was no opening the presents while everyone was there, and I recommend that approach. Let her open her stuff later, and send thank you cards. You open new stuff up in front of other kids, and suddenly her brand new whatever has been drooled on, chewed on and broken by someone and that is bad.

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hello haha narf Reply:
February 26th, 2009 at 11:24 am
@MidLifeMama,

i don’t have kids, but isn’t four young to be selfish with toys? and she can’t write, right?

sorry, i am just baffled by your comment. good thing i don’t have kids, eh?!

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Miss Britt Reply:
February 26th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
@hello haha narf, Emma can write her name very well, actually.

But, yeah, we open presents in front of people. And I’m on kid #2 now, so that part I’m still confident in.

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MidLifeMama Reply:
February 26th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
@hello haha narf, I didn’t mean that the recipient would be selfish. I just know that kids tend not to have boundaries, and it is nice for kids to have the chance to play with their own stuff before other kids have a chance to do any damage. However, 2, 3, 4 years of age is exactly the age for kids to be “selfish”. It just goes with the territory. They learn to share.

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ADW February 26, 2009 10:32 am
Alcohol. And I use that with the in-laws as well.

If you need cheap, just get some Boone’s. Or Mad Dog 40/40. And call it a “White Trash” party. You can do a really cheap theme party if that is the theme. Go to the junkyard. Throw around some empty beer cans.

Or…. since you will have little kids there, go to Sears or Home Depot or HH Gregg (wherever) and beg them for empty washer/dryer/fridge boxes, get a bunch of glue, construction paper and magic markers and let them make a shanty community. Or spaceships. Tell them to use their imagination. But you will still need booze for the adults.

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always home and uncool February 26, 2009 10:44 am
Cocktails, chips, salsa and that video of Adam dancing.

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brittany February 26, 2009 10:46 am
I always opt for themes, because then I don’t have to explain myself, because I was simly operating under the conditions the theme allows.

1. Carnival. A bunch of random games kids would love: ring toss, duck pond, face painting from you with a clown nose on, etc. Serve: popcorn, soft pretzels, candy, corn dogs, lemonade, fun lemonade liquor drink.

2. Picnic: Red checkered table clothes on tables, little black plastic ants scattered across the table. Serve: hot dogs & hamburgers or cold cut sandwiches, side salads, chips, cold soda and beer, Watermelon decorated cake.

3. Fiesta: Bright mexi colors, chips and salsa scattered around on the tables. Let the kids smash eggs on eachother (remove bottom of egg, remove yolk, dry, decorate eggs, fill with colorful confetti, cover hole with tape, kids run around smashing eggs on eachother, my kids love this, fun tradition), Serve: Make your own tacos or burritos, rice, beans, MARGIS!

4. DIY Party: Lots of crafts outside for kids, like decorate your own cookies, make your own mini pizza, tie dying, etc. Parents stay inside and drink and nod in amazement when kid runs in 20 times to show them what they made.

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Melizzard February 26, 2009 10:54 am
Ahh Grasshopper.. with 15 elementary aged kids on my street alone we dance this dance at least once a month ususally more.

1. Jumpy House – it’s all the kids will need. I’d say waterslide if it was Saturday but a cold front is supposed to come through Sat night – with Rain. You know it might rain on Sunday too right?

2. Kids food: Hotdogs, Mac & Cheese, Tater Tots, Ketchup – Done

3. Adult food: Everyone brings an appetizer/snack. You grill some meat, make a huge hash brown casserole, bunch of Asian coleslaw, and a pot of baked beans. Done

4: Booze lots of booze

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BusyDad February 26, 2009 10:55 am
The grownups? They will have to fend for themselves. Awkward birthday parties where you sit around looking at your watch and shoveling Doritos to kill time come with the territory. Provide beer. That is all.

For the kiddos? Lots of arts and crafts. Just go to an art supply store and get lots of paper, markers, glue, sparkly things etc. and just the kids have at it. Kids are easy to entertain. Kids love to get messy, as I am sure you know. Trying to organize them to play a game or group activity is FUTILE. Let let them do their thing.

That’s straight from the ass.

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Finn February 26, 2009 10:56 am
When Lil’ M was three we had family parties. Or rather we just had an extra cake on Thanksgiving (his birthday is right before Thanksgiving).

He wasn’t even walking on his third birthday and none of my friends had kids then and generally preferred the company of adults so I’m of absolutely no help.

And yet…

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NYCWD February 26, 2009 11:00 am
The Menu: I would suggest pizza, Hi-C, and Entenmann’s cake for the kids. I would suggest pizza, spiked punch, and Entenmann’s cake for the adults.

The Activities: I would suggest the standard games like “Pin the Bow on the Blonde”, hide and seek, and some sort of crafty thing… like popsicle sticks w/edible glue for the kids. I would suggest a game of whenever someone says “Mommy”, you all do a Jell-O shot for the adults and get a breathalyzer from a cop or a friend into gadgets and get them to play a game of “Who Can Blow The Highest” without puking. The winner gets a cab ride home.

The Duration: The kids party should last 3 hours. The adult party should last until 3am.

Yeah… I could totally have a career as a party planner.

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SingleParentDad February 26, 2009 11:01 am
I agree with lots of the ideas here, cheap crafty stuff that the kids can do, help each other with, and then take them home. Games like musical statues and bumps should suit both age ranges, even if the older ones are a tad reluctant.

Oh, and on the craft front you could even get them to all do a hand/foot print or whatever on the same sheet and then decorate their name next to it, then if it turns out OK you can keep it.

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Melizzard February 26, 2009 11:03 am
Whoops – forgot the pinata – always do a a pinata!

The setup gives the Dads something to do instead of just standing around being useless.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/melizard/1127096997/in/set-72157601452927316/

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DemMom February 26, 2009 11:23 am
Let the kids make their own personal size pizzas. Let the adults do it too, if they want. I don’t really think you need to entertain the adults specifically at a 4 year old’s party. That’s the age when we started “drop off” parties, and that makes me extremely happy! No parents I don’t really know around for my kids’ parties, and I don’t have to spend another 2 hours watching other people’s kids eat/dress up/jump on each other, etc. etc. etc.

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hello haha narf February 26, 2009 11:25 am
PINATA!!!

(yeah, i am no help because i am a firm believer that the kids will play with any and everything while the adults interact. food, drink and friends…all anyone needs for a party in my book!)

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SciFi Dad February 26, 2009 11:34 am
For adults: BEER. Lots and lots and lots of beer.

For kids: Arts and Crafts (pick up some cheap supplies; you don’t want your kids complaining that people are messing up their stuff) always go over well… grab a craft idea from an online site and then prep it for the kids to make (say a mask or a party hat or something).

Or, if that seems like too much work, just tell the kids Adam has chocolate hidden somewhere in his pockets and let them assault him all afternoon.

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Summer February 26, 2009 11:34 am
I wish I had some advice, we’ve only ever done family parties too. You can’t go wrong with cake, ice cream, and silly games.

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Sybil Law February 26, 2009 11:36 am
Dangit! Becky just took my comment. Pinatas are fun for kids that age, but I think I liked Kathy’s suggestion the most. It’s a hard age to keep those kids occupied. Delivery pizza is always a hit, fruit for the kids, make sure you have milk and stuff like that, and of course – booze for the adults. Keep it under 2 hours, or no longer than 2 hours. Real food first, then activity time, then present/ cake time, then out the door!
Or that’s how I always did it.

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J from Ireland February 26, 2009 11:39 am
A Bouncing castle is always a big hit, but can be expensive to hire. Bring out old fancy dresses and play jewellery and maybe an adult paint the nails for the girls. For the boys maybe cheap plastic water guns? Print out score cards for the Wii and have an overall competition.
Definitly beer and wine for the adults. The best of luck to you.

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Blondefabulous February 26, 2009 11:51 am
When I was strapped for cash, I learned how to make balloon animals as entertainment. I was a hit for years to come! The bubble machine and bounce houses sound good as well.

I am in the same pickle x2! I have a child turning 7 on March 4th, and another child turning 10 on March 8th!!! AUGHHHHHH!!!!

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Celtic Dragon February 26, 2009 11:53 am
what Fidget said plus pony rides are cool and can fertilize your yard at the same time.

Don’t forget the beer as it is more a party for the parents at this point as the kids will do only what they want at this age.

you can be the most organized person in the world and it won’t matter here. I know from expirence…

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Tiffany February 26, 2009 11:54 am
When my neice turned 5, my sister bought a cardboard castle that all the kids could color on. I have to admit that us adults got into it, too! She bought at Hobby Lobby, but I have seen them at toy stores also. (and it kind of works with a disney theme, you could call it a Disney caslte. Maybe get some Micky Mouse stickers to embellish?)

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Ed (zoesdad) February 26, 2009 12:10 pm
Dang, if you can’t figure out what to do after all these you’re in big trouble.

The only thing I have to offer–dress up! Go to the Goodwill store–tons of beads, rings, scarfs, hats, shirts, etc. and let the kids dress up. (The adults can play later when all of the alcohol has kicked in.)

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Mr Lady February 26, 2009 12:17 pm
I am the world’s greatest birthday party thrower. Email me your number, woman.

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radioactivetori February 26, 2009 12:27 pm
I so wish I lived near you! When my daughter turned 4 I made the most adorable mickey mouse cupcakes. I would love to make them for you but I am feeling that they would get really gross on the way there since I live so far.

Is it warm outside? Because if so do bubbles and all kinds of outdoor toys would be awesome. Keep the kids outside as much as possible and then you avoid the extra mess inside.

I’m not sure how you feel about mess, but you could have the kids each make their own pizza. It is a fun activity for them and also provides their food. Or decorate their own cupcake. You see where I am going here…as much as you can, multitask. Make the activities count as their food or party favor or whatever.

If you do the party outside, you can have games of who can keep a balloon in the air longest, etc. They sound lame, but kids always have a good time with it.

As far as adults go, I am not sure there really is a way to make it perfect. But adults can fend for themselves don’t you think? I know quite often I don’t know anyone at a party I am at and eventually we all end up talking because of the kid common denominator.

Good luck! And remember this is supposed to be FUN! It doesn’t have to be perfect!

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Fogspinner February 26, 2009 12:28 pm
POT LUCK.

Really. Do the same thing as you would with family. These are your friends even if some are new to the fold.

You supply ummm Hambugers and Hotdogs and the fixings and ask everyone else to bring a side dish. Have a few bags of chips on hand in case all you get is sushi and port, you know, for the kids…

RELAX. She’s 4. If the cake is pretty and the present has a big bow she’ll be totally thrilled.

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Bonnie B. February 26, 2009 12:30 pm
Assvice comin’ up – (1) do not organize any games or do anything involving glue, nail polish or tiny little sparkly things because you will hate yourself during and after the party because those kids are too little for that. (2) Call Mr. Lady ASAP, that woman knows her shit.

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Libby February 26, 2009 1:02 pm
One suggestion: Chocolate Fountain. You can pick one up at Wal-Mart or Target for around $30-40 and you can reuse for parties in the future. You will end up being the coolest mom on the block because all the kids will know that you have it. The adults will enjoy too! Get sone strawberries, pineapple, bananas, marshmellows, pound cake, you name it! The only thing is that is it messy so I absolutely suggest you do this outdoors! Oh, don’t forget the wooden shish-kabob skewers; they work better than toothpicks!

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B.E. Earl February 26, 2009 1:19 pm
Jim Beam, ginger beer (or ginger ale), bitters, ice and a lemon peel.

The drink is called a Horse’s Neck. I’ve survived many a child’s birthday party with just this recipe.

My work here is done.

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Jaime February 26, 2009 1:35 pm
Simple and cheap….

1. go to the local discount party supply store, and see what they have. I suggest taking Emma with you to make her part of it, and ensure that what you pick is going to be SO COOL in her 4 year old eyes. Get inexpensive paper plates, napkins, etc. Sometimes they have paper crap you can hang up that goes with the theme. Crepe paper streamer junk is somewhere in the ball park of $0.39 a roll. If you want, order up a dozen helium balloons.
2. Buy a cake at the grocery store if you don’t want to (or have time to) make one. They can go for $8, and they’ll write Happy Birthday Emma for free. You can put some bit of the “theme” on the cake too, whether it’s a cartoon character, a color scheme, whatever. Don’t forget ice cream and candles.
3. Order party tray pizzas. Cheapest way to feed a crowd.
4. They are 4. Just use the good old fashioned basics. Musical chairs. Duck duck goose. Free play time in the yard. Red rover. Tag. When you are at the discount party supply place, look for cheap shit that kids will love like pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey. You can get some of that stuff for a buck at these places – and the kids LOVE it.
5. Pick up a few bags of chips, pretzels, etc. to stick in bowls for munchies for all ages. Get 2 liters of sugary soda for the kids, and beer/wine/whatever for adults.
6. Clean up, set out the paper shit, welcome company, and take lots of pictures. Memorable party on a shoestring budget. You will have a hard time deciding who loved it more – the adults or the kids.
7. Employ a friend for basics, like scooping ice cream while you dish out the cake, passing plates, etc.

Bouncing castle? Seriously? Wow. It would be awesome, but not on a shoestring budget. It’s a birthday party with a few kids, not a 250 person corporate picnic at a beach pavillion. I don’t even think I could get one of those in our yard…. Cool idea though, if you can do it.

All due respect, I would NOT NOT NOT suggest the chocolate fountain. There is something you must understand about the chocolate fountains. Chocolate by itself doesn’t melt into that thin of a liquid. The special chocolate for those fountains is really like 25% chocolate and 75% oil. Guess what that does to floors, furniture, fabrics, etc? Yeah, not so good… Unless maybe it’s outside?

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Libby Reply:
February 26th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
@Jaime, Actually, there isn’t a special choclate required, at least for mine. I use regular Hershey’s bars and the recipe calls for 3tbs of vegetable oil. Not a whole lot in the grand scheme of things. And, ABSOLUTELY OUTSIDE! The first time we used it there were only 4 of us and it was still messy. But it wasn’t messy in the actual use of the fountain or eating it, it was in the beginning of how to get the freakin’ melted chocolate into the damn thing! But, we learned to pour said chocalate into fountain after you have it set up where you want it! That saves a TON of hassle!

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Jaime Reply:
February 26th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
@Libby, I did not know you could run any of those things with only 3 tbs. of oil. That is a huge surprise, and I’m really glad you posted this info. I looked into one for a wedding, and saw the contents of the pre-mixed stuff, and decided I didn’t really want to be eating that crap. Your method sounds better. Maybe the big rental ones are different from the ones you buy for use at home? I don’t know.

The rental ones open up, and you put the chocolate crap inside, where it melts, and then the pump pulls it upwards and out the spouts.

ANYway, you are more fun than I am. I’m takin a page from your book, and next time I’m at Meijers, I’m looking at these things. If it’s only 3 tbs. of oil and some Hersheys, I’m bringing one home stat! I’ll holler at you if I get one. )

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whall February 26, 2009 1:45 pm
I probably have a lot of good ideas seeing as how I’ve hosted, planned or supported many kids’ birthday parties for the last 14 years or so, but I’m coming up blank for the moment. I’m sure you’ll do fine and {{HUGZZZZ}} and you RAWK and I love your blog so so so much. [insert your daughter's name here] is SO CUTE!

–

that? is Assvice.

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Faiqa February 26, 2009 2:08 pm
Hahaha@ whall.

OK. Is there going to be unlimited amounts of cake? Yes? Alright.

Plan Emma’s party. Check.

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Susan Payton February 26, 2009 2:17 pm
Alcohol. simple. and some for the adults too.

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Susan Payton February 26, 2009 2:35 pm
do we see susan’s pic now?

don’t forget the cheesy 90s music for the grownups.

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Toe February 26, 2009 4:19 pm
Booze and lots of it. For the adults, of course, unless you find drunk toddlers as adorable as I do.

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Chris February 26, 2009 4:25 pm
Booze and lots of it, maybe a fountain of booze? (no I don’t have kids, is it obvious?)

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Marti February 26, 2009 4:45 pm
We’re supposed to throw a party for our kids’ birthdays?

No one told me that. No wonder they’re all in therapy.

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Sarah February 26, 2009 5:36 pm
My 4th birthday we went to Disneyland because that’s where the grandparents live (in SoCal, not actually disneyland.)

But when I was young I remember pinatas and pin the tail on the donkey. Also lots of water balloon fights. My birthday is also in the spring here.

I really didn’t help at all did I?

But kids entertain easily, just remember that.

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usedtobeme February 26, 2009 5:52 pm
Dude, this is easy. Hire a magician. I had one for 11’s 5th birthday and it was a hit all the way around.

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Allyson February 26, 2009 6:03 pm
Tie dye t-shirts are fun for all ages, messy, but cheap. Get a couple of sand buckets, fill them with water and shirt dye, buy a couple of packs of white t-shirts, and find some rubberbands. Seriously, this is fun for adults, kids, everybody. And it comes with li’l gifties! Each person can take home the t-shirt they made!

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Shash February 26, 2009 7:33 pm
Call me. I just hosted the best party EVAH. I have all the answers you seek, grasshopper.

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Elaine at Lipstickdaily February 26, 2009 11:26 pm
For Maggie’s 4th birthday, we invited her classmates and parents over. We had a craft set upon on the table in the playroom – - decorating paper crowns with stick on gems and stickers. The kids just wanted to run around and play, the grownups did the craft and drank wine. Ordered pizza and had cake. We all had a great time.

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agedwards February 26, 2009 11:30 pm
don’t forget the toy balloon, it make your party cheerful..!

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Sheila February 27, 2009 12:24 am
Did you ever play with a parachute before? Super fun. And, instead of finding a parachute (unless you know where to get one real quick) use a king sized bed sheet. Here are several variations of games that can be played with a parachute… http://www.youthwork-practice.com/games/parachute-games.html is one site to check out. Or, you know, just google ‘parachute games’

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Britt's Mom February 27, 2009 12:42 am
Jeez – can I TELL you how inadequate I feel after reading all this stuff??

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Lynda February 27, 2009 4:35 am
I went to a party for a friend of my nephew a few weeks ago. They grilled food, bought bags of potato chips and cut fruit at Costco. The adults mingled near where the food was. The kids were all over the place and a video was on the TV. It was really nice.

The thing is that the party was suppose to be at the local park, but because of rain they moved it to the house. If you decide to go the park route, you may want to call the city to see if you need/can reserve the area.

As a kid, one of the games I remember at my birthday party was pin the tail on the donkey. I bet my mom still has that old game, and I am pretty sure I’ve seen it at Toy R Us or something.

I haven’t read the other comments, but I’m of the less is more mentality. I also am probably not that big of a help.

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Cissa Fireheart February 27, 2009 8:09 am
You can’t beat the classics – musical chairs, get some balloons and have balloon popping races, sack races….3 legged races….it’s amazing what we adults will do as well with these simple party games. And most of the supplies for these games you already have or can get fairly cheap at party supply stores. Plus all those games can span the age groups. Get nice little prizes for the winners, toys from the dollar store or the inexpensive toys aisle at the local store.

Also? a pinata ….you can get them at walmart or target and the filler too and very reasonably priced.

Another idea is just have a table full of coloring supplies, blank paper, markers, crayons, etc, and they can draw her birthday pictures… or a nice big poster board saying HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY EMMA, and have all her friends, and the adults, draw a pretty picture or write a message on it then she can hang it on her bedroom wall

Twister is always fun, for kids and adults.

you could always try Pictionary for the adults, or you know, lots of liquor…or both…

good luck and sorry if these ideas were repeated….i didn’t have time to read all 50+ responses so far…

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Sheila (Charm School Reject) February 27, 2009 10:54 am
I’m a lazy parent. We go to JumpFunZone. I split the cost with my best friend (whose son’s birthday is right after mine) so that I don’t want to throw myself out the window whiling writing a $350 check.

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Marni February 27, 2009 5:35 pm
Wow. I am too lazy to read all 54 comments to make sure I don’t repeat.

I am too cheap to go to jumpy places or anything that costs at 4 though…

AT HOME, you can:

do a pinata
do some sort of coloring/creative game
entertain with decorating dollar store princess stuff
hot potato
musical chairs
or collect a ton of all sizes of socks, make a circle, set a timer and see who can put the most on one foot.

I am sure there are more great ideas up too, might have to look back later when I get closer to my son’s fourth, in uh, 2 months. lol.

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Karen MEG February 27, 2009 9:40 pm
Oh geez, I just had the girlie’s 4th BD party at an indoor playground, ‘cuz I don’t like to clean. And I didn’t feel like hosting 20 kids plus parents either. You are brave indeed, hosting it at home.

The first things that came to my mind were:
1/ Pinata – big hit with the kids AND adults, because usually the kids can’t break it, and the adults have a go.. big fun…
2/ Alcohol for adults, natch;
3/ Karaoke, after the alcohol? Depends on how long the party goes…
4/ For the kids – Magician, or princess or clown, or travelling lizard zoo? Musical chairs, crafts, or decorate their own cupcakes? That usually takes up a good deal of time and the kids love using their hands.

Good luck!

Reply
Whit March 6, 2009 11:29 am
The secret behind any successful party is an easy one: beer and a pinata. Works every time.

Reply
mommy in trouble July 19, 2009 9:57 pm
I need a jonas brothers pinata for my daughters birthday and i am willing to do ”
anthing” for it please helpa

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Planning a Child's Birthday Party – Assvice Wanted

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