Party

[purpleme12]

I'm considering a party for my soon to be 3 year old - just in the house really. Just considering at the minute though. How much notice do you normally give for parties? and what kind of games do you think you would play for this? and how long would it be?

[wonderwoo]

4-6 weeks notice but it varies quite a lot. I would say 1 and a half hours to two hours at a max in length. Games: what's the time Mr wolf, music with bubble machine, pass the parcel, songs with actions such as hokey cokey. At that age, just put some toys out and let them play for a while too.

[purpleme12]

How many people would you invite to a party at your house at that age? Would you take into account that people might not be able to come as to how many to invite?

[wonderwoo]

Depends how big your house is. My friend probably had about 15 kids in her large house last year. In my standard three bed terraced house, then no more than 8 kids I would say (bearing in mind each guest will have at least one adult with them).

I would probably invite the max number of people I could manage, and then chase rsvps and if some cannot come then invite more (but be sensitive to groups of people, as you could hurt feelings if people realise they didn't make the first list!).

[purpleme12]

Mmm it's classed as 3 bed but the 3rd I'm not sure if it would fit a bed in. Downstairs is just lounge and kitchen. Not teeny tiny but obviously not a massive house either. Maybe i should just go for 6. Do you have party bags? What sort of things would you put in them?

[Evilstepmum01]

My DS was 3 in may, we did party for him on a weeks notice, only invited 3 kids and it was great! simple games (pass the parcel where everyone gets a prize!), bubbles and outside playtime.
We did simple party bags (tesco do little bubble bottles and party stuff) and everyone got a toy and a bit of cake and a party-blower thingy.
Keep it simple and fun!
And buy wine for the mummies and daddies!!

[purpleme12]

Did you do sweeties in the pass the parcel? I don't suppose you know how much the party cost altogether?

[Evilstepmum01]

No, we put wee winners medals in pass the parcel-no sweeties! It was tricky explaining to the wee souls that they just opened one layer! Having a medal they could all wear helped us remove the parcel to pass it again!
With party stuff, extra food (kiddy stuff-sausage rolls, crisps, some cubed fruit) it cost about £20-£30.
At that age just having their friends round is a great thing!! He still talks about his party!! :)

[purpleme12]

I've never done anything like this before! I worry that people won't come (my insecurities) but I shouldn't think like that should i

[SpaceDinosaur]

You can spend as much or as little as you want on a party OP.

You don't need to make "traditional" party bags... Why not go to a pound shop, see what's in season... There's sometimes bubble sets, swords, colouring sets... Loads of ideas.
Take home gift: £1... If you're feeling brave, wrap them, get some shredded paper and create a "going home lucky dip"

Games... No matter what, there will be overexcited children.
In your space, you can hope for good weather and so use of the garden, or, party games...
Musical statues,
Dead lions
Musical bumps
Pass the parcel (pop something CHEAP in the layers) I don't like sweets, I usually include a pack of crayons (4 pls for £1 in pound shop!)
The centre of the parcel? Again, look in sales, £1 shops (they are freaking awesome!)
Treasure hunt (hide things in the room in plain sight that you challenge the children to find)
"Eye spy"
Alternate a moving game with a static game.

Prizes for littlies can literally be a sticker on their front.... This also helps you to ensure that everyone wins something.

Food.
Depends on your expectations. You can feed them each a "picnic on the carpet"
Each child needs a small box/paper lunch bag, card tray... For a small number you might be able to get these at a greengrocer
Make each child a sandwich, carton/bottle of water, piece of fruit, treat item etc.
Lay a picnic blanket/any blanket down
Sit the kids on the floor for a picnic.

[SpaceDinosaur]

For an almost 3 yr old I'd give at least 3 weeks notice if they were families I wasn't close to, perhaps more.

If you're inviting by text then you can always subsequently chase a week later calling to check they received the message and ask if they're coming.

Phrasing is important.
"Hi, I'm having a small party for X's 3rd birthday and would love for YZ and yourself to join us. Please join us at XXXX AT xxxo'clock until xxxxx o'clock. Nothing overwhelming, just a couple of other children, some playing and games and a little birthday tea/lunch. Please let me know if you can or can't join us."

Rather than
"You are invited to X's 3rd birthday party on xxxx at xxxx o'clock. Please RSVP we hope to see you there"

The first conveys a little more intimacy and hopefully means people will reply. The latter feels more "face in the crowd"

[Evilstepmum01]

purpleme12

I felt the same! Didnt think anyone would come and it'd be crap! But we had a few back up plans and games and the kids just had fun playing together! :)

[purpleme12]

Space dinosaur i though I'd get those party invitations you can buy? Although i guess I could put a bit more detail on those like you said. You see the ones at nursery I'll just have to ask nursery staff to give as I don't do drop offs and can't guarantee we'll see them to give to them.

Glad it's not just me evilstepmum thinking that then! I'm thinking she will just love all the people over yes especially her nursery friends who she's never had over

[Evilstepmum01]

Awww, they'll love it! Hope it goes well, good luck!

[purpleme12]

I've added up people and it's like 10 children!! Which is more than I thought!