DD's birthday, whats best to do?

[cakeecakee]

DD's birthday is coming up soon, we have got her a nice cake for her actual birthday but we aren't seeing any family that day (unless they show up without telling us)

We are going to a soft play centre the day after with my DM and 3 DN's (she is raising)

Should I invite other family? Dsis wants to come which is fine but I don't want to have to get another cake and pay for the kids to get in buy lunch etc like last year, we don't see any of the family or DC unless its their birthday and as we are celebrating DD on her birthday with a big cake etc I don't want to do it again we are just taking her so she can play.

Should I just say something like we are going to such a place on Saturday if you want to meet us there? But then will they expect me to pay 🤔

I'd just go ahead with your plans. You don't have to invite all and sundry to a small child's birthday. You have chosen to have the day just you and her and cake (and nice for her becasue she can enjoy her presents not have to have a big hoopla going on).
The next day is just you meeting your Mum and nieces for a day at soft play.

No need at all for you to be apying for others to go or shelling out for a second cake. If people want to turn up for soft play that is thier business but you don't have to pay for them - it's not a party, it's a play date.

You could text something along the lines of "Happy to meet up in the playpark at the farm on Saturday at around 10. Will cost you £10 each to get in.Bring your own picnic." Just make it clear that you won't be paying.

It being your DD's birthday does complicate things as you wouldn't be expected to pay otherwise. I think making it really clear upfront that you aren't is the way.

Thanks everyone will let people know we are going if they want to meet us there to they will have to pay to get it! Its not a lot only a few pounds but once you start paying for everyone it really adds up! X