2nd birthday party

[fluffybunny98765]

DD's 2nd birthday is coming up soon. We have a lifetime ahead of us of kids parties but having put together a list of people to invite it suddenly seems too many to have in our house so thinking of a hall of some sort. Does anyone have any tips what sort of thing to do? Probably going to be more adults than kids. Buffet? Bar? Games? Most kids maybe a bit young for that? Hiring characters/entertainers seems to be the done thing here but I can't think of anything worse. Not a fan of big parties so whatever can keep it as low key as possible, but still want people to have a good time. Also is there a polite way of saying don't bring presents? She has more than enough and I'm dreading more plastic entering the house! Aware that I sound like a total bah humbug.

I would say ‘vouchers for x’ would be appreciated as she has enough toys for now

Hall - see if there’s a play group that have toys in sight - pull out the toys for them or alternatively

Take along some soft balls, hola hoops bubbles and some other toys and set them up. Play some music and enjoy it.

Also - why not meet in the local park instead? Just as much fun and take picnic blankets

Get a bouncy castle or something if you don't want characters etc.

Could you say you're saving for a special present so donations to the savings are preferred over gifts?

@BluebellsGreenbells

I would say ‘vouchers for x’ would be appreciated as she has enough toys for now

Hall - see if there’s a play group that have toys in sight - pull out the toys for them or alternatively

Take along some soft balls, hola hoops bubbles and some other toys and set them up. Play some music and enjoy it.

Please do not ask for vouchers for your two year old! Just explain that you don’t have much space and would prefer no gifts.

@girlmom21

Get a bouncy castle or something if you don't want characters etc.

Could you say you're saving for a special present so donations to the savings are preferred over gifts?

Also please do not ask for money for your two-year-old! If you absolutely must direct the guests to certain types of gifts you could ask for books. But unless money is very tight (which I’m guessing it’s not if you’re considering hiring a hall) your only option is to say nothinh and politely pass on what you don’t want or possibly ask for books.

I wooodnt ask for money or vouchers for any party but particularly for a two year old the money is just going to you. It’s not like your child will know that aunt Ethel gave her £15 toward the big gift you got her.

@JackieChiles after a week she's not going to remember than Aunt Ethel bought her her new favourite doll either

Thanks everyone! Books is a good shout, she's a wee bookworm but we're both getting pretty sick of her board books on repeat so some next stage ones would be good. The park is a good idea, it's just weather dependent of course. DH is dying to have a proper party and it's not my thing at all, hopefully there's a compromise in there somewhere that doesn't involve me having to clean up after 40 people 😩