4yo birthday party

[Spyke]

Never actually done a birthday party for DS and birthday is coming up. So…is soft play still entertaining for four year olds? How far in advance do we need to send invites? How many kids will actually come? And are party bags generally expected/is there a less wasteful/plasticky option I could hand out? I’m probably overthinking it all but appreciate any pointers if you’ve been there done that!

Soft play is fine for 4yos. I do invites 3-4 weeks in advance, and ask for rsvps. Obviously you don't have to do party bags, but in my experience dc do expect them (and love getting them). Sweetie cones can be an alternative if you don't want the small plastic toys. People often recommend books as an alternative, but every party I've been to that did this had the dc leaving a bit disappointed.

Soft play is good for 4yr olds.
Send invites about a month prior - ask for rsvps. Probably 60% will actually come from your invite list.
Some sort of party bag/favour seem to be expected - but don't need to be plastic tat. Some cake and a book/sweet cone/chocolate is enough

Thank you both! Really helpful. Sweetie cone sounds like a great idea, and I see what you mean about the books 😂 maybe not what a kid is hoping for after a party (although I would have loved it as a kid!).