2 year olds birthday party today - help please

[BearLoves]

DS is 2 today and we invited some family/friends for an hour to celebrate. Now only one family member is coming, and a 4 friends but only 1 other toddler child and 4 older kids. I’ve only done food for the kids (small bites all dinosaur themed) and didn’t bother with party bags as thought the majority of the kids would be toddlers. I’d planned a sand pit and some outdoor crafts bits but the weather forecast is now thunder and lightning (hence why so many have cancelled I suspect).
Im panicking a bit now as our house is tiny, and the sand/paint bits are messy to have indoors, no food for adults and no party bags for the older 4. It’s ruining his birthday as I’m so stressed.

How old are the older kids? What time are they coming?

Can you get some cans of shaving foam? Put them in washing up bowls/buckets.....hide things in it, have bath toys to play with. Have towels for mopping up.

The older kids should he able to craft at the kitchen table of you have one. Can you adapt the activities? Can you make flour/salt play dough this morning?

Use shower curtains to protect floor/carpet. Cheap ones from B&M if you can get there and don'thave any.

Make sure there is pass the parcel. Prizes for musical bumps. And play dead lions. That will be 15 minuses....

I would also do a who can build the tallest lego tower. Works with most ages.

Finally wrap someone in loo roll....this will entertain for a while and is clean.

Have fun. Go with the flow a bit. If kids are happy playing with toys then let them.

If it's an option could you provide some bubbly bits like crisps and buns for the adults? I wouldn't worry too much about the sand etc as the kids can still craft inside, you could also do a little disco. Your 2 year old won't be remember and it's nice your arranged a get together. I really wouldn't worry with party bags at that age as long as there's cake. I hope you all enjoy the day

Nibbly bits not bubbly bits. Although all kids love bubble wands!

First things first - don't panic!

Party Bags - packets of sweets for kids with 'happy birthday' or 'thank you for coming to my party' sticker on. Haribo bags go down well and cost about £1.

Depending what time they're coming and where you are in the country you might get lucky with the weather. Showing very undecided here. If not and you have to switch inside how about just sticking some music on for a disco with games (musical statues, best animal noise, dinosaur dancing etc). We have used 'tickets' in the past for winners prizes and then the one with the most tickets wins a little prize at the end or a balloon. Or maybe a short film with cushions on the floor - cinema style with popcorn and chic ices. Both of these could be very last minute in case of the weather changing.

If people are only invited for an hour they won't be expecting food - brew and a biscuit would be beyond expectations - and kids will love dinosaur food whatever age they are.

Enjoy your day and have fun!

How old are the other children?
You could put craft bits on the kitchen floor as I'm presuming it's wipeable.
Get the blocks out, they entertain kids of all ages.
Do you have a bubble machine? Turn that on with some music and the kids will love it.

The adults dont need food, just offer up teas/coffees. And after singing Happy birthday, cut the cake and give out during the party to all guests.

I'd try to view it as a play-date with cake rather than a "party".

It’s 2-3pm, older kids are 5, 10, 11 and nearly 12.

I’ll get a shower curtain great idea to put under a small table for crafting. Kitchen table is all ready to put the Dino food on (I’ve made a volcano and trees so least that looks good). I’ll get crisps/biscuits in for the grown ups then.

i do have a bubble machine! I had bought one to use in the garden so can I use it in doors?

How old are the older kids? My 9 yr still loves a party bag. Doesn’t need much in. Sweets. A fidget. Cake.
Most kids will be happy with some toys and crafts

Adults won't expect a meal at that time, tea/coffee and some biscuits will be fine. Do you have a switch/X box? If you do, set that up for the older ones, but if I was taking my 9 year old to a 2 year olds party I'd probably take something for him to do myself tbh! The five year old will probably expect a party bag of some description. Plenty of sweets and cake, you'll be fine.

It’s only an hour to fill, which will whizz by.

deep breaths - it will all be fine :-)

Nip to tesco get the £1 bags or bar choc instead of party bag. No plastic tat. And will definitely be appreciated

How did it go?

It’s a bit sad actually! So many cancelled there was barely anyone coming and the weather was miserable so we had to call it off. Feel a bit miffed and saddened by it all to be honest. I also felt quite cringe at the effort I’d gone to for just a couple ‘friends’ kids’, and it’s not like DS will know any different I suppose. My DS had epic parties from when he was born but that was 12 years ago I suppose I had a lot more mum friends and family back then.

Aww OP, at least you hopefully had a nice chill day and enjoyed the food! I'm sorry to went to all the effort for the weather to put everyone off. At least your DS won't remember it and you saved yourself a clean up

So sorry for you. Another time don't cancel just have fun with the one person there.....