WIBU to book a 'pamper' party for 7yo?

[GreatBallsOfFluff]

DD is turning 7 soon and I'm trying to think of what to do for her birthday. For the last 3 years I have hired a hall and had an entertainer/dj but I simply cannot afford it this year.

I'm really not good with entertaining and interacting with other people's children which is why I've always done that sort of party. The thought of having 7 or 8 of her friends at my home to entertain for 2 hours fills me with absolute dread.

I suggested to DD going bowling with a few friends. She wasn't interested. I suggested taking her and a couple of friends to the cinema. Again, she said no. I asked her what she wanted, and she shrugged. I then (foolishly) suggested a pamper type party with nail varnish and the like. She really liked the idea

So I've had a quick look around the internet and found the following:

PAMPER 2)
The mini princess Pamper age 4 up
This glittery party is recommended for children of all ages. All products are non toxic & kiddie friendly where possible & always age appropriate. Shimmery make-up is applied to cheeks, eyelids & lip gloss to create fun glamour!

Price includes:

Themed invitations
Gentle file & paint for fingers OR toes
Glitter & sparkle non toxic polish & nail stickers/art (age 4+)
Glitter make-up Age appropriate make-up (shimmering cheeks, eye shadow & lip gloss)
Face jewels
Hair straighteners, crimpers & heated tongs.
Fruit punch fountain with pink plastic cocktail glasses & accessories
Glitter hair Highlights
Spray of perfume
Aftercare advice
CONTACT ME FOR MORE INFO

So I was wondering what you would all think if your little girl was invited to a party like this, or is it an absolutely stupid idea which I shouldn't even entertain doing, and convince DD that a perfect idea for her 7th birthday would be perhaps her first sleepover with her best friend?

Please be gentle

If you live in the Kent-ish area I'll make you some fabulous glittery girly cup cakes (on the house)!

oh thats a nice offer
hark at you

Seeker that's a very kind offer, thank you. Unfortunately I'm about 200 miles away, so don't think they would survive the postage

If you did decide to do the crafty route, I used these for my DD's 6th birthday. They are really easy for them to manage and don't involve any glue/paint/mess.
I cut up the flower & butterfly stickers and put a fairly equal selection in each bag along with the letters to spell their names, and used them as party bags.

To make filling them easier/quicker I put the party bag goodies in little sandwich bags and just popped one into each denim bag which saved a lot of faffing during the party.

Wooden heart necklace kits

Fabric bag

Butterfly & Flower Stickers

Alphabet felt stickers

My dd would love it...........I would hate it. 7 years old! There are so many other FUN options. I am with you moogalicious.

Brian you are right children have often had their hair curled - so let her have a friend over and put her hair in RAGS. Thats as far as I'd go on the pampering front!

Just in defence of Pamper Parties DD had one this weekend last year for her 8th birthday - remembering it is hard to plan outdoor activities in February.

She had 6 class mates round and the lady was really good. She brought a proper sit up bed and took her time with each one.

She started off doing very light make up on their faces (mostly around eyes) - no lipstick. This allowed them time to choose their nail colours/designs.

Then she showed them how to put on nail varnish correctly using cleansers and layers.

They then had their photo taken wearing some feather boas before the usual tea. We didn't allow any work on hair or tattoos. They would have had their toes done but ran out of time.

All the mums were impressed when they saw the set up and would have liked to be "pampered" themselves.

Whilst they were waiting they played music on DD's Ipod doc and read some of the magazines that the lady brought (all very tame and age appropriate).

Most of their discussion seemed to revolve round boy bands they liked!

I don't think it would have been so successful for her 7th because they weren't so interested back then. This year she is going to an Archery party.

I should say that she had a very successful craft party (run by a specialist lady) in our house for her 7th...

Butkin
Feather boas really? Magazines to read, how sociable!

I do cherish my daughter in fact I value her far too highly to think that all she is "worth" is as a "thing " to look beautiful for others and that pleasing others with her appearance is all that matters. I too from bitter experience know that life is short doesn't stop me sticking to my principles.

I have to be honest and say that I really hate the idea of this. There is far too much pressure on young girls as it is, without starting it at such an early age. Little girls borrowing mum's lipstick or shoes is one thing but to me taking them to a salon seems a bit like 'starting their training' :(

I work with teenagers and am totally horrified by how lacking in aspiration many of the girls are. A lot of them seem to think that if they just fuss over their appearance enough they will end up a WAG / glamour model / pop idol etc. I certainly wouldn't want to encourage this from childhood. I really think our society is moving backwards in how it treats women.

Can you not just have some party food and a disco

What ever happened to jelly &icecream and musical chairs

I wouldn't allow this either.

Why don't you just make her her favourite dinner and make her a birthday cake?

Then she showed them how to put on nail varnish correctly using cleansers and layers.

Of course it's very important for an 8 year old to learn to do their nails correctly. Cleansers and layers. Good.

V. important with cleansers and layers as the beauty industry needs more £££

Mega - DD is a real outdoor type and thinks of herself as a tomboy. Mostly likes riding her bike or her ponies. She isn't obviously aloud to wear anything to school but she does like to put nail varnish on for her school disco or other girls parties. All just a bit of fun. At least she knows how to do it nicely rather than just daubing on some stuff from Claires now.

See, what I don't understand is why it matters if she does it nicely or not.
If nail varnish etc is just the same as playing dressing up then surely stuff from Claire's daubed on anyhow is just as good?

Exactly Turnip. An eight year old should be playing at dressing up and putting on nail varnish.

I worry about all little girls growing up before their years and all the expectations they are going to have after huge and over the top parties because their parents felt "they were worth it".

Phew...at least your DD knows how to apply nail polish on properly now! Tis vair important.

How about taking them to build a bear workshop- 2 closest friends ( because it gets pricey) and Maccas?

Or a friend of mine is taking her child (aged 9) and 3 of her friends giving them £10 each to go shopping at Bluewater- parental supervision and will probably end up at Claires Accessories anyway and then taking them for Pizzahut- i thought a rather good idea!

There is a photographer ( female) who does catwalk parties- n the safety of your own home and the gals dress up in their own fancy outfits and get their hair done and nails done get a photo shoot then each girl gets a magazine cover each- fantastic idea- my daughter aged 8 is desperate for it but won't be doing that til about 10.

My opinion for your pamper party is- its in the safety of your own home, they aren't going out anywbere to show it off- its basically dress up with glitter and hairspray. Go for it, she will love it- even if you and a BFF/ sister do the pampering yourselves and save a few quid.
Any kid that does dance lessons or Drama lessons have make up and hair done whenever they have a recital or performance. Perhaps they could put on a play for you too!

Catwalk party OMFG!!

OR perhaps a cupcake decorating afternoon- buy cheap fairy cakes from tescos ( 60 p) 10 quid on sparkly bits piping bags etc, bobs your uncle! We did that over the holidays, kids loved it.

Gawdsakes there are going to be a hellofalot of precocious spoilt brats/prats going to be let loose upon the public soon aren't there.

FFS They are CHILDREN!
CATWALK PARTY

oh and PS hairstraighteners are fantastic for killing head lice :)