shared party?

[themiss]

I'd planned (but not booked) a big birthday party for my child this year on the actual day (never had one before), mentioned this to a friend and she wants to make it a joint one with her child (almost same age). They have a lot of friends in common, so in a way it makes sense, but I had really wanted it to be a special party, and I feel sharing it just won't be the same. They get on ok (our kids), but they can be quite competitive with each other. I'm just not sure.

DD has been consulted - there was a brief meltdown when she thought she'd have to eat food she didn't like, but once we explained that we'd make sure there would be things she liked - she was up for it. Panic over :)
Now ..... here's an additional question - should we halve the presents? since most of the guests would come from the same school class - would it be feasible to say friend's child invites all the boys and my DD invites all the girls. It seems greedy &/or awkward to expect a present from all guests for both children.

We left it to the parents, they bought two presents - if however, which may happen, there are children invited, maybe from out of school clubs etc who don't know the other child they only bought the one. I think it would be too complicated to assign people to buy presents for one child or another.

You have to be pretty clear about who is doing what, for example, if you are self catering, who makes what. If there are to be party bags, who buys what? who buys the invites etc? You could do two lots of party bags, we just did them between us - kids don't need two bags of tat and sweets!

I think its a great idea. both kids could have an amazing party and it would be half the cost. go for it op

They are great if you do an organised one where you don't have to buy food etc....but if you're having a hall, then stick to your own plan.

My DD went to a lovely shared bash last week, where two girls were turning 9 and they all went out for a meal. Both girls had 4 guests each and the parents split the bill and split the costs of the guest's party bags. Fab and simple.

My other DD went to a shared nursery party where the whole class was invited...each boy invited half and on the invitation it said "Please buy a gift for the child who invited you."

Which was thoughtful as we didn't all have to shell out for two gifts!

really appreciate all of the advice - thanks :)

My son is almost 5 and his friend a month later. We are having a shared party in a hall wirh an entertainer. Having one cake but probably sing happy birthday twice. Had a shared party with same boy and another last year and it was a nightmare as 3rd boys mum had mental ideasand it became a massive amount of work. Friend and I are equally lazy so sarnies !nd a magician will be just fine. Half the cost and boys in same class so all friends there. Everyone's a winner!!