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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask about kids party

19 replies

Cadenza1818 · 17/05/2016 00:14

Hi
My kids want a party that when described sounds quintessentially like an 80S partly - think musical bumps, chairs, jelly etc etc. Would it be foolish to actually call it an 80S theme? They're only 7 so worried it'll be lost on them but Equally concerned that without 'branding ' it this way it'll look old fashioned,boring. Does that make sense. Posting here for traffic as it's not far away. So abiu in calling it an 80S party? Is that just plain silly?

OP posts:
Dottydressisnice · 17/05/2016 00:22

I wouldn't call it an 80s party for a 7 year old.

Does it have to have a theme? If all the kids have fun, you won't need to worry, it'll just be remembered as the fun party!

If you want a theme, you could buy some decorations with your kids' favourite TV character on them.

I have no experience of birthday parties for kids these days though!

fatmomma99 · 17/05/2016 00:24

put a dress code on it, but make it not difficult to stick to (so no stress for parents). Leggings, jackets with shoulder pads (could use sanitary pads to make them), electric pink or blue, silly make up (could do this at the party????)

An 80s playlist (I could make this for you right NOW!!!! Pm me if you want suggestions!)

Don't want to piss on your parade, but I played those games at my childhood parties, and I was a child of the 70s. They were traditional games when I was a kid - the 80s don't own them. The games stay, but I 'm older than you!

Tbh, I think I'd brand this more as a 'traditional' party rather than an '80s' party, but that might be my age talking.

Whatever you do, it sounds fab,and I hope your DC enjoy it.

Original poster
Cadenza1818 · 17/05/2016 00:26

To be honest I'm just freaking out. I remember having the best parties and feel massively under pressure. All the other kids are having extravagant b days and mine want just a traditional party. I'm worried kids will be really scornful.. Mine seem young for their age in comparison to some of their friends. I'd rather nor have a theme!

OP posts:
Original poster
Cadenza1818 · 17/05/2016 00:28

Fatmomma - I know it's not just 80S, but was going with that as it was my era so know the music n stuff. Was thinking theu could come in and get 'made up' - scrunchies and blue eyeshadow for girls, gel for boys. What do you think?

OP posts:
Mildred007 · 17/05/2016 00:32

No I wouldn't call it an 80s party - no need to call it anything other than a birthday party. They are traditional party games/food which most kids love, I certainly wouldn't worry about it being old fashioned or boring.
Who are you worried about thinking it boring/old fashioned - the children or their parents?
The kids will love it and if they are happy that's all that matters. Calling it an 80s theme would definitely go over my 7 year old head lol. Personally I think traditional, old fashioned parties are lovely - too many people do too much for children's birthday parties these days when in fact the simplest things make children happy and have fun ☺
Have a fab party x

fatmomma99 · 17/05/2016 00:43

Cadenza, I think that sounds great.

When my DD was 7 (she's 14 now) we had a "sleep over" party... we told all the kids to come in PJs (the party was 1 - 4pm) and we played games like sleeping lions. Best party I ever did! They were SO super-excited to go to a party in their pjs during the day, and I wore PJs (which was very politically correct of me, as I generally sleep naked!) and they all found that very funny (not the generally sleeping naked bit, obvs). I had big hedgehog slippers, which I think I gave away as a prize at the end.

They're 7 - everything you do is going to be brilliant. And your 80s party sounds great. Have confidence and go for it!

Can I come???? I love kids parties.

Newmanwannabe · 17/05/2016 01:16

Call it a retro party

HighDataUsage · 17/05/2016 02:01

I wouldn't call it an 80's party but it does sound like a traditional children's party. Most people have that in my area, hall hire, sandwiches & cake, traditional games, musical bumps etc and party bags and maybe an entertainer.

NightWanderer · 17/05/2016 02:44

Cadenza1818
I know it's not just 80S, but was going with that as it was my era so know the music n stuff. Was thinking theu could come in and get 'made up' - scrunchies and blue eyeshadow for girls, gel for boys. What do you think?

Honestly, I wouldn't. My son is 7 and would hate having gel in his hair. Just play music that they know and let them dress as they like. You can do traditional games, that's fun, maybe a nail bar or something but I personally wouldn't make a big thing out of the retro theme my kids wouldn't get it.

herecomethepotatoes · 17/05/2016 02:47

I was at a party like that last week. It was just called a party. I think you're being a bit silly TBH. Why would anyone scoff?

Some parties we go to are fancy - hiring entertainers etc in posh venues. Some are garden parties with a bouncy castle. Some are just large scale, raucous playdates with sandwiches and sausage rolls, a few balloons, enough wine for the parents and cake at the end. I prefer the latter.

I think you're overthinking it.

MattDillonsPants · 17/05/2016 02:52

I don't think 7 year olds need to be dressing up in blue eyeshadow and shoulder pads.

What your child has described is just a traditional children's party. Why add the grown up aspect of theming it after a byegone era?

MattDillonsPants · 17/05/2016 02:53

I should add....my DD is cracking on 12 and her mates might have a party with a theme...but my younger DD...her mates want jelly, prizes, a nice party dress and cake.

AlwaysDancing1234 · 17/05/2016 04:05

I've done and attended loads of kids parties (my own DC, friends, and very large extended family) and the best ones have actually been the simplest ones.

Large space, musical statues, bumps, lots of running up and down hitting each other with balloons, music including latest cheesy pop and party dances, snacky food, jelly and ice cream.

Quite a lot of parents (and kids) wouldn't like you putting make up or hair gel on the children.

I don't think you have to call it anything other than the invites saying "we will be having a traditional party on this date to celebrate Fred and Jill's birthday"

Good luck! I know how stressful party planning can be!

BikeRunSki · 17/05/2016 04:10

Its a traditional kids party.
My DB had them in the 1960s and DD had one 6 months ago. The 1980s thing is a misleading red herring.

RhiWrites · 17/05/2016 07:22

jackets with shoulder pads (could use sanitary pads to make them),

I think I would die of mortification if expected to wear sanitary pads stuck to my jacket.

Original poster
Cadenza1818 · 17/05/2016 07:24

Thanks for helpful tips. I suppose I am overthinking it. Don't know why! Although I did have a kid tell me my last party was so boring!

OP posts:
NightWanderer · 17/05/2016 07:27

Go to the pound shop for loads of sweets and tat for prizes. The secret to a good party is plenty of sweets and tat Wink

OrangeSquashTallGlass · 17/05/2016 07:29

I'd call it a classic kids party. and not invite that rude child again

budgiegirl · 17/05/2016 07:40

Just have a party, no theme. Lots of party games. Kids of that age love it. If you really do need a theme, make it something simple like pirates, and play treasures hunts, musical ships, etc. Or the pyjama party is good, we did one for my DD6, and they all loved wearing their pjs in the middle of the day!

Although I did have a kid tell me my last party was so boring!

Don't worry, there's always one! We went bowling for one of my kids parties (older DS when he was 11), and one child sulked the whole way through. You can't please them all, just do what your DC enjoy.

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