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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Best party "theme" for DC

28 replies

MahMahMahMahCorona · 02/05/2021 17:44

AIBU to ask what is the best kids party "theme" you've ever hosted, or been to?

Catering for 12 children all 9yrs old - I've never hosted / thrown a party this size for DC before. Probably why I'm at a loss to know what to do, and willing to throw money at it to make up for the last 10 years 😂

OP posts:
fluffythedragonslayer · 02/05/2021 17:46

We did a brilliant Harry Potter party, lots of scope for fun magical foods, drinks etc. We had a hall and a HP themed bouncy castle, fancy dress competition, crafts etc and I made a Hogwarts cake

Lockheart · 02/05/2021 17:48

Ask your child what they would like?

SoupDragon · 02/05/2021 17:49

@Lockheart

Ask your child what they would like?
This.

It's their party.

DonutsAllRound · 02/05/2021 17:52

I had a fantastic witch party once. It was really fun to do.

I think it has to be what your child is interested in really.

When my dd was one I made a cake that looked like her favourite toy tiger and her eyes went like saucers when she saw it. That's what it's all about for me. My top priority when I have a party for my child is that they know they have had a birthday party afterwards.

Freecuthbert · 02/05/2021 17:52

Well that depends on your child's interests, doesn't it?

MahMahMahMahCorona · 02/05/2021 17:56

Thanks all - DC wants an outdoor movie with snacks and drinks etc. I'm not entirely sure how I would set it up - our garden is quite small and we have neighbours all the way around! It's July so we could definitely be outside, I'm just not sure how i would ensure they could hear the film without the neighbours complaining. So looking for alternatives really.

OP posts:
LittleOwl153 · 02/05/2021 17:56

We've done specific animals because of interests, things like under the sea, fire engines etc but all a bit young for 9 unless they have a specific interest.

I'd go for something with a good colour theme so HP is good or a PS game?

Keepitonthedownlow · 02/05/2021 17:57

Super heroes?

LittleOwl153 · 02/05/2021 17:58

A popcorn party... goes with the cinema theme? They can make(top) pizzas and burn popcorn in the microwave... use the popcorn motif on invites etc to theme it?

sparepantsandtoothbrush · 02/05/2021 18:00

Surely an indoor movie party is the way to go then?!

UserAtRandom · 02/05/2021 18:03

Need a sheet and projector for outdoor film party. not sure why it would annoy neighbours any more than just group of children playing in the garden noise?

I agree with others - the best themes are the ones that your DC can get behind. Our best was probably a pig party- DD was obsessed by them at the time, but that wouldn't work for most children.

stickyjamtoast · 02/05/2021 18:18

I wonder if you can see a screen outside during day. 12 indoors at that age is a lot unless you have a big house.

I'd have thought a bouncy castle will have lots of bumps with 12 big kids too, better for little ones. Maybe my DCs friends are just very boisterous!

Pizza and film, pizza and gaming popcorn etc with smaller numbers works well though.

I've taken 12 to laser zone a couple of times around that age. My house is little though.

I think when they get older its difficult to have a big group at home. Bit too old for party games. Discos seemed really popular at that age in community centre etc.

No idea how much it cost but a friend of DCs did an animal handling party at home at 9 which they loved. That year there were also a couple of sport/football parties which some loved (though not my DC but happy enough to join in).

MahMahMahMahCorona · 02/05/2021 18:24

@UserAtRandom

Need a sheet and projector for outdoor film party. not sure why it would annoy neighbours any more than just group of children playing in the garden noise?

I agree with others - the best themes are the ones that your DC can get behind. Our best was probably a pig party- DD was obsessed by them at the time, but that wouldn't work for most children.

Love the idea of a pig party. My DC would totally be behind a sloth party!!!!
OP posts:
stickyjamtoast · 02/05/2021 18:28

Oops. I think I misunderstood, did you mean a theme for decorations etc.

MahMahMahMahCorona · 02/05/2021 18:36

@stickyjamtoast

Oops. I think I misunderstood, did you mean a theme for decorations etc.

Anything really - perhaps theme wasn't the right word - ideas for a party would've been better. I'm open to all suggestions, DC wrote the list this afternoon, said they would like an outdoor movie party, and I said how about I come up with some other things they might not have thought of just in case they fancy doing something more fancy. Like I said I've never thrown a party for the DC and I figured I would like to push the boat out a little!

OP posts:
reluctantbrit · 02/05/2021 18:37

@MahMahMahMahCorona

Thanks all - DC wants an outdoor movie with snacks and drinks etc. I'm not entirely sure how I would set it up - our garden is quite small and we have neighbours all the way around! It's July so we could definitely be outside, I'm just not sure how i would ensure they could hear the film without the neighbours complaining. So looking for alternatives really.
Last year garden movie parties or even just for the family were totally in and there are several companies around us where you can rent everything from.

If you can talk to your neighbours and let them now in advance I don't think it is anything worse than a couple of children running around in the garden with a paddling pool otherwise.

Unless they are totally grumpy ones I wouldn't think people are denying children to have a party.

stickyjamtoast · 02/05/2021 18:44

I think the outdoor cinema sounds great and sure neighbours wouldn't mind. Food easy to theme. Could you get sets bags and set up a pick and mix I wonder.

Oneweekleft · 02/05/2021 18:47

Could do minecraft theme if hes into that game. Or you can get a gaming truck to come to the house?!

StevieNix · 02/05/2021 18:48

I went to a local theme park when I was 12/13 with about 8 friends, and then we had a picnic for lunch. It sticks in my mind as my best birthday, another one is hiring a village hall, getting a DJ, doing a buffet- it made me feel grown up- almost like having a night out lol

Belledan1 · 02/05/2021 18:48

You can hire tents now with large tvs/cimemas inside them. Perhaps Google it it your area. They set it up and everything.

hahaboink · 02/05/2021 18:51

It’ll be really hard to see a screen in the garden in July. You’d have to put up a gazebo with covered sides I think. We just did a birthday party for 9 year old girls. We made tie dye T-shirts, and I made up a treasure hunt / escape room activity which they loved. Plus waffles with toppings. I was exhausted though! 12 9 year old girls will likely be hard work though so best to have an activity planned.

AvocadoPlant · 02/05/2021 19:04

Outdoor movie sounds great but I think you will need to have an hour of activities first before they’ll settle down to a movie.

AbsentmindedWoman · 02/05/2021 19:10

Outdoor movie sounds great!

The neighbours would have to be miserable indeed to complain about this. I say go for it.

AlwaysLatte · 02/05/2021 19:22

We did a Minecraft themed one once (all the food and drinks were themed like items in the game), plus a pirate party, princesses and superheroes, Nerf war party, Spooky Disco party and a few bouncy castle parties. A couple of times we hired party buses - a double decker bus converted to soft play and another that was a g asking bus. Now it's very low key - they don't want a lot of fuss, just a few friends for a sleepover or outdoor activity these days. I miss the party planning days!

AlwaysLatte · 02/05/2021 19:22

*a gaming bus

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