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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Would your 8yo DC be happy with this birthday?

46 replies

pinkbonbons · 28/04/2025 21:37

AIBU to be worried that DD will be disappointed?

DD’s 8th birthday next week. We did a big party last year but couldn’t do the same this year. DD likes crafty things. I’ve invited two of her friends round for a few hours and have: bought them a canvas each to paint, a wooden thing to paint, a charm bracelet each to make and a hairband each to make. I bought DD one of those print out paper cameras which, if I can get to work, thought they could take pictures with and make a collage with some stickers and pens etc. That’s kind of it really though and I’m worried that they’ll be bored. I have the floor is lava game as well for them to play, but would your 8 year old be happy with this? I’m worried that DD will be bored/underwhelmed for her birthday ‘activity’. AIBU?

OP posts:
Moonnstars · 28/04/2025 21:39

I think my DD would enjoy these activities but would probably just end up playing, chatting and doing normal playdate activities rather than seeing it as a party, especially as it's only 2 friends.

Original poster
pinkbonbons · 28/04/2025 21:43

@Moonnstarsyes, I’ve said to DD and the parents that it is more play date than party, as there’s only 3 of them, I don’t feel there’s enough for pass the parcel etc.

OP posts:
IwasDueANameChange · 28/04/2025 21:43

I think with only two it will feel a bit playdatey and not partyish

MummaMummaJumma · 28/04/2025 21:43

My daughter would absolutely love this, OP. She’d spend all day doing crafts if she could. Great ideas. Well done x

Monvelo · 28/04/2025 21:47

My DD always wanted parties at home. Can you add a kitchen disco? See if you can borrow some disco lights and get DD to help make a playlist.

faerietales · 28/04/2025 21:48

It doesn’t really sound like much of a party.

ZiggyPlaysGuitarrr · 28/04/2025 21:50

They don't have to have a party every year. My 9 year old would love this.

Mandylovescandy · 28/04/2025 21:50

Mine would enjoy this, probably more than a big party really although he likes the idea of the big party. Mine loves planning and so the planning of the party and fixing party bags and decorating the cake so I would get them involved in all of that aspect to make it feel more birthday like. We have booked a birthday party out this year (after at home ones last couple of years) but were lucky to find somewhere really low cost but one option we looked at came out at nearly £450 which was crazy! Hope she has fun

parietal · 28/04/2025 21:51

as long as there is plenty of cake, my kids would be happy

Coconutter24 · 28/04/2025 21:53

My DD at that age would have enjoyed this. Have you asked your DD what she thinks to it?

RedSkyDelights · 28/04/2025 21:56

I assume the friends are also into craft activities? Otherwise if they get bored after 2 minutes, you are going to struggle ..

Personally I'd make it a bit more exciting by adding activities like decorating biscuits, or making pizza and icecream sundaes for dinner. Just to elevate it above the level of "normal" play date.

89redballoons · 28/04/2025 21:57

Will you get/make a cake, and some kind of treat food too (takeaway pizza maybe)? Agree the kitchen disco thing sounds like a good idea too.

I think it will just depend on your DD's personality. If she prefers being with her best friends as opposed to large groups, and loves craft, then she might well love it. After all, some adults might invite everyone they know down the pub for their birthday, and others might prefer something like a quiet meal or spa day with just their partner or a couple of friends.

RedSkyDelights · 28/04/2025 21:57

Just thought that we did a lot of "treasure hunt" following clues type activities at that age. You could do a hunt to find different craft elements and then put them all together when you've found them all. Just breaks it up a bit and adds something a bit different.

SkaneTos · 28/04/2025 21:58

I think it sounds great!

There will be food/cake?

Bushmillsbabe · 28/04/2025 22:01

At that age they tend to entertain themselves. For my daughters 8th we spend lots of time creating harry potter crafts, decorating the house HP themed, HP baking type activities etc for her and 4 friends. They spent the whole time outside on the trampoline and making up dances in the garden, only stopping to eat some pizza, and all our activities pretty much went untouched 😂

Rainallnight · 28/04/2025 22:04

Can you invite more kids over to make it feel more party-ish?

FiveBarGate · 28/04/2025 22:18

My kids have done a couple of pals at home and been perfectly happy.

Have a few party game ideas ready as well. They don't need to be complicated After 8 on the head, the cereal box limbo game, musical statues. Or just hide chocolate in the garden - that works well!

As long as it comes with party food and a party bag it's a party!

Oh the best thing I ever bought was a glitter tattoo set for home bargains. A set of stencils and little pots of glitter. They wipe off easily but they loved them and they've come out multiple times.

Eenameenadeeka · 28/04/2025 22:30

My daughter would love all of those activities, and I think sometimes a small group is nice and keeps things calm. Not everyone needs a noisy crowd to enjoy themselves 😊 some crafts and a cake sounds lovely to me.

PurpleThistle7 · 28/04/2025 22:32

Honestly I’d return half the activities and invite a few more kids if she has a wider group of friends. They are really unlikely to do quite so many crafts and of course that makes the costs add up.

My kids love an ice cream bar or cookie/cupcake decorating so I’d take away half the drafts and add something like that. Put up some simple decorations if you can, that always makes it more fun.

if she wants small then that’s perfect but otherwise I’d think 5/6 kids is about right for a home party. But you know your kid best.

ToKittyornottoKitty · 28/04/2025 22:36

You can get cute potion kits on Amazon, mine loved that

SalmonEile · 28/04/2025 22:38

My daughter would’ve loved this when she was 8,
put some music on when they’re doing the crafts and have a movie on standby if they get bored (they won’t, but you’ll feel better for having a plan b)
cup cake and cookie decorating as pp have suggested is a good idea too

Blondeshavemorefun · 28/04/2025 22:43

Yes as dd is crafty but not sure would want to do for 1-2hrs

can you invite maybe 3 more so 6

3 isn’t always good as odd number

mini blondes had her 8th bday last month and had a pamper party for 6 of them including her

they then did lots of dancing and singing to apt and gym in the garden. Was so lucky with the weather

then pizza crisps cake

Original poster
pinkbonbons · 29/04/2025 07:23

Thanks for all of the replies!

I have ordered a mini potions kit, thank you @ToKittyornottoKitty!

DD could possibly invite one more friend, but I’d need to return / drop the bracelet making bit as it’s a set that makes 3. I don’t have any of the other parents numbers though. Can I ask, is it okay to glitter tattoo other kids??

OP posts:
Ohthatsabitshit · 29/04/2025 07:27

Mine would have loved this, and had many small parties over the years. In our family once kids get to about 8 they can choose a party or a trip for their birthday and they often chose a trip instead over the years.

Comedycook · 29/04/2025 07:29

My DD would have loved this at that age.

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