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Original poster

Does everyone have a kiddies birthday party EVERY year for EVERY child???

66 replies

opinionsrus · 04/01/2007 21:01

The only reason that I am bringing this up is that I am just in the throws of organising "huge" birthday party for 3 yr old DS - well 10 kids at home thats huge enough isn't it?

This isn't because I particularly like doing this as I know some people do, but was just wondering if everyone else had parties every year or just as and when sort of thing???

Please don't be backwards in coming forwards with views of lo's parties!!!

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zubb · 05/01/2007 16:28

tomorrow will be my first attempt at a party - ds1 is 5. I said I wouldn't do any parties till they went to school - and with 3 boys it won't be every year either.
Am quite looking forward to it really, even though the original plan of just 6 children has turned into 12 (no-one dropped out and ds1 couldn't choose between friends!) and the house really isn't big enough for that, and my sister and BIL have now said they can't help....
On Sunday I'll see if I ever do another one at home!

Ladymuck · 05/01/2007 16:33

WEll my leisure centre is a private sports club rather than council run, but they provide staff, choice of activities and food. You provide cash, cake and party bags though centre will arrnage these for a n extra fee. There is a bar & restaurant for any parents who want to hang around. Ds1's party this year will involve football training for about 15 boys. We've done bouncy castles and swimming previously (all at the same venue!).

Original poster
opinionsrus · 05/01/2007 16:49

Private sports clubs thought they were a thing of the past!

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Original poster
opinionsrus · 05/01/2007 16:53

Zubb let me know how it goes got mu first one in a couple of weeks!!

Also any tips.

The best one I heard was to buy two cakes - one "proper" cake for candles and another cake so that it can all be cut and bagged before kiddies even arrive so no messing about at the end when everyone leaving!!!

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zubb · 05/01/2007 16:58

opinionsrus - I have just made two cakes for that very reason! And so that I get lots that I can eat myself of course! I have wrapped the pass-the-parcel up, and have got most of the shopping done.
For the 2 hours I have - craft activity when they arrive followed by games (5 of them, with another 2 as back up) then food. After the food is the bit I'm not sure about - hoping that most of the 2 hours will have gone by then, but if not the 2 reserve games come into play or just music and balloons!

tissy · 05/01/2007 16:59

no, dd and her best friend had a party at Brewster Bear's this time last year- 12 guests between them.

Now she is at school, it seems to be the norm to invite everyone in the class...19 plus best friend (at another school) plus 3 cousins. I make that more than 20 and at 8.99 a pop she's not going to BB again! Not enough room at home, and most of the soft play places around here have been done to death. So...we are taking dd, her BF and the 3 cousins to the ballet instead- will actually cost about the same as a party, but who needs another 20 presents 3 weeks after Christmas? Maybe next year!

jellyhead · 05/01/2007 17:00

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SherlockLGJ · 05/01/2007 17:02

Private sports clubs thought they were a thing of the past!

Not in Surrey dear, not in Surrey.

There are at least two within five miles of my home.

SmileysPeople · 05/01/2007 17:04

Proper parties with friends (not just family) have been for age 4yrs/5and 6yrs, this year for 7th birthday DS1 wants a day out with a couple of friends instead.
That's fine as thsi year DS2 will be 4yrs, so first proper party for him for the next few years.
I love the parties, have them at home and go to town, so can only sustain that for a few years.

Greensleeves · 05/01/2007 17:06

I haven't done a full-blown birthday party yet, just little family ones - we're planning to do our first proper one next year, when ds1 is 5. Am watching this thread with some trepidation!

SmileysPeople · 05/01/2007 17:10

Hi Greeny

I personally hate wackyware houe/leisure center type parties. We have a snow dome near us and I think parties there are crap too. they don't feel like parties to me, no organisation, kids run wild (which they actually don't like after a while)and kids don't interact.
I like games, prizes, sit down tea, and obviously LASHINGS of ginger beer.

I am a perty snob I know.

SmileysPeople · 05/01/2007 17:11

A PARTY snob.
Not sure what a perty snob is...I might be one.

ditzyangeluk · 05/01/2007 17:36

If I had kids, yes! A party every year for every child (from maybe 3years onwards) ... & none of those pre-paid-ready-made ones! I love doing all the party stuff includng the food, games, kids, music etc etc! FABULOUS!

Notanotter · 05/01/2007 17:44

no no no

I have done a few parties but no more than a couple for each of my 'bigs' ( now 10,12,14)

If we dont party we do big party tea and maybe a trip to pizza express or cinema

Mine dont expec one they are good like that

Ds4 ( four in a few weeks) has not had one yet and wont this year!

analoguegirl · 05/01/2007 17:46

sometimes we only have little parties or occasions, not for every child, i wouldnt worry about throwing a massive shindig each time, just a little somethign to make it special, even if its a day in the park

Original poster
opinionsrus · 05/01/2007 17:48

Notanotter - sounds like you're speaking from experience there then!

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Notanotter · 05/01/2007 17:50

Yes - I think when you are new to this game you can almost try too hard!

I have 5 children and I try not to worry what others think\

my kids have NEVER questionned why they dont have one every year or why - if they do have one- 9000 children dont attend!

Original poster
opinionsrus · 05/01/2007 17:59

Yeh don't you hate that.

When you here....."and there's going to be 35 kids there"......or "yeh there's going to be at least 50 there".

Does my head in.

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Original poster
opinionsrus · 05/01/2007 18:00

Here = hear. oh dear.

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Notanotter · 05/01/2007 18:06

especially since 90% 0f said children have probably never spoken to one another!

Original poster
opinionsrus · 05/01/2007 18:08

True - its just easy to get caught up in it all, you hear about so and so's party and just feel obliged to do the same - ish.

It all gets a bit silly really.

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Pinkchampagne · 05/01/2007 18:12

DS1 had a party every year. I probably wouldn't have bothered with the first couple of birthdays, but my mum insisted & offered her house.
His last birthday was the first year he hasn't had a proper party (he was 7) & instead took two friends to a soft play place.
Poor DS2 hasn't yet had a proper party, only family gatherings. This year he will be 4 & will understand so much more, so he will definitely have a proper party. Infact he is already planning it & is insisting on a Thomas party!

Original poster
opinionsrus · 05/01/2007 18:23

Must be quite a few of us with b'days just after xmas then, do you all plan them b4 xmas so that you're organised? AS opposed to last minute.

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SmileysPeople · 05/01/2007 19:25

I love planning the parties. only have 2 though, it has been DS1 turn for 3 years and now DS2's turn. I can see yu couldn't do it for 5 evry year.

I think the best ideas are to keep them as small as possible, make sure the parents leave, plan like a military operation with no time for general mischief, and a sit at the table tea.

We've always had a theme and me and DH dress up too, which the kids like.

lostinfrance · 05/01/2007 19:31

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