Ideas for small 3rd birthday party

[BananaRumpus]

Wasn't planning to have a party for my about to turn 3 year old but all her nursery friends are having parties and she's asking about hers. Her birthday is in 4 weeks time.

Was thinking of inviting 5-6 friends max for a small party at home and keeping it simple. Any ideas for games or activities? Was thinking 2 hour party - 30 mins free play, 30 mins games/activities then 30 mins lunch and 30 mins more free play. But don't know how to fill 30mins of activity apart from pass the parcel!

musical statues

you could do decorating biscuits (get a pack of rich tea biscuits, and some icing sugar mixed with water, and some gummies)

In my experience they will arrive and want to dance/ play with balloons. Then you can do party tea. Then pass the parcel and musical bumps/ musical statues (make sure everyone wins at some point). Then give out party bags and go home.

An hour and a half is plenty at that age. Half an hour of play, then 15 minutes of games (pass the parcel, musical statues, duck duck goose), half an hour of food, and then 15 minutes of craft, which they can take home... Maybe decorate paper bags with stickers or something, and then add a slice of cake - that's their party bag.

Thanks so much for your ideas. Some time doing crafts sounds great and my dd will love that x

My DDs 3rd birthday we did make your own party crown for when they arrived (decorate with stick on jewels and crayons not everyone wants glue and felt tip pen on their kids party outfits) then free play till just before food when we did a quick pass the parcel and musical statues. Free play after food. I stuck a bubble machine on.

A lucky dip box is good at that age. Just in party bag fillers. Or a pinata with strings rather than one you hit.