Children's parties etiquette

[mummydummyabc]

Never been to a children's birthday before! My little boy is 3 and he is now at the age where he is getting invites for parties at preschool and I am looking for tips and advice please. What goes on? Do parents take part with the kids or do they all huddle together and let the kids get on with it? How do you make small talk? Do you bring a present and if you do, how much should you be expected to spend?

Nervous as hell about these sorts of things! Help greatly appreciated guys!

At that age I would stay and expect to stand at the edge unless DS needed me to join in.

Small talk wise, if I don’t know the other parents I’ll usually ask how they know the birthday child etc.

If I don’t really know the child, I’m aim to spend £5, but on toys that look like they cost £10ish. Argos often have good things on their 2 for £15.