Small and quiet birthday party ideas for 5yo girl g

[pipnchops]

My 5yo has just started reception. Her birthday is coming up. The last two years we've had a party at home with approx 8 guests (my friends and their DCs) and both times she has been completely overwhelmed and hated every minute of it until everyone left.

This year she wants a party again. There are 9 girls in her class, she's particularly friendly with 5 of them from pre school and wants them to come over for a party. I feel a bit bad not inviting the other 4 girls.

I also feel nervous about hosting a party at our house again and think maybe going somewhere else might be less overwhelming for her. She hates loud noise is not a fan of busy soft play. I'm wondering if something like build a bear might be a good idea?

Are there any other similar party ideas anyone can give me i.e. out of the house, quiet, suitable for a small group of 4/5year old girls, and should I invite all 9 girls in her year or just the 5 she knows well? Thanks in advance.

Sorry she's currently 4, going to be 5 xx

would she enjoy bowling or cinema? some pizza express do make pizza parties or similar.

I wouldn't worry about inviting the other girls. keep the invitations subtle and tell her to keep it low key at school too.

Arty party is great - we had a lady who cones to the house and they decorated little jewellery boxes and did some clay modelling

Paint a pot? Ours does parties but with that size of group you might just be able to book a table. Or just do crafty things (pinterest is your friend) at home. I think something with a but of task focus is good if they dont like random rushing around.

What about pottery painting or some other crafty activity? I know they're small so they won't do anything amazing, but they'll probably enjoy getting stuck in.
Our friends DS had a party at a local donkey rescue place. It wasn't really anything structured, but the kids loved being out and about together, and they had a nice picnic too.

Cinema and mc ds/pizza after for a few friends
Pottery painting
Pamper party
Slime making party
Jewellery making party
My lg went to a party at pizza express when she was 5 and it was a big hit, they make their own pizzas and it was quite calm

Ceramic painting at a centre. Just ask the small amount of girls - if she were leaving only 1 or 2 out I wouldn't say that. Or even get her to just choose 3 of them.....a table of 4 works well and they will all fit in your car to come home for tea and cake.

Yes ceramics painting or pizza making. I’d be inclined to keep it out of the house too - my dd found invasion of her space worse, and make sure your dd understands exactly what’s happening and the schedule as that’ll help.

You could also have a little tea party at a local tea place/cafe and keep it short with thoughtful party bags with a small key ring toy to go in bags etc. My dd loved tea parties and very orderly.

My dd doesn’t have them now as she realised by 7 that she doesn’t enjoy them.

Just invite the girls she wants - you left 4 out, not one and I’ve found if my dd doesn’t get her wishes listened to that’ll just lead to the overwhelm you’re trying to avoid.

Remember not having a party is an option, sometimes it is just too much for them.