My 3 year old has been invited to her first bd party? What's the protocol?

[dionnysoss]

hello all,

Not to sound too dramatic, but like the title says, a child in nursery invited my daughter to her birthday party next week.

This is the first time she's been invited to another child's party (other than her cousins)

I don't know the child or the mum at all. The party is being held at a soft play.

What is the protocol? What sort of gift can I get her?

I have not been to many of these parties so I don't know what to expect. Embarrassingly I am quite nervous

Any advice/tips would be appreciate it 😊

Don’t overthink. At that age parents will be expected to stay for the party, hopefully they will provide a drink for parents! It’s a good chance to get to know other parents.
If you don’t know the child or parents well a small £5-£10 gift is fine. Something like an activity book, crayons, craft kit, book

Don’t over think it, you go, parent stays, hopefully get chatting to another parent over a cuppa and take a gift or £5-£10. Something like a small game / crafts / books etc (places like home bargains / B&M are great for these).

At 3 you may end up "helping" your kid on the soft play if they're anything like mine was! I agree with previous posters about the fairly small gift, and that you might make a new mum friend :)

Agree with PP. i made a fantastic new friend at the first bday party we were invited to at nursery!

Agree with £15 max to be spent.

I tend to ask the parent when I rsvp if there is anything specific the child would like as a gift.
Take any opportunity to chat to other parents as you may end up going round the soft play with your child or helping them with food for a lot of the party and not meet anyone otherwise.

Some parties will be sole use and others will have multiple people. Tell the staff when you arrive that you’re there for Xs party and ask them to show you where the family are. Ask your child to point out the birthday child.