Birthday Party - Very Shy Child

[Rusa123]

Hi,

My son is in reception at school and it is his birthday next month. He has just asked if he can have a birthday party with children from school. However, he is extremely shy and barely talks to the children. He hasn’t been invited to a party all year. There are probably 5 or 6 kids he speaks about that I could invite.
I’m worried that no-one will come so looking for ideas for what to do so that it isn’t awkward if there are only 1 or 2 kids or there is still something nice for him to do if no one comes. Help!

Edit to add: I’m considering the local softplay but just paying for entry and a meal for each child, rather than booking the party room. But don’t know if that looks a bit rude.

Do you know any of the parents? If you do, I'd be inclined to be honest with them "Hi X. We're throwing a small birthday get together for Y next month. He's having a bit of a tough time adjusting to reception, but he talks so highly of your little one I know he'd be delighted to have them there."

If you had time to organize one or two 1:1 playdates before then it wouldn't hurt.

If my child was invited to a party from a child he did not really know - if he liked the sound of it, he’d still want to go!

If he’s quite shy and doesn’t play with them much I’d be more inclined to go with a party in a small setting where he can get to know them a bit better. It might be easier for him in a smaller group than in a big class at school. Are there any small soft plays or play cafes you could hire out exclusively?

We're going to a bowling 5th birthday party this weekend that I know will be just a few children invited. Is there something like that you could do that will still be fun and a little bit different even if you do end up with low numbers. Bowling, trampoline place, climbing wall if they do children's sessions?

This is a lovely idea. If I got that text it would definitely make me make a little extra effort