My DS will be turning 6yo mid September and is already asking for a repeat of last years bday party which was a softplay pirate themed affair. We had 10 or so attendees but what with balloons/party bags and extras this was £100 plus and we just can't stretch to that this year, especially as DS has asked for a Nintendo DS (we are only relenting as he has a lazy eye and we've been advised to get one as it aids the patching work and eye focus etc).
So, I would rather give him another 'proper' full on party next year when we will hopefully have better job security and more cash flow iykwim.
Plus my Dad's bday is the same day so my Mum is organising a 60th party for him the night before which will no doubt include a cake/candle/celebration for DS too.
As a birthday treat I was thinking of doing a cinema trip with a visit to Frankie and Benny's or Chiquito's (both a 2 min walk from cinema) afterwards. Was thinking of inviting 3/4 of DS's closest school friends and buying large bag of popcorn to share between them in smaller cups and giving them fruit shoots/cartons.
Our local cinema does a 99p children's showing on Sundays at 11am so this could work out a very reasonable cost and I'm sure my DS would be very happy with that.
Has anyone else done something similar? Will I regret having to supervise 5 6 yo over excited boys at the cinema and then a restaurant!!?
Do I do normal invites (I can make myself) or just subtley ask parents in the playground?
Any tips or counter ideas gratefully received!