Party Entertainer for 3 yr old DD - Berkshire

[Tillyboo]

Any recommendations for an entertainer for dd's 3rd birthday?
I've decided against the soft play, farm, hiring of a venue etc. and decided to brave it at home with a small'ish celebration.
We are in the Berkshire area. I want someone who can keep 8 children occupied and interested with either, puppets, story-telling and a bit of magic for about 40mins - 1 hour.
We'll have an even mix of boys and girls and it'd be great to have an hour or so's entertainment followed by a little tea-party.
My dd can be a little nervous around strangers so I think a lady entertainer might be a better option.

To be honest I wouldn't bother for a 3 yr old...

They are happy just playing..

My DD was 3 just before Christmas and I did her a normal party with some crafty things to make/colour etc.

I bought some paper crowns which you had to stick stuff onto and/or colour, and some badges lots of shiny stickers etc and let them loose.

They really enjoyed it..

Then did normal party food after which they all sat on the floor and ate.

Then they just played with DD toys for a while.

It only lasted 1.5 hrs (which I feel is enough for 3yr old).

The mums said it was the most relaxed party they had been to...

Save your money for when your DD demands more than the at home party....

Oh thanks Heifer, you've confirmed what I thought ... I was trying to suppress my feelings of being a stingy mum !

I'll scrap the entertainer idea and opt for some making and sticking activities. My dd loves arty stuff and if I can incorporate a party gift for each child, then all the better - no party bags, RESULT !

I bought a load of stuff online from
yellowmoon.org.uk

They got to keep the hat they made
these ones

at it was near Christmas I also bought some wooden tree dec that they stuck and coloured.

Also ordered loads of stickers, glue, sparkly paper...

It was really fun - in fact another load of stuff has arrived this morning! can't wait for DD to come home from nursery so we can play with some - And I don't even like arty crafty stuff usually!

I am sure they will have a great time at your party.

Re party bags, my idea was that they took home everything they made, but we didn't have time to make that much really, so I poppled the unmade ones into the bag with some stickers etc and they seemed to love it.

Take a look at the website there is so much stuff on there at good prices (and no I am not on commission etc)..

I wouldn't do party entertainer either. a friend is an entertainer and based in berkshire (fred in the shed - if you want to google). He really thinks that the best parties are for 4yr olds onwards.

Also pass the parcel, musical bumps and put the tail on the donkey.

How do you play musical bumps with 3 yo's ? Or am I being a bit dense here ?
Any other game suggestions ?

Normal musical bumps but no one has to sit out. Call out 2 or 3 names of those who have sat down the quickest.

After 15/20 mins you reward to the one who, in your opinion, has been quickest to sit down the most times. Everyone else gets a smaller reward.

It has worked - provided not too many whingers (i.e. the ones keeping check each time who will 'correct' you).