if you had to write top tips for a mother who has to plan a birthday for her 2 year old, what would you advise?

[stayinbed]

In this case its for dd

1 - Do not attempt any party games with 2 year olds. Just put them in a room with balloons and toys and let them go feral.

Have it in the morning. Kids won't be tired and narky, parents can drop older siblings off at school. You can serve 'morning coffee'.
Don't bother too much with food.
Don't do party bags.
Music and balloons.

1. keep it simple - cake, balloons and music
2. don't expect the children to eat anything except cake and sweets
3. have wine available for parents

Don't have more than 4 children.

Don't bother with games

Make it last no more than 1 1/2 hours.

although that assumes a school day and no relatives or adults - which is what I personally would do (but I would do it that way because I have 3 older DCs and my LO's 'friends' all have older siblings)

I'd still do it in the morning though.

Two words. Wacky Warehouse. Kids get fed. (albeit junk) They can go mad in the soft play. It has a definite finishing time. There is a bar. There is no mess in your house.

keep it short

ues bubbles at any opportunity

have a mop handy

Have a few friends for a play. And cake.

Don't bother

She won't remember it anyway - just sort out a cake, photograph her blowing the candle out and in later years tell her she was surrounded by tons of little chums

Spend your newly liberated time Mumsnetting instead, and save your energy for the ones she WILL remember

Keep.
It.
Short.