So. How does this party sound?

[DuffyFluckling]

I really plan for this to be my last post about this party.

Party for 3-year-olds:

Arrive.
Colour in a fish while other people arrive.
All play 'pin the fish on the ocean'.
Prizes all round.
Short spell of running around outside (possibly treasure hunt? A handful of coins flung into the grass? What do you think?)
Inside for cold drinks and pass the parcel and cool down. (We live in a hot country and it will be very warm).
Mess about for a bit (is it okay to have an unplanned bit?)
Birthday tea.
Cake.
Party bags.
Home.

Does that sound right?
How long will it take?
I'm really nervous.

That sounds great. Just the type of things 3 year old like.

Would advise no longer than 2 hours

Oh I know it's really boring.

I haven't got anyone else to run it by.

Ooh X post. Thank you DST .

Was being impatient!

if you're going to play games like musical bumps ect then get a load of stickers instead of being out stick a sticker on the child so they can continue dancing and feel included but you know who the overall winner is.

That's a good idea. I'll do that.

i would throw them straight into the garden first, while people arrive, to get rid of some energy

perhaps balloons?

A good idea is to buy cheap medals and give them a medal when they are 'out'

mess about for a bit fine, but have some toys/activities available - just your DC's toys, some balloons maybe (if children not scared of them)

what about bubbles outside - children can chase them if you blow them - keep them happy for a bit

cool down bit could also play sleeping lions - all lay on floor and don't move

if everything goes a bit quicker than you think and you need a filler a bit of singing - nursery rhymes and action songs - usually goes down well, and again, needs no preparation

I have my first proper party in june! Im nervous too!

We're doing jungle theme, but have hired a bouncy castle so will just throw them on there.

Also have 'colouring in table' 'decorate a fairy cake table' and pinata!

Yes, balloons. Will get lots as they always pop. Will look out for medals also.

Bubbles! Brilliant idea.

We have a big trampoline in the garden so hopefully the more energetic will have a bounce. Also plenty of buckets and spades and bikes and outside toys.

Disenchanted you've reminded me I have a pinata! Will maybe do that as they get bored of the food? By that stage it will be like herding cats so will just see how it goes I think.

I think it sounds lovely. At 3 they're generally very happy just to potter and I assume most parents will stay?

I like to set up some wee "stations" like at a toddler group that the wee ones can potter round as they wish. So your colouring fish, maybe ice a biscuit/cake, some sticking type thing and maybe playdough.

I think 90 mins is the optimum time.

I'd do 30 mins of the type of things listed above with music and balloons out too, followed by 15 mins games (pass the parcel and few bumps/statues type games, I like to do hokey kokey or other such songs), then I'd have food and send them out to play at the end. Or once I ended pass the parcel with a wee hand held bubble machine (batteries in good to go) and sent them all out to take turns with that (had more bubbles outside too). Then in for food, or food could maybe be outside if you're in a hot country.

it'll be lovely, enjoy!

Than k you Tassiss

Yes, food outside on an enormous picnic blanket. Hooray for no mess in the house!