Party Bags for 2 Year Olds ?!

heretolearn_2

'Oh, and girls like cars, too, you know. No need to have sexist toy selections surely, there is plenty of time for them to realise the world is gender-obsessed! Can't they just be kids for now?'

I couldn't agree more! cheerleaders versus cars at 2 years old???!!!! I hate this sort of !!!! and it's getting worse and worse these days. How have we managed to move our attitudes towards children back to the 1920s?

pinkclouds

My kids are 2 and 4 years old. I'd suggest cake (sliced from the birthday cake), bubbles (can't do it themselves but always loved when mom does it for them) and a balloon (loved by all ages). Anything else is a bonus. Toddlers aren't interested in fiddly things (most little toys are for older kids) and, frankly, the only thing that is universally played with is a balloon. A simple "normal" balloon for mom to blow up at home, if you're on a budget. Or push the boat out with a helium inflated balloon - one friend did this and all the toddlers were delighted and really didn't care about anything else. I remember someone else invested in those "punch-bag" type balloons - they are very large (when blown up) and have an elastic band attached to the end - and they were also a hit. But basically any sort of balloon will do.

pinkclouds

Oh, as for party games, no they're not really successful at 2 years old. If you're doing at "at home" then lay out a ton of toys and leave them to it. Maybe do "pass-the-parcel" with the moms helping (although you must make sure there is something in each layer, even just a fun-size chocolate bar, and that every child gets a turn). If you are doing a "venue" party, I'd go for a soft-play centre. Again, that's just playing with toys for the whole party (excluding the food interval). Tbh, even at 5 years old, people are still doing soft-play centre parties. I'm not sure at what age kids become interested in proper "party games" but it doesn't seem to be here yet.

Nicki

As OP has been "given the job of party bags" I think it's safe to assume it's not her choice as to whether to do them or not, so suggesting she doesn't bother isn't hugely helpful.

I agree with others that you don't need to go overboard at this age. I personally wouldn't put a balloon in because uninflated they are as dangerous as plastic bags to toddlers if they get hold of one without the parent being aware. I'd do a slice of cake, a small pot of bubbles and some of those things that you get to put into party bags that you blow into (eg a little mouth organ, whistle, party blower). These are accessible to all kids, gender neutral and also help to develop language as they exercise the right oral motor skills for some of the sounds kids that age find difficult. So you can even justify your choices to the mums who don't approve of party bags

With these choices you should be able to fill the bag for less than £1 each.

GemmaE

when I did some for my DD I put in raisins, bubbles, and 2 'musical instruments', bag of 40 for about £4 in wilkinsons, and birthday cake. Cost about £1 per child max.

I love the book idea though, I'll probably do that next time, I have 100's myself and DD is turning into a little bookworm too!

sarahevie

We didn't do anything for my kids, but the soft play centre included a windmill for the garden (just those plastic ones that turn round in the wind) for every child and they have been used.

I think that I'll go for books next year.

Best party bags we have received have been helium balloons, or shaped balloons.

A 'teacher' friend filled some party bags up with a note pad, crayons, stickers. Packet of raisins a tiny packet of haribo.

I have also received colouring books that went down well. Or sticker books.

We always gave out party bags as children, so I am not adverse to it. I don't agree with the 'one upmanship' that people can get into, nor the plastic tat but that does not mean that I don't want to 'thank' people for coming -

Money_maker

I think balloons are a must as a child can get hours of fun from a balloon! Can always inflate and give with the bag but tbh, who's not going to check the contents of a party bag for their 2 year old anyway.