1st birthday party- are party bags necessary?

NoreenOMS

Hi all, it is my sons first birthday soon. Inviting family and a few friends to a party at a social club- just some food and music, fairly low key. There will be approx 12 kids there as well as the adults. Age ranges are three 2 year olds, a 4 year old and the others are between 7 and 12.

Due to the vast age ranges, I am struggling to come up with party bag ideas, especially as I have been to hardly any kids parties.


Therefore i am trying to decide whether to to provide party bags at all. But I don't know if that would be a major faux par!! Can anyone offer advice/ opinion?

Chris25

I wouldn't think so - people can take a piece of cake home if you're having one. I wouldn't expect my children to have been given a party bag from a relative or close friend's party - we'd be glad to have been there for the fun

Perhaps you could give a 'heads-up' to the parents if you think some of the children would be miffed?

LannieDuck

I've just been to a first birthday, and the babies/toddlers were all given helium balloons to take home. It was a brilliant idea - my 11mo has loved playing with hers.

Edit: Sorry, just seen the age range is bigger at your party. I think party bags are definitely the norm nowadays. Maybe have two sets of party bags - one for the 2-4 yo and one for the older children?

pinkclouds

Definitely party bags! Doesn't have to be much. If you can get helium balloons, that would be particularly fun for all ages. Whatever you do, I'd make one set of "bags" for the 2-4 year olds and one for the 7-12 year olds. An easy option is often just a book and a chocolate bar or small packet of sweets. You can get cheap books from The Book People (online) or The Works (high street). Add a slice of the birthday cake and you're done!

I think party bags are particularly important for the very young (under 5 years old). It's quite a difficult thing to turn up an exciting party with a lovely wrapped gift and hand it over. The older kids will understand that it's someone else's birthday and why they are giving gifts away.

gingin_2

Oh... I was going to say not to worry, or maybe a big bag of treat size chocs, then the little ones can take one and the older ones can finish them off. I really wouldn't expect one at all at a big party/ get together like that.

balletshoes

For a family members 1st birthday party, I wouldn't expect any party bags. A piece of cake at the most.

jacqhale

I would do a party bag of some sorts personally. Helium balloons are great for all ages. We had a range of ages at a recent party and bought some plastic cups from Matalan in different designs filled with sweets (I hate those rubbish plastic toys that cost money and just get thrown in the bin, at least you know the kids will eat the sweets!)

PasturesNew

Please don't use/buy helium balloons. There is a shortage of helium and it is needed for MRI scanners/medical uses.

coinxoperated

If you have rented a rugby club, why not get some sports games? Sports direct sell lots of bits a pieces for rounders, tennis, footsie etc really cheap!

Definately party bags. You can get a cheap face painting set too and have the eldest children help out with that it can be a fun thing!

NoreenOMS

Thank you all for the responses- I so glad I posted now- as you have given me lots to think about. I was also thinking that with it being mainly family- that party bags would not be expected, and didnt like the thought of spending loads on plastic toys etc that would be wasted.

But the idea of checking out The Works is great. I will certainly do that. Also love the idea of pots of sweets- would not have even thought of that?!

Also love the idea of face painting- but not sure even the eldest child would be able to do this- but certainly an option for futures parties.

I know a few of the kids would probably love helium balloons - but they are really not cheap - costing nearly £20 for 7 balloons from the " sweet at one" design range that we are choosing for the decor, and thats before paying for them to be blown up!

NewKittenHelp

PasturesNew wrote: »

Please don't use/buy helium balloons. There is a shortage of helium and it is needed for MRI scanners/medical uses.

There's 100 years left, hardly a shortage. More than enough time to come up with another way to cool equipment. And I hardly think that a few balloons will be decimating the world's supply, when America is busy flogging it as quickly and as cheaply as possible.