Birthday Parties for older children soo expensive.

rach_k

I plan to copy a party I saw in the local park for my girls whose birthdays are August and September. Dad was running around with half of the kids with a football and mum had music and bubble machines. Somebody arrived delivering pizza half way through but you could easily and cheaply take your own picnic. Parents were sitting around with drinks. A concern here is that lots of people don't drive so transport could be an issue but that's solved by using the park next to school - we know everybody can get there.

pollyanna24

JimmyTheWig wrote: »

And, if you're not careful, trouble finding the time to look after tham all.
If I were you I'd choose someone in advance to look after the adults in terms of making tea, etc. Means you'll have time to be with the children and help them do the activities, etc.

How old are your two children, out of interest?

They are all close friends and family, but my parents and brother will be there. Think I'll assign one of them to make tea, but they all know where the kettle is, haha!

Girls are 6 and 4 (well, almost 4, in three weeks).

RoxieW

This is a timely thread for me as it was my eldest son's birthday on Halloween and he ended up having 3 parties. Hear me out - one was a family tea but as family couldn't make his actual birthday that was the day before. The second was a day out at the snowdome (he skis) that's was meant to be just him and his brothers but I let him bring a friend along - then we did the whole Halloween thing at home which is as much for my other two children as it is him really. Then his actual party was at a spy mission place with a handful of school friends.

I know it was over the top and far too much expense on top of gifts and the other things we did in half term. I also ended up completely exhausted with it all on top of half term , getting the house sorted for visitors, cooking, cake baking etc - on top of my full time job - but, in truth, I'll probably end up doing similar next year. I'll admit that I overcompensate for my own rubbish childhood and I always want to make birthdays amazing. I guess it's each to their own but if you're resenting it then it's probably time to reign it in.

borkid

My neighbour invited her daughter's friends, I think she was about 7, and they made their own food. Unbaked pizza bases to top and then bake followed by pre cooked cup cakes to decorate. They loved it but the kitchen was in a bit of a mess afterwards. It probably helped it was a summer party and they had a large garden to run around in.

Towser

I'll admit that I overcompensate for my own rubbish childhood and I always want to make birthdays amazing.

me too as well as Christmas ect and the more I think about it just about everything.

I have asked my son want he wants and has said Bowling with McDonalds afterwards which seems reasonable and doable as we can only fit just enough people in two cars.

MadPipAb

I've got 3 girls so not sure what boys like for their birthday parties, but I have never done a big party for my girls, always been a small group of friends at home with musical bumps and pass the parcel and they have all loved it. Children don't judge a party on how expensive it was and can have fun in the good old stuff.

As mine got older I take just one friend to say the pictures, or ice skating, followed by a takeaway and sleepover. It's much cheaper and they really enjoy it.

Towser

5 year-old sent a bill for missing birthday party

Some children miss our parties too. The parents who don't care are usually the ones who don't do parties for their children.

That's why no more lavish parties. I shall be doing them on the cheap in future or invite absolutely loads of people to cover the cost.

I have decided the parties are for me to see the joy on my loved ones faces and that is what all the money pays for. Not just the party for the kid.

Towser

5 year-old sent a bill for missing birthday party

I graciously took the hit and said nothing ever after but I have not forgotten!

bouicca21

Between 7 and 15 it's Pizza/kfc or whatever horrible fast food they are never normally allowed and a sleepover. Decorate your own cupcake is usually a winner but messy .... Traditional party games, like musical chairs and pass the parcel go down well while they still at primary school age. I did once do a roller skating party at the local sports centre but that was as expensive as it got.

Parties are supposed to be fun not cost benefit exercises or an opportunity for highly conspicuous consumption. And as I remember it, we never had no shows ...

amyandoli

samyorks wrote: »

My sister had three boys and a very tight income, she made good use of the picnic in the park birthday idea. She provided the cake and some snacks and drinks but asked people to bring their own picnic to share. The kids ran around playing games and a good time was had by all, year on year. many happy memories and all for very little money. Hope this helps!

I love this picnic in the park idea, everyone bringing their own food too, I'll give this a go thankyou