Childrens Birthday Party - questions & ideas (merged)

Dazzieboo

At the play centre where I work, we offer 4 types of parties, all of which are very popular with most ages, the play equiptment is mainly used by children up to 8 years, then we offer football, quasar and cricket parties for all ages. The sports parties are done with referees and umpires so there is no squabbling with the kids doing it !! My kids are having a joint one there this year, the 11yr old (girl) is having a quasar party, the 9 yr old (boy) is having a cricket one. If you are in Suffolk and this appeals to you, PM me and I will let you have more details.

Sting_2

I need to pick everyones brain a bit here.

My daughter is having her first birthday party in a few weeks and we are having two 'parties'. She is having her little friends (all 7 of them) with their mums/dads at lunchtime for a couple of hours and then in the evening our neighbours and friends are popping round.

The evening do is fine, just have some wine, beer and nibbles and everyone is happy. It is the lunchtime do for her little friends that leaves me a bit stuck. What exactly do you do for 7 one-year-olds?

Does anyone have any experience of a childs first birthday party? or can anyone come up with any suggestions?

Thanks everyone!

looneyleo

Don't feel you have to "do" anything. I would very simply put some plain sandwiches, readsticks, a few crisps and fruit. Basically give them what you would give your own daughter for finger food. Anything that is easy to pick up and not too messy. the the great thing about one year olds is that they will pretty much entertain themselves with all the new toys, wrapping paper and balloons! I would definately put a time limit on the invite though so guests know when to leave (i.e. 2:00 - 4:00). Hope you have a lovely time, it's so much harder when they older and what entertainment as well!!!!

clarew

yep for my kids 1st and 2nd birthdays we did just that...let them play and they entertained themselves. (only around 3-4 are they ready for pass the parcel/games etc)

I used to do a buffet (things for adults, and breadsticks, grapes,fruits,sandwiches,cakes etc for the kids) and the kids played with the toys whilst us adults chatted and watched them. At this age, no parents expect any more, the kids are happy which means they are happy-enjoy it while it lasts....!

nicola.1

we have a snow dome near us and they do sledging, ice skating and snow play party's

victory

I love this website familyfun.com, I am going to make the car racing cardboard boxes team race and my boy cannot wait for his b now!!
https://www.familyfun.com

fabianne

I threw a themed party at home for my daughter and her best friend jointly as their birthdays are close together.The other mum mucked in,shared the expenses ,I pulled in a few favours and a fab night was had by all.Great way to keep the costs down....epsecially if you have hard flooring that is easy to mop up spills!

happi_2

Hi,

Does anyone have any ideas for a boy's first b'day party? There's only going to be five/six other one year olds - all girls - and their mums.

I'd really appreciate any ideas on games/food/themes etc for both the babies and also the adults.

I don't want to spend loads of money, but want it to be a really special day (I know he won't remember!!!).

Cheers

loopylass

I would say lots of nibbles,sausage rolls etcs
plenty of balloons
things what make a noise blowers
little party bag with suitable little toys and sweets
a nice cake maybe the ones from tescos,sainsburys where you can put a picture of your choice on the top i think they are really nice

I cant think of any games as they are so small unless parents are going to help the little ones
musical statues
musical chairs
pin the tail on the donkey(use blue tack)
pass the parcel and each wrapper there is a sweet so everyone gets something
when mine were little i done a treasure hunt in the house or garden depending on weather
If i can think of anything else i will post again

gwinnie

Get a bubble machine, they love it. They'll be trying to catch the bubbles, and it's really cute to watch!

And how about a singsong session and give each baby (with mums helping) something to bang or rattle (or just chew).