We have a rule at our house when it comes to birthday parties. We have family only celebrations unless you are turning 5, 10, or 16. If the child is turning one of those ages, they may have a "friends" party. This really works well for us since we have a large family. Our family celebrations are lots of fun anyway, so the kids don't mind at all.
Honestly, we would be partying year round if we did not put this limitation on birthdays.
Whenever we do have a "friends" party, I try to make it as low key as possible. When we recently had a sweet girl turning 5, I planned out stations to have around the living area with games that were self explanatory. I had a bean bag toss, pin the tail on the donkey, and a fishing game (the kind with a magnet on the end of a string tied to a stick.)
I put a big bowl of candy and prizes on the table and the children were able to go from game to game as they wished and pick out the prizes they wanted when they were through with each game. We had plenty of children who were willing to explain the games or police the prizes if needed.
This was the most relaxing birthday party I have ever planned. I really enjoyed doing it this way, (carnival style?) because I didn't have to be the game coordinator or the activity director. I could spend time taking pictures or talking to guests.
This definitely "Works For Me" when it comes to birthdays. Click on the link for more birthday tips.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
No Hassle Birthday Parties
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9 comments:
I like your way of thinking...having a themed party with friends each year could get pretty darned pricey!
Great idea! Sounds like life around your house is one big party anyway! LOL
I enjoyed visiting your blog.
I love hearing how big families make things work. Thanks for sharing.
I like the carnival idea! I'll bet the kids did, too.
We had "just family" birthdays probably as much or more than ones with invited guests, and we all enjoy those greatly, too. I wish I had thought of doing the parties for certain birthdays. We just did it kind of randomly depending on what else was going on in life.
We too do the Friends parties on specific years- 5, 10, 13 and 16. My plan for each of my daughters' 16th birthdays is to have a Hope Chest party- inviting women who have impacted their life to that point as well as their friends.
Love the no-hassle party!
Thanks, everyone!
Amy W, I would love to hear more about the Hope Chest party. It sounds great!
We concentrate on the family party, too, but allow the birthday child 2 or 3 friends to come over and play/celebrate that day. It just gets too out of hand otherwise. You have a great tip here!
I love your carnival party plan! We adopted a similar birthday plan that Danny's family did for him and his siblings growing up. We celebrate 4, 8, 12, 16 with friends and the other years with just family. He came from a family of nine kids so this worked out well to not be planning "friend parties" constantly. And who knows how many kids we'll have. I'm already thinking about what we'll do for Gabby when she turns four the end of this year.
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