By T. Stevens
In case you haven’t been to a children’s birthday party lately, you’d know that it, like many other things in American culture have become very big ordeals. A recent 2 year old birthday party was held at a pint-sized gym for 18, yes 18 children + 27 adults, for $500 for an hour and a half, in addition to the invitations, cake, balloons, hats, plates, forks, and cupcakes (because as I’ve learned there’s the cake for the adults and cupcakes for the kids, both were made specially for the party). In talking with the mom post-party about my daughter’s upcoming party, she gushed how affordable it was at $800 all said and done. Some of you out there might have just fallen out of your seats, and some of you are saying, “What a deal!”
I’m not exactly sure when 2 year old birthday parties became a status symbol because when I turned 2, I don’t remember the party, but according to the pictures we had cake, 4 friends and their parents, and a cook out. We played in the sand box until it was time to eat. In wondering how to have a nice balance of fun and intrigue for my daughter and her 3 pint-sized friends all age 2, I turned to parenting social networks online in hopes of finding a little perspective and hoping that I’m not just being a cheapskate.
It was in these online forums that I’ve learned I, like many other parents, don’t see the need to rent a petting zoo for the 2nd birthday, but maybe the 3rd. Where a specialty cake is nice, but if you have the craftiness you could still make your own. And while renting a place can be a headache saver post-party where you don’t have to clean up, it is expensive and what’a few extra dishes? I also learned about some great birthday games, and theme ideas which I’m going to share with you.
1. If your child has a favorite character whether it’s Disney Princesses, Sesame Street, Dora/Diego, etc. go with it. Party supply stores sell character based invitations, plates, cups, hats, and treat bags for a reasonable price. It will make for a nice keepsake later, and help build up excitement for your child if they start to see Thomas the Tank Engine stuff collecting.
2. Have one or two activities, and keep the time limit from party start to party finish to 2 hours max. For the activities, base it around the character or theme. For instance, if you choose a Dora the Explorer theme, create a map for the kids to follow to get to the party area in the backyard, or a treasure to find. Have a dress-up party for the princesses and practice sipping tea. You get the idea. Keep the party moving and after two hours 2 year olds start to hit a brick wall.
3. Discuss a budget and stick to it. It is easy to get swept up into making this party an amazing one as your kid will be more into it compared to the 1st birthday, but the liklihood of them remembering it down the road is slim. What’s more, now that you’ve gone big time, every year you will be trying to out do yourself and that’s how we end up with MTV’s Sweet Sixteen events costing $30,000 with musicians, several outfit changes, and a BMW or Land Rover at the end of the party. At 2 we need to remember to keep it simple.
4. Don’t try to compete against other parents. It’s really great we were invited to such a party, but have your own party the way you want it and don’t compete to out-do other parents.
Posted by: Editor
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