So it is the "norm" around here, at least in my son's circle of friends, to have your birthday party out at one of the many bowling alleys, mini-golf places, inflatable bouncy places, etc., that are in town. All to the tune of $200-$350. And yes, we have been happily paying this much for his birthday parties since he was 2 years old. But now we have come to our senses and realized that 7 year old boys can have just as much fun doing something a lot cheaper!
I am trying to convince my husband to have his party at home. One concern is that it is at the end of July and it is often 100 degrees in Virginia at that time of year. Also, parents typically stay with their kids for the party, which doubles the number of people in our house. Our house is substantially smaller than most of his classmates (at 2200 sq ft, so that just goes to show the size of his friends' houses!), so he would be limited in the number of friends he can invite.
Then there is the hassle of cleaning up before and after. That alone almost makes it worth paying $300 to have it somewhere else!
As of now, if hubby will agree, I'm thinking make your own personal sized pizzas, maybe decorate your own cupcakes as well, and any games I can come up with (both indoors and outdoors, but indoor games are a little touger to come up with.
We do also have a sprinkler and water hopscotch, but then I have to deal with wet little boys coming back in my house
Any suggestions for how to make this affordable and still make it fun for kids (and their parents) who are accustomed to fancier parties?
Kids birthday party pressure
June 16th, 2014 at 03:23 pm
June 16th, 2014 at 03:42 pm 1402929724
We did an outdoor party for my daughter in our backyard in July. We had an above ground pool then. Unfortunately it rained a little bit, but those 6 year olds still had a good time getting in when the weather was clear.
I've found it is nice to have a mid afternoon party to avoid feeding an actual meal to guests. We do serve cake and ice cream. Slushies?
Water balloon fight, balloons prepped before hand, kids pick up the pieces. Water guns. Relay races...they are numerous varieties. Slip and slide and sprinker. Maybe something could be put in a pool of water to be fished for. There are lots of ideas out there on the internet that can keep kids busy outdoors for two hours. In fact I googled outdoor water games and saw several possibilities!
June 16th, 2014 at 03:45 pm 1402929916
June 16th, 2014 at 03:51 pm 1402930312
June 16th, 2014 at 04:25 pm 1402932349
I wouldn't worry about what everyone else is doing. We have always gotten lots of compliments for keeping things simple. People enjoy it. A lot of our neighbors pay the $300 because it is "easy," but can certainly enjoy a low key home party. I don't see that the kids care either way.
June 16th, 2014 at 06:27 pm 1402939666
Water balloons are a lot of fun. I did a tropical theme one year, keeping them all outside with pineapple and other fruit skewers, colored drinks, etc. Maybe more girly, but it's easy and fun.
June 16th, 2014 at 06:43 pm 1402940612
I'd just fork it over. That doesn't actually seem like too much money for what you'll be getting and more importantly - what you'll be avoiding!
June 16th, 2014 at 07:31 pm 1402943504
Doing homemade make your own pizzas would probably cost $20 (I make the dough myself and then would need sauce and toppings), and then there's the cost of activities and decorations. All in all we could probably do it for around $100.
So then I'm paying $100 to have someone else run the party, watch the kids, and clean up. Doesn't sound like a bad deal when you put it that way.... hubby and I will have to discuss further.
June 16th, 2014 at 08:31 pm 1402947107
Around the time my daughter turned 7 we ended up in another social circle that didn't have that kind of birthday pressure.
Having a good theme is helpful, if not key, for having an at-home party. A couple of years ago we did a Star Wars-themed birthday party for my daughter. My house is about 1200 square feet and we ended up with over 20 guests. You can read about the party here: http://petunia.savingadvice.com/2012/10/18/birthday-party_98296/
That said, it may not be a bad deal for you to do the party elsewhere.
June 16th, 2014 at 08:35 pm 1402947311
June 16th, 2014 at 10:51 pm 1402955473
June 17th, 2014 at 12:58 am 1402963124
I'd do it out if it's easier. I just like being outdoors so my DD2 is getting a park party. Perhaps I'll shell out for the zoo or something one day.
June 18th, 2014 at 06:24 pm 1403112265