POSTED WITH THE INTENTION OF OTHERS ADDING THEIR OWN SUGGESTIONS AND IDEAS
Late last year I had what I was fearing to be a dismal failure of a birthday party for a 6 year old, which turned out to be one of the best yet! I tried a few
different things in the hope of saving a few dollars and so our birthday boy could have a few more guests at no extra expense.
Since this surprised me a such a success (so successful I might add that the "other parents" still talk about it a few months later and refer to the party as a basis of comparisson), I thought I might share the ideas I came up with here, in hope of inspiring others and learning a few more hints, tips and ideas for the next round of parties this year!
My son had requested his party be at one of those fancy pre-organised party places (where all the rich kids have their parties) and I always tell my kids they can have what ever kind of party they like for their birthday (within reason). I agreed he could have his party at this expensive place, but (as they charge per child, plus, plus plus) he could only invite 5 people OR he could have his party (sausage sizzle) at the park and invite everybody he wanted to come ... also kind of suggesting "more people more pressies" in a nice, kind of non-greed inciting way.
Of course he chose the park.
I then printed out a generic (no addressee's names) invite on blank business cards and gave him a small wad to hand out to whom ever he wanted. Briefly explaining on the card that the parent needed to definately RSVP because of open invite method (and kids never remember
everyone they gave a card to and their response).
I also worded the invites in a way for the parent to "pencil us in" for the date, as it was a sent out a few weeks before hand as the party was to fall on the last week of school holidays, so no last minute reminders could be issued. I also reminded them to bring hats and dress appropriately for play at the park.
We set up a BBQ for the party, and called the party a "sausage sizzle" so parents knew exactly what to expect.
I steered clear of a theme, as my opinion on most themed party is more of a headache for parents and kids are hindered to
play by the costumes.
We supplied 2 large coolers of drink. One with water, and one with cordial and left a marker with the plastic cups for everyone to write their name on their own cup.
We had a few party food nibblies of course.
I gave out
empty loot bags at the start of the party which were just brown paper bags which I printed "Thanks for coming" on with my printer. I explained as I handed them out that we would play games to win stuff to put in the loot bags to take home.
So then all the party games had lots of winners not just one per game, and the party favours were also the loot bag favours (2 birds with one stone) and we ended with a piniata. ( I also had a few of all the party favours/ prizes in reserve for those too young or too slow or otherwise missed out - and "just between me and them" added them to there loot bags as they left..
We played pass the parcel, but sang ABC's and nursery rhymes instead of having recorded music. (This also works in places like a restaurant where it is not feasible to have recorded music at your table) .... party favour in every layer of course!
We had a classic old tug-of-war ( the whole winning team won a prize... then the losing team got a prize each for their loot bags too for being good sports
We had about 20 kids, ranging in age from 2 to 14 participating in the
whole party (and parents too). The parent of the 14 year old even commented on how accomodating this type of party was to such a wide range of ages. And the 14 year old had apparently had just as much fun as the (mostly 5 and 6 year old) smaller kids.
The whole party cost less than the party of 5 at the other place would have and was much more fun!
Although I had lots of games and activity ideas for the kids we only used a few. I didn't plan the party to the minute, I let the kids rule the day. The would play in the playground for a while then we would call them in for a drink and a game, then they would drift off again then again come back for a nibble and another game etc... The parents enjoyed the time too.
I hope I inspire other to take a less regimental approach to party planning and enjoy the experience as much as I have!
I welcome more ideas, comments and similar suggestions below. I know I have more...just can't think of them right now!
(January 2007) (
