The main thing to remember is that 3 year olds have a very short attention span so keep games short & simple. If you google search 'childrens party games' you will find many sites listing heaps of games, often in age groups.

Parties don't have to be costly. Keep food simple, the kids probably won't eat a real lot anyway (they're usually too busy having fun!) Sandwiches, little cakes or muffins, sausage rolls, cocktail frankfurts - all easy, cost-effective, & easy for little ones to eat.

Pinatas are fun. You can buy them made, or make one using paper mache. Just blow up a balloon as a base, paper mache around it, decorate with crepe paper, & fill with goodies. When you paper mache the balloon, leave a hole in the top to put the goodies in. Once filled just cover with tape. I'm sure you will have parents there who can help you help the children when it comes to hitting the pinata.

3 year olds just want to have fun..

So order a cake, blow up some balloons, decorate the house/backyard and just have sandwiches, and other party food and they will love indulging in all that..

If you have a park near by take it there, if your house isnt big enough..

Children no matter what age, love the pinata- and you can buy them at any retail stores like kmart, target- if you are in australia..

Also children love pass the parcel as well, and they love all going home with a treat..

enjoy the day and let all have fun..

xx cazza

The entertainment side of it...

Activities for such little kids are more things that will keep them occupied than games per se. A playdough table, a painting area, bubble blowing, etc. If you ask at a local kindergarten, playgroup or child care centre about what kinds of activities they do you'll get a plethora of ideas. A puppet show or sing-a-long that the kids can get involved with works well also.

Hi!  A lot of questions about parties today!!  Anyway, they do say for each year of their age you should have that number friends - so 3, would be 3 friends!  For my 2 in the early years, we have pretty much stuck to family friends and simple food - you could make it a morning tea or a lunch, with cakes, pikelets, fairy bread, fruit/vege dips.  All easy to make and cheap.  Make them beforehand so you can enjoy it and take lots of photos.

A few games is good, but keep it simple - maybe a treasure hunt, or pass the parcel.  At that age, they can't really do much, so you don't want to go overboard.  You don't need entertainment or themes, really, particularly in the early years, so just invite a few friends, have music, a few games and some simple food (including a cake, of course) - and keep it short! 1 1/2-2 hrs is enough.  Make sure parents stay with their kids (at this age I think everyone would) and just ask about any allergies kids may have.  You'll be fine!