Author Topic: "I've never been to an at home birthday party before" says my friend.  (Read 16604 times)

MayDay

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We are having DD's 4th birthday party tomorrow.  A friend whose daughter is invited told me today that she has never been to a children's birthday party at someone's house before.  Every single party they have ever gone to (and it has been at least 20 in the two years I have been friends with her) has been at a place where you pay to have the party. 

She said she was curious what an at home party would be like.  Ummm.....  We eat cake, the kids play, the end, lol. 

Anyone else have similar stories, or want to brag about a cool cheap party you have thrown for your kid?

the fixer

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Re: "I've never been to an at home birthday party before" says my friend.
« Reply #1 on: February 21, 2014, 06:50:25 PM »
That's crazy. Most of my birthday parties were at-home when I was a kid. There were a few years that I wanted to have parties at indoor play areas and I think there was one at a bowling alley but that was the minority.

At home parties seem like the best ways to throw themed parties: dinosaurs, etc. One year my Dad made a pinata that looked like the flying fish from Super Mario Brothers!

Hadilly

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Re: "I've never been to an at home birthday party before" says my friend.
« Reply #2 on: February 21, 2014, 10:05:29 PM »
I know a lot of parents who like having parties out because they don't have to deal with clean up or goodie bags. They also blow $400+ on these parties.

The last party I threw was a pretzel making party. I made the dough in advance and the kids got to roll and twist their own pretzels (did cinnamon sugar and black sesame seed and salt as the two toppings). Fun for all and a cheap treat.

I HATE goodie bags. I refuse to do them and I hate getting them (random crap that breaks before it can be donated).

mamagoose

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Re: "I've never been to an at home birthday party before" says my friend.
« Reply #3 on: February 23, 2014, 10:17:18 AM »
I really like the pretzel-making idea, the parents & older kids can do that too. Goodie bags are kinda silly IMO.

goatmom

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Re: "I've never been to an at home birthday party before" says my friend.
« Reply #4 on: February 23, 2014, 11:07:22 AM »
We always do home birthday parties.  Not many people in our circles do.  i double hate the goodie bag.  The worst is when one of my kids comes home with this bag of crap and proceeds to cause problems with the siblings.  I have given out bouncy balls with each kids name written on it or beach towels or something non-edible and somewhat useful.  I love the pretzel idea!

MayDay

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Re: "I've never been to an at home birthday party before" says my friend.
« Reply #5 on: February 23, 2014, 11:45:28 AM »
DD's party was a hit!  7 four year olds played dress-up and had a teapot cake, drank juice out of real teacups (none broken!) and had a snack of "make your own chex mix" which was bowls of different chex cereal set out, and they spooned them into zip locks. 

DD had her heart set on a piņata so in it were little packs of Oreos, fruit leather, a couple temporary tattoos, a tiny thing of play-doh, and a couple bandaids per kid.  I tried to balance not having a bunch of junky candy, with not having a bunch of plastic junk, lol. 

A lot of people in my circle complain that having a home party is just as expensive.  Well, yep, when you invite 40 people, and serve a full meal with alcohol, it will be expensive.  That's why I invite 8 or fewer kids (more than that is too overwhelming for my kids anyway) and have cake and a small snack only! 

One of my favorite parties from when I was a kid was when we made our own pizzas with whatever toppings we wanted.  Can't wait to do that when mine are a little older.  My dad did an Olympics party for my brother (so jealous of kids with summer birthdays!) with all kids of races and sports competitions in the back yard, like a water balloon relay race. 

Mark31

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Re: "I've never been to an at home birthday party before" says my friend.
« Reply #6 on: February 23, 2014, 04:22:28 PM »
We don't usually host parties at home - there's these great places called "parks" that have picnic tables and playground equipment and lots of space to run around in.
We will often spend $100 on food that we make, but that's for adults too, and it's not junk - sushi, quality sausages, tortilla espanola, dips, etc.

My children are the opposite - they've almost never been to a party at a paid venue. Yesterday though, my boy went to a birthday party at a chain 'restaurant'. I don't know if it was the sugar or caffeine in the Pepsi, or some weird additive in the soft serve ice-cream, but he was thoroughly obnoxious when he got home. Not just him either, another friend reported similar behaviour in her boy. We won't be keen on that type of party again.

oldtoyota

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Re: "I've never been to an at home birthday party before" says my friend.
« Reply #7 on: February 23, 2014, 04:55:38 PM »
My friend lives in an affluent zip and lots of people do at-home bday parties. They have giant homes and can fit the 20 kids + 20-30 parents who attend.

I have them out because I had too many experiences of kids messing up my floors, etc. I have had parties in parks, indoor spaces, and at our pool. Most of the invitees were pool members (so free for them to attend), and the pool was the big entertainment.


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Re: "I've never been to an at home birthday party before" says my friend.
« Reply #8 on: February 23, 2014, 05:20:36 PM »
DD's party was a hit!  7 four year olds played dress-up and had a teapot cake, drank juice out of real teacups (none broken!) and had a snack of "make your own chex mix" which was bowls of different chex cereal set out, and they spooned them into zip locks. 

DD had her heart set on a piņata so in it were little packs of Oreos, fruit leather, a couple temporary tattoos, a tiny thing of play-doh, and a couple bandaids per kid.  I tried to balance not having a bunch of junky candy, with not having a bunch of plastic junk, lol. 

A lot of people in my circle complain that having a home party is just as expensive.  Well, yep, when you invite 40 people, and serve a full meal with alcohol, it will be expensive.  That's why I invite 8 or fewer kids (more than that is too overwhelming for my kids anyway) and have cake and a small snack only! 

One of my favorite parties from when I was a kid was when we made our own pizzas with whatever toppings we wanted.  Can't wait to do that when mine are a little older.  My dad did an Olympics party for my brother (so jealous of kids with summer birthdays!) with all kids of races and sports competitions in the back yard, like a water balloon relay race.

That sounds like fun!

ruthiegirl

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Re: "I've never been to an at home birthday party before" says my friend.
« Reply #9 on: February 23, 2014, 05:33:53 PM »
My friend lives in an affluent zip and lots of people do at-home bday parties. They have giant homes and can fit the 20 kids + 20-30 parents who attend.


Yep, when we had a big house, we always did at home parties.   Now that we are living small, it is worth it to pay to have parties out of our house.  We have gone to the pool, to the movies, to the bowling alley...and the park too, but some birthdays happen during the rainy season and need to be inside. 

And the $150 I spend on hosting a party at the pool is far less money than my old mortgage payment. 

MayDay

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Re: "I've never been to an at home birthday party before" says my friend.
« Reply #10 on: February 23, 2014, 06:14:46 PM »
Park in february? I wish! 

DS is a September birthday and we have done parks for him.  I found that thoroughly confused invitees.  They didn't understand "meet at the park, we will be at a few picnic tables, the kids will play".   

homehandymum

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Re: "I've never been to an at home birthday party before" says my friend.
« Reply #11 on: February 24, 2014, 04:09:11 PM »
We've only ever done at home parties.  We don't have winter birthdays and have been lucky with the weather so far.  Our house is hardly large - 3 bedroom, one lounge, one bathroom (no ensuites, no walk-in wardrobes), and it has worked out ok for us.

I tend to go large on the cake and then the rest of the party food can be boring/standard stuff.

My eldest turns 10 in two days and her party is this weekend (Summer here in the southern hemisphere).  She has invited 5 friends and has requested an 'albatross cake' (yeah, your guess is as good as mine - I'll have to do some thinking in the next couple of days).  For a craft I've bought a pile of white sushi plates/side plates/mugs etc from a local second hand shop (for $1 to $2 ea) and half a dozen ceramic pens - they can decorate their own plate or mug to take home.  The pens weren't cheap, but I figure we'll use them for Christmas gifts this year too :)  I'll make a punch with our homemade kombucha and some frozen berries, make a fruit platter, some candy, etc.  Maybe we'll play one or two other party games and hopefully the weather will be good enough to toss them outside at some point.  Maybe I'll make some cookies or cupcakes for them to decorate too.  They're a lovely bunch of girls, none of whom are suffering from that 'too cool for this' attitude that can start to creep in at this age.  In terms of numbers, the parents will drop off for this one, so even if it rains we won't be too crowded this time.

In our last town the circle of friends were starting to get a little crazy with the parties - hiring bouncy castles and caterers for a 2 year old's party :)  Kinda glad we don't have that peer pressure to contend with here.

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Re: "I've never been to an at home birthday party before" says my friend.
« Reply #12 on: February 26, 2014, 04:51:11 AM »
I never thought about that till the OP raised this. As kids we always had partys at home or parks/school. I have 4 kids and honestly cant remember any of them going to a home party. In the occasion its a kids birthday and the parents let a few sleep over yes. But not a full blown party with hats, cake , pizza etc...

Like many have said its easier and there are all these things designed for partys from Laser tag to bowling so seemingly a tradition thats kinda gonna to the curb.  Kinda sad but I gotta say its alot cheaper than kids destroying stuff . I think to if i lived in a different climate we could do more things.  Good thread though. Eye opener.

Rebecca Stapler

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Re: "I've never been to an at home birthday party before" says my friend.
« Reply #13 on: February 26, 2014, 04:55:18 AM »
Sounds like a great party! My 4-year-old's party is this weekend, and we're having it at home. We invited 9 kids -- his best buds from preschool plus his cousins. We have a decent-sized apartment, but it will be a tight squeeze.

Last year, my son wanted to invite his entire preschool class, so we had it at a playspace and it was $150 just for the space. It was the cheapest I found! But it was a lot of fun.

What gets me these days is how much money people spend on fancy birthday cakes -- $40 - $80 on a cake!!! No, thanks.

PindyStache

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Re: "I've never been to an at home birthday party before" says my friend.
« Reply #14 on: February 26, 2014, 12:47:34 PM »
+1 to this whole thread! Where have all the home birthdays gone? I was talking about my DS's birthday plans with a co-worker. She basically said "ya, well you used to be able to have birthday parties at home, but these days you have to spend $1000 at Chucky Cheese." (We then had a very nice little party at home, with about $40 worth of space-themed decorations/take-home's and some homecooked food).

Parks are just fine for Bdays in winter! One of my best childhood birthday memories was a sledding parting my parents threw in 3rd grade. Many will also have a community room that can be rented for free or for like $20-$50. I anticipate doing this when our brood grows/ages.

Glad to hear the other ideas posted here too.

MrsPete

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Re: "I've never been to an at home birthday party before" says my friend.
« Reply #15 on: February 27, 2014, 07:35:07 AM »
When my kids were young and on the "birthday circuit", they attended mostly "out of the house" parties.  I think lots of parents see it as easier because they don't have to prepare, cook food, clean up afterward -- and if you're not particularly frugal, $150-200 doesn't seem like all that much for a kid's party.  Not if the option is to buy the cake, chips, etc. and spend again on games, goodie bags, etc. 

We personally gave mostly at-home parties, but a few times the kids begged for an "out of the house" party.  I didn't love them because they seemed impersonal, identical to other people's parties. 

If you're looking for "at home party" ideas, you can't do any better than Disney's Family Fun magazine, which is also available online.  They are incredibly creative and turn ordinary household things into really fun games.  But they do require TIME. 

Elaine

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Re: "I've never been to an at home birthday party before" says my friend.
« Reply #16 on: February 27, 2014, 08:00:37 AM »
My Dad is a really great cartoonist (as a hobby). One year for my birthday he made kid sized animated cutouts of all sorts of different characters so that you could pose with your face in the face cutouts. There were superheroes and dinosaurs and all sorts of stuff, it was just made with fridge boxes and sharpie. We had disposable cameras for each kid so everyone could take home pictures of them as all the different characters. It was such a huge hit that my teacher (one of her kids was at my party) asked if my dad would come into the class to show everyone how to do cartoons. I felt like the coolest kid in school. The whole party probably cost about $20.

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Re: "I've never been to an at home birthday party before" says my friend.
« Reply #17 on: February 27, 2014, 09:15:04 AM »
At my childrens preschool out of home parties really isnt a thing, which makes me so happy. We have spring and late summer birthdays so we just party in the garden. 2 hours set time, just cake or maybe a bbq and a cake. In our neighborhood parents tend to leave thair kids at the party alone at four years which really limits the amount of kids to invite.

We were invited to the coolest 4th birthday party this december, it was held outside in the woods in the dark with a reflective vest and a flashlight for each kid (that they got to keep, oh joy!!!). The parents set up a campfire in the snow and served hot dogs and hot chocolate. 12 kids, three parents attending and a treasure hunt in the pitch dark woods, sooo exciting and thrilling for everyone! We still talk about it every day!

TheRedHead

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My parties were all at home (but I don't remember ANY parties not being at home back in those days). My parents would have a treasure hunt and fun games to play. It was a blast!

We have had 2 of my sons parties at home (for 1st and 2nd) then because of the damage OLDER siblings were doing to our house, we had his 3rd at a gym and catered. Won't be doing that again. It was fun, easy but too expensive and it felt like it was more for the adults than the kids.

This year for his 4th we are having a sleepover at our house with his cousins and uncles. Pasta with butter and cheese for dinner and s'mores for dessert. I will bring popcorn in little buckets to his school for snack and we will have a small gathering at a park with some of his friends after school. I will provide cupcakes and the kids can play. I'm working VERY hard at keeping things simple and not buying into the more, more, more culture that seems to surround kids parties these days.

I also loathe the goody bags. More sugar and crap that the kids don't need. I'm over them. The one time I have done them, I gave things like coloring pencils and stencils that would actually be used. But still. Totally unnecessary.

I wish I could say 'no gifts' without people being upset. I just don't want any more stuff that will be donated quickly. And my son has enough toys as it is.

socaso

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In The Tightwad Gazette there are some terrific descriptions of at home kid's birthday parties with cool themes and activities. One that particularly stood out was a pirate theme with a treasure hunt and a chest full of gold chocolate coins as a prize.

Also I love the pretzel making party! I made pretzels recently and they were so fun and easy I thought it would be a good kid activity.

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Birthday parties in general are a foreign concept to me. I had one party growing up.

For my kids, I repeat what my parents did for me: they get to pick dinner, an activity for the day, and we host any family who can come (which includes cousins of similar age). For my two summer birthdays, it's a nice cookout. For my December dude, it's necessarily a little quieter.

Never, ever would I do the 'twenty screaming kids party' at the bouncy palace that my wife took the kids to last weekend.

cbgg

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I don't have kids, but when I was a kid there was a good mix of parties at home vs parties at other facilities.  In general, the older we got the more likely we were to have the party just be an at home sleepover.

Our party locations weren't too elaborate.  They were places like bowling alleys, swimming pools, etc.  I'm pretty sure these weren't overly expensive.

One thing my parents weren't shy about was limiting the guest list.  I don't understand why everyone seems to have a party where they invite "the whole class" these days.  Is it really necessary to have 20+ kids in attendance?

RootofGood

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We have always done "at home" birthday parties.  I would say about half of the b-day parties my kids attend have been at home.

Our typical party is probably $50-75 or so for ~15-20 kids and often as many adults.  We'll do outdoor games, have cake and ice cream.  The beauty salon is a hit (girls painting nails, hair coloring, make up/lip gloss, etc).  Although my wife is usually in charge of that station. 

For food, we have done sandwiches (pepperoni, salami, ham, turkey, roast beef, etc, some cheeses, some tuna or seafood salads, then tomatoes/lettuce/pickles/condiments on the side).  Pre-made on sub rolls or italian bread has worked well. 

We have also gone the easy route and order a stack of pizzas (like 15).  A local place in the neighborhood has 3 for $10 pizzas, so it's pretty affordable and very convenient for en masse food.  I'll usually have salad and veggies out for those that want to eat a little healthier. 

We actually have a b-day party coming up next weekend and decided to keep it relatively small.  Most of the kids will stay for a sleepover.  We'll probably go the pizza route, and all in, it will be around $50-60 (if I buy a case of beer for the adults in attendance).  We might do a campfire (and even roast marshmallows/hot dogs) if there's a general consensus from parents that it's cool. 

+1 on the goody bags.  My wife kind of insists on making them, even though the stuff is broken before the guests make it out of the house.  Amazon and ebay make for cheap goody bag supplies, and you can get the bags themselves at the $1 store (along with more cheap plastic crap to stuff in the bags). 

lifejoy

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My mom threw me the best parties, where you take shoestring licorice and you make necklaces! You thread sour keys, fruit loops, pretzels and any other candy or snack with a hole in it :)

So fun, and delicious! Plus it takes time, and then the kids have a "loot bag" equivalent to take home with them.

1967mama

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Thanks for this great idea @libraryjoy! I'm having an 11 year old party here on Tuesday and we are totally doing this!

RootofGood

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We're in the middle of a birthday party / sleepover for our newly minted 9 year old. 

The total cost will be around $75:
$32 for 9 pizzas
$13 for 2 bottles of wine and a 12 pack of beer (have to keep the adults entertained)
$10 for fresh grapes, strawberries, citrus fruits, apples, cheese tray, carrots, chips, crackers, etc
$3 for sodas, chocolate milk
$2 paper plates and cups
$5 for cake and icing
$5 party favors
$5 waffles, ham and eggs in the morning

Comments so far include: "This is the best party ever.  It's so cool that you can throw parties like this at your house.  We never throw parties like this at my house.  All we ever do is go to places like Chuck E cheese and the skating rink.  I wish we could throw parties like this at our house (insert sad 9 year old face here)."

After playing outside for a while, the kids built a fort out of blankets and furniture.  Then hosted a fashion show.  Then played with their dolls.  Then watched part of a movie.  Now they are finishing the movie (and hopefully going to sleep).  In the meantime, eight of us parents sat outside, drained a couple bottles of wine and a 12 pack of beer, ate some pizza, played cornhole, shot the $hit, watched the bats come out as the sun set over the lake.  100x better than the 2-3 hours of rushed time you get at a pre-packaged b-day party. 

Birthday party + sleep over + dinner party for adults = epic way to spend $75.

Stacey

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We're in the middle of a birthday party / sleepover for our newly minted 9 year old. 

The total cost will be around $75:
$32 for 9 pizzas
$13 for 2 bottles of wine and a 12 pack of beer (have to keep the adults entertained)
$10 for fresh grapes, strawberries, citrus fruits, apples, cheese tray, carrots, chips, crackers, etc
$3 for sodas, chocolate milk
$2 paper plates and cups
$5 for cake and icing
$5 party favors
$5 waffles, ham and eggs in the morning

Comments so far include: "This is the best party ever.  It's so cool that you can throw parties like this at your house.  We never throw parties like this at my house.  All we ever do is go to places like Chuck E cheese and the skating rink.  I wish we could throw parties like this at our house (insert sad 9 year old face here)."

After playing outside for a while, the kids built a fort out of blankets and furniture.  Then hosted a fashion show.  Then played with their dolls.  Then watched part of a movie.  Now they are finishing the movie (and hopefully going to sleep).  In the meantime, eight of us parents sat outside, drained a couple bottles of wine and a 12 pack of beer, ate some pizza, played cornhole, shot the $hit, watched the bats come out as the sun set over the lake.  100x better than the 2-3 hours of rushed time you get at a pre-packaged b-day party. 

Birthday party + sleep over + dinner party for adults = epic way to spend $75.

This sounds AWESOME!  Exactly the sort of party I hope to host for my son when he gets older.  And the sort I hope he's invited to.  :) 

randymarsh

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Comments so far include: "This is the best party ever.  It's so cool that you can throw parties like this at your house. We never throw parties like this at my house.  All we ever do is go to places like Chuck E cheese and the skating rink.  I wish we could throw parties like this at our house (insert sad 9 year old face here)."

Haha, is your house unique in some way that allows it to host parties?

scrubbyfish

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My kid's 9 parties have been at home, extended family only (including partner's two kids), veggie platter, homemade cake, balloons, a couple of old-fashioned games, lots of free play. No goodie bags, very little from any store.

His little friend only ever wants two kids (my kid and one school friend) -and lots of quiet- at his parties.

Partner's older child has demanded profoundly bigger gigs, the stuff movies are made of. We don't "do" demands, so we invite her to prioritize. In the end, her mum funds -at hundreds of dollars- and facilitates the exhaustive version, while we do a far mellower one.

All very happy kids!

In my experience, key has been to ask the kids what they want. In our case, two out of three specifically want an event that proves much cheaper than what we would have paid for had we made a guess at what they wanted! With the third, when we ask her to prioritize, the thing she wants most is generally the cheapest out of her long list. i.e. One year, she asked for an event like one would see in the movies, complete with horseback riding, etc. What did she want most of all, though? Red licorice and a paint canvas!

RootofGood

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Haha, is your house unique in some way that allows it to host parties?

Other than the fact that I live in it, thereby making it at least 17% more awesome?  No.  There are no special features or attributes that allow us to host kick ass b-day parties for 9 year olds.  Unless you count the disco ball.  In that case, the $8 we spent on a disco ball would make our house somewhat unique. 

And we have lots of hardwood floors.  Or "skating rink" as they called it.  We almost got out the furniture polish to really show them how it could be a skating rink.  But one goal was to avoid any broken bones among the attendees.

That's why the comment you highlighted was kind of funny coming from this particular kid.  He lives in a bigger, nicer, newer house.  They have way more fancy electronics and games than we do (we stopped at the super nintendo and the PS 2). 

We just seriously leverage the assets we do own to their full usefulness.  I mean, why spend $150,000 on a huge house if you can't use it for something as simple as a birthday party, dinner party, or sleepover? 


kingma15

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We have a party every second year for our kids.

On the off year of having a party we go on an outing with them and a couple of friends (maybe the zoo, maybe the movies etc..)

We live in a unit, so it isn't really possible to have a party in our house. We are fortunate enough to have a private park within our unit block that we take the kids down to and play games/run around etc.. Sausages and bread rolls are cooked on a portable bbq.

Next year for my daughters first birthday, we are going to try a breakfast bbq at one of the local public parks. Bacon and eggs on the bbq, while the kids can run around at the park and play on the equipment.

I haven't crunched the numbers as we have yet to have a party as mustachians, but I would imagine having it at a park and paying just for food and party bags etc.. Would be much cheaper.

At the end of the day, what do kids want from a party?- eat junk food and birthday cake and run around and play with their friends...

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We've always had our daughter's birthday parties at either our house or her grandmother's house.  Since she was born in February and the average temperature here in Feb is just slightly north of 0F, we can't take advantage of the local parks. 

We usually have a few family and her daycare friends over and have various activities... for her 3rd (latest) birthday, we had her friends and a few family over, and had snacks, games, and some 'make your own animal' kits my wife found at the dollar store for super cheap. It was a blast!  My daughter certainly had a good time, and isn't that what matters most, after all?

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Most of my kids parties were at home (they are in their 30's now) and so were most of their friends. Rarely they would get a party at a fast food restaurant.  When they got to be teens they usually preferred to have about 3 friends over and we would go out for dinner & bowling ( or whatever they wanted) & then have a sleepover at our house.

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It's funny because I remember attending many out-of-house parties as a kid, and even had a few of my own (swimming, bowling and movies were common options) however, all the kids parties I've attended as a grown up (for friends' kids and nieces and nephews) have been at home, or in the case of one friend, at a park.

I helped my sister put on my 8 year old niece's party last summer at her house, and it was a blast: we did a carnival theme, involving a giant plinko game (made of cardboard and golf tees) "throw water balloons at Dad", Duck pond, pick a door (get a prize or squirted in the face with a water gun, depending on the door - made from a tri-fold cardboard display) and face painting/temporary tattoos. Snacks were homemade popcorn in paper bags, licorice, and lemonade. I doubt she spend more than $50, as it was all from the dollar store, including a roll of tickets that they used to "pay" for the games.

All the kids had a blast, it was cheap, the kids stayed outside, so house-damage was minimized, and it was fun to put together. Although, undeniably, it was a lot of work.

That being said, I don't have kids, so I don't really know what's common in wider circles. Maybe I just run with an unusually frugal bunch. Also, while my SIL always does parties at home, they always involve a bouncy castle, a custom made fancy-pants cake and usually an entertainer (reptile person, magician etc) so that's probably still pretty expensive, even though it's in her house.

greatreader

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We always have at-home parties. The very best was the camping party for our December baby's fourth birthday.

We moved all of the furniture from the living room into the dining room and pitched our camping tent right there in the living room. I planted some outdoors-type objects around the room (mushrooms, long grass, feathers, rocks, sticks) and sent the kids on a scavenger hunt. Then they had to go around the house and collect "firewood" (sticks) so that we could cook our dinner. While the fire started going we handed out little LED flashlights with the kids' names on them (we used those shiny alphabet stickers) and taught them how to do some simple shadow animals.

For dinner we roasted hot dogs over the fire and had them with chips and a juice box for each kid. Then we made s'mores for dessert. I made a homemade cake and decorated it with candy rocks, chocolate logs, and a little fabric tent I made. At the end of the party each kid went home with their flashlight and a little ziplock bag containing ingredients and instructions for a microwaved s'mores sandwich.

Best. Party. Ever.

Stacey

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We always have at-home parties. The very best was the camping party for our December baby's fourth birthday.

We moved all of the furniture from the living room into the dining room and pitched our camping tent right there in the living room. I planted some outdoors-type objects around the room (mushrooms, long grass, feathers, rocks, sticks) and sent the kids on a scavenger hunt. Then they had to go around the house and collect "firewood" (sticks) so that we could cook our dinner. While the fire started going we handed out little LED flashlights with the kids' names on them (we used those shiny alphabet stickers) and taught them how to do some simple shadow animals.

For dinner we roasted hot dogs over the fire and had them with chips and a juice box for each kid. Then we made s'mores for dessert. I made a homemade cake and decorated it with candy rocks, chocolate logs, and a little fabric tent I made. At the end of the party each kid went home with their flashlight and a little ziplock bag containing ingredients and instructions for a microwaved s'mores sandwich.

Best. Party. Ever.

This is amazing!  My son would think this would be the best party ever.  I'm definitely going to borrow some of your ideas for his next birthday (he'll also be four).  So creative and so, so much fun!!!  I always loved the creative in-home birthday parties the best when I was a kid.  That was the only kind we ever had, but I went to a lot of arcade/pizza place/cermamics studio type parties for my friends when I was growing up. 

greatreader

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Stacey - let me know when you're ready to steal ideas, and I'll give you the url to download the invitation template and scavenger hunt list, if you want them.

momo5

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most of the kids here have parties at party places that run $350+. And they always give out party bags. I hate party bags. But there are still lots of kids that have parties at home (mine included, although last year my ds wanted to take some friends bowling for his birthday, we capped it at 3 friends and everyone was happy).
I usually have some sort of craft activity, kids take the finished product home instead of a goody bag, but last year one of my kids just begged for a pinata and I gave in and filled it with loads of junk and the kids went home with, as my dh calls it, cavities in a bag. never again.
our birthday party budget was $150 and that is the birthday gift as well. that was pre-MMM, the next birthday isnt for a few months, I plan to revisit that budget. I really like the pretzel making idea.

TooManyBills

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We've been doing the three-year-old party circuit and it's all Chuck E. Cheese, Little Gym, and Great Play.  Always with the goody bags of plastic crap and candy.  $400+ a pop, and all the parties are the same.  Let's stop the insanity!

When my December baby turns 4 this winter, we'll have 4-5 kids over for homemade cake, pizza, and some games.  And NO GOODY BAGS!

Stacey

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Stacey - let me know when you're ready to steal ideas, and I'll give you the url to download the invitation template and scavenger hunt list, if you want them.

I would love links to the invitation template and scavenger hunt list.  Thanks!  The party won't be until next winter, but I'll try to remember and provide an update once we have it.  So excited...

Erica/NWEdible

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I once catered an in-home children's bday party for a client of mine....I billed about $2,000 for the event, as I recall. The job they pay for may be your own... ;)

JoyBlogette

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My little guy just turned 1.  He has the first birthday of his "friends" and we did a home party.  We may have started a trend, but all the parties we've been to so far have been at home (5!) except for one that was in a church basement.

Emilyngh

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Here are a couple of pics of DD's 3rd birthday party, held at our home this past weekend.   There was a mermaid/under-the-sea theme and we spent less than $100 on mostly food and a few inexpensive decorations made from things around the house or from the dollar store.

« Last Edit: June 11, 2014, 09:38:09 PM by Emilyngh »

savedough

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We love to cook and entertain so at home birthday parties have been a great excuse to have friends over.   

In April, our son got a bike for his birthday so we invited everyone to bring their bikes and we set up cones and a "car wash" and had a great time.   We used balloons from the dollar store to decorate and each kid was able to take a balloon home as their goodie-bag.   I got several texts thanking us for the balloons because they are fun for a day and then thrown away. (Not very earth-friendly, I understand...)  No extra sugar or junk that no one needs.  We also handed out temporary tattoos for the biker gang :)

We have pretty limiting food allergies so having the parties at home allows me to control the food so that both of my children can fully participate.   I always bring a cupcake to every other bday party we attend and my child can't eat the food generally so I like to have two parties a year, I know he won't have to miss out on something.

DrJohn

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We have hosted a few good ones-

Boy and girl (different occasions)- Bowling alley mid-afternoon when it is quiet (though a bit weird when dads brought their charges and departed to the bar to have a beer and watch the game while kiddos played)- I guess that's TX for ya.

Girl (9)-At home party decor- glitter spread on tablecloth and balloons (kids soon found out that to rub balloon to make static, spread with glitter then bat across room makes great firework-like effects- no worries we have tile and a vacuum cleaner), pin tail on donkey, pass the parcel, peas and straws challenge, guess a minute (at strategic times when things got too mad) disco, cupcakes, fruit plates.

Boy (10) Party gifts were cheapo knockoff Nerf guns and extra ammo handed out at the start.  Then Nerf war in the park (two teams of 5 with switching of players between teams) followed by homemade sandwiches/chips and soft drinks.  Best fun the kids had was shooting grown ups (especially host's 6' 3" dad) at inopportune moments.   Not PC maybe, but what the heck- those boys went home tired.  Also, friends did the same on a very hot day but variation was water guns.  All got soaked including parents.

We all had fun at all events- regardless of costs.  We just brought back some ideas from simpler times.  We have been invited to catered kids parties hosted at a private cabanas at country club's lazy river, but they were not so much fun...

Sleepover?  Are you out of your freaking mind????

merci001

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I've always done home parties for my two kids. THe older they get the more simple it became, cake, ice cream, water for drinks. And as they got older I didn't have to plan any actitivies as they'd just play on their own. The parties have always been a success.  I now let them have sleep overs for their BD (I have 10 and 13 yr old). I keep the number to 5 guests.  Again, things are simple-I'll make some full on nachos or order a pizza (if I feel lazy) for supper, cake, ice cream, maybe popcorn for late night snack. I'll usuallly make pancakes for breakfast.  I hate all the junkie party favors so when my kids were really little I started handing out a roll of pennies for party favor-that's it and that has been a huge hit and quite the tradition!  I've had some of the same kids coming for years to the BD parties and they all look forward to their roll of pennies at the end! And the parents have loved it too!

frugalredhead

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Re: "I've never been to an at home birthday party before" says my friend.
« Reply #46 on: August 08, 2014, 10:46:59 AM »
We have always paid to have our kids' parties out of the home, mostly to avoid cleanup before and after, but also because he was at the age where you had to invite the whole class, and I can't fit 18 kids and their parents in my home.  However, we have already decided that next year my oldest will have his at the house (he wants a sleepover, so there will be far fewer kids - I told him 5 or 6, tops).  I make homemade pizza dough so my plan is to have a decorate your own pizza party, have cake and ice cream, and rent a movie for them to watch.  I think we can do it pretty cheaply. 

This year's party was $220 and was at a beautiful indoor pool, and included decorations, pizza, drinks, and cake.  It was the cheapest party we've had for him so far!  We skipped goody bags, and while one child asked me if there were any (and was disappointed that there weren't), I am sure not a single parent wanted more cheap junk in their house that they would have to throw in the trash when their kid wasn't looking :)

As a child, all of my parties were at home except for an occasional roller skating party, so I am looking forward to having his party at our house!

Happy Little Chipmunk

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Re: "I've never been to an at home birthday party before" says my friend.
« Reply #47 on: August 19, 2014, 10:21:29 PM »
We've always done home parties, but they range all over the neighborhood at times. We keep the size of the party to the age of the child. That works pretty well for both cost and chaos. Plus we don't have a house that I'm "careful" with...we live here and we have fun here, so messes will be made. So be it. Never vacuum before a kid party; just do it after.

There's usually a craft that they make to take home (no goody bag), some sort of adventure (treasure hunt/geocache/magical quest), homemade cake (unless I get too extreme with the treasure hunt/activity) and a lot of free time to ramble in the yard and climb trees and be crazed monkeys. They've always chosen the theme, but now that they are 14 and 11 they help plan most of the whole thing. (Invites to thank you cards: it's their show.) This year the 11 year old wanted a "Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy" party so all the friends came in robes (you do remember Arthur Dent and his robe?!), had a treasure hunt that walked them through the first part of the story, and at the end they watched the movie. They had to figure out "what happens next" by working together to solve puzzles and do silly things in order to get their next clue. Yeah, I can go overboard on the treasure hunts but it's fun for me.

The older kiddo wanted to go on an adventure hike this year, so we borrowed a big van and drove the family and friends out to some hikeable lava tubes. Brought the fixings for fancy sandwiches al fresco and then came home to watch "shakespeare" movies and eat cake. (The new Much Ado About Nothing and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead.)

The kids really like having "experiences" with their friends and I have a blast trying to play with their brains. Sometimes they even learn stuff. But I haven't yet been able to get the kids to agree to forgo the present opening extravaganza. Someday we'll get to "no present but your presence", but not yet!