I admit it. I’m not one of those moms who is scouring Pinterest looking for birthday party ideas.
I have no desire to outdo anyone on any party front.
I don’t cook unless I have to. And while I’m artistic, I’m not overly crafty.
That’s why I’m all for effortless birthday parties that keep everyone happy.
When your child’s birthday is near a major holiday like Thanksgiving, or simply in a colder month like November, you have to get a little creative.
That does not mean you have to break the bank. Nor does it mean you have to go all over the top.
Here’s what we did for my son’s 4th birthday party yesterday. (Note: Biz’s 4th birthday is actually on the 28th. We had his birthday party on the 17th to keep it away from the craziness of the holidays.)
Step 1: Book a party at your local play center.
I live in Maine, and it’s cold outside right now. I’m not having a bunch of 2-7 year olds running around my house. We had Biz’s party at The Rumpus Room, which is just around the corner from our house. Parents bring their kids. Kids run around and play in an area specifically designed for them. Kids play with kids. Adults talk to each other. There’s no need to clean up (though we did anyway because we love The Rumpus Room). Everyone is happy.
Also, it helps if there’s a ball pit and pirate ship.
Step 2: Pick a theme.
We had a pirate party. Because that’s what Biz was in the mood for when we went back to Target after his whole screaming ordeal. We picked out a packet of pirate invitations and thank you notes. He wore a pirate shirt that his Grammy just bought him from the Caribbean. I bought a pirate hat and sword for him to wear to the party (for about $2 each), so he could establish himself as the “captain” of the party. (I also had to explain to him that the hat and sword did not give him the right to tell people what to do. Contrary to his belief.)
Step 3: Rent a hotdog steamer.
Seriously. The kids are running around and playing. You are lucky if they stop for 10 minutes to eat. Don’t go all crazy downloading recipes for a 4 year old’s birthday party. We rented a hotdog steamer for $15 from our local meat market, Bisson’s. They also provided us with the hotdogs and buns. We bought some veggies and dip, some chips and crackers. Oh, and a pirate-themed cake that’s really just cupcakes underneath. Easy to eat. No need for a knife. Boom. You are done with food.
Step 4: Be smart about the favors.
Biz wanted to get everyone a sword. Can you imagine a bunch of small children with swords? It’s bad enough the boys will make anything into a sword (or a gun) without the encouragement. We convinced Biz that only the “captain” should have a sword. We also didn’t want to send everyone home with the standard birthday crap candy and toy favors that I end up throwing away when the kids aren’t paying attention. Keeping with the pirate theme, everyone got a small bag of gold doubloons, an eye patch and a pirate lollipop.
Step 5: Open the presents at home and be done with it.
At a 4 year old’s birthday party, many of the kids don’t have the attention span to sit and watch some other child open presents. They either want the presents, or they just want to do something else. We explained to Biz ahead of time that we would open presents right after the party at home. This also helped us get him out of The Rumpus Room and back home without a fight.
The verdict? The party was a success, and I wasn’t stressed at all about it.
I also have the hotdog steamer for a few days. Who wants some steamed dogs?
I am all for the easy party! You are a girl after my own heart! If we lived closer, I’d split the hot dog cart with you – my kids love them! PS – Love your favors!
We would throw a kick butt (and very simple) party! I don’t let my kids eat hotdogs all the time, but who are we kidding? Kids love hotdogs! It was a big hit. And everyone was wearing eye patches on the way out. 🙂
I hear you – I hate the weird escalation that we’re seeing in birthday parties for kids as they get older.
A mom friend of mine gave me the suggestion of forgoing parties all together (other than as family gatherings) and taking our sons out to an event with just one friend. She feels that it makes birthdays more memorable than doing the same thing year after year with a different theme, or in a different place. The only challenge is getting our son(s) to go for this idea, when they’re in the mindset of parties because that’s what all their friends do.
I think that’s a great idea. Maybe I can convince my kids to go to a concert with me instead. 🙂
I have been stressing about my son’s upcoming 4th birthday party for days, but reading your blog has lifted a huge boulder off my shoulders. You’re right! There is absolutely no need to go overboard or over think anything. My little boy doesn’t care about all that. All he wants is to eat cake and play with his cousins (preferrably with a ninja sword). Thank you so much!!!
I’m so glad the post made you feel less stressed! I think people put way too much effort into b-day parties for kids. Eating cake and playing with ninja swords works just fine! 🙂 Have a great weekend!
I completely agree, I have two children and one on the way and if I went overboard for every birthday I would A. go insane and B. waste tons of unnecessary money. This year I think we will be taking my soon to be 4 yr old to a theme park, which I know he will just love, and maybe cake and ice cream afterwards.
That sounds like a great idea, Ashley! I think parents go way overboard with parties these days. I think kids appreciate it when you keep things simple.
Jennifer,
I love it!!! I love your writing. The party idea is pretty cool too! 😉