Hi All:
My daughter will be turning 2 next month and I'm debating whether to celebrate it at home or at another location. At the mommy and me class they are offering to rent the dance studio for $125 plus two teacher depending on how many kids for 2 hours. I just have to provide everything else. The problem is that I'm not sure if I can afford it as of yet. So I was thinking of maybe doing it at home. I've looked on line for ideas however most of the ideas I've seen are catered to people who have their own houses with backyards etc. I live in a 2 bedroom apt. So with that said I am looking for ideas to entertain both adult guest and children. I'm thinking of having about 10 or maybe less kids. The theme I'm aiming for will be Abby Cadabby and Elmo or just Sesame Street. My daughter loves Elmo and Abby. I figured since it's going to be a mixed of boys and girls to add Elmo for boys and Abby for girls. Still not sure how I'm going to work that out. I want to keep it simple but yet nice. I plan to have the party at 4 in the afternoon. Please if you have any ideas fill me in.
Thanks all.
J.
Hi J.
Have you tried Gymboree they have a great package or chuckie cheese? Build a bear is another option if you interested. Try these places and see what you come up with.
Try to have less than 5 kids because 5 x 2 is 10 people with the possibility of 15 if both parent come.
You have got your theme already..Sesame Street..
Address your invitations to the child and say that it is a kiddie party from 4pm-6pm for example.
Your Menu: whatever is your daughters favorite food plus rice and beans for the adults and great if kids eat that too. Juice boxes for the kids. Dessert is the birthday cake or birthday cupcakes. Before the kids leave you can give them each a goodie bag to take home. Oriental Trading has great items for goodie bags and also for party supplies. They have great prices too.
Set up an area in your home where the kids can play together and put away any toys that will be hard for your daughter to share.
Set up an area where the kids can eat, set out food and drinks and papertowel rolls easily accessible to parents and a garbage with the supply of garbage bags next to it. Put extra toilet paper rolls in the bathroom where parents can see it. This is to make it easy for parents to help out and not have to ask you questions so you can enjoy the party and take some nice pictures.
I used our coffee table with some kiddie chairs for five kids and it worked out well since I set up a place setting or each kid. The kids loved it.
Have fun and explain it ahead of time to your daughter so that she knows what to expect and can have a great time. Happy Birthday to your daughter.
My advice is to keep it small and simple (close family and a few friends in your apt). Save your money. Two-year olds are still VERY young and don't really know what's going on. Your daughter will not feel deprived if her celebration is small! She won't even remember it in the long run. I find that so many people spend a lot of money on doing elaborate things for one- and two-year olds, and it strikes me as a waste. Wait until she's turning three to have a bigger shindig. For now: presents, balloons, bubbles, kazoos or party horns/blowers, some yummy treats, cake with candles and singing... is plenty!
All best, and happy birthday to your little sweetie!
Hi J.,
The 'thing to do' in our 'hood is to have a party in the small playground by us (that's the entertainment!). Call Parks Dept 311 and ask how to get a permit $35. YOu don't have EXCLUSIVE use, but so what if a few other kids have a cupcake. Also 4pm=not too great as ppl (grown ups) will expect dinner, and gets dark out earlier nowadays. Perhaps a 10am-12 (before naps for toddlers, so it has a defenite end (kid has to nap) and you can order a few pizzas). Also your apt. stays nice and clean (HUGE plus, as cupcake crumbs show up in the strangest of places), and if it is a bit cooler, it will encourage kids to run around and 2 hrs is more than enough time. Just a suggestion. HAPPY BIRTHDAY little one!
