3 Year Old Birthday

I would think with all of the fun things you already have in the yard - you do not need to stress out over trying to plan, coordinate and oversee a planned project. Let the kids play and have fun - that's what parties are for.

I personally hate the newer traditions of not opening gifts at the party. As kids get a little older then what to see the sparkle and appreciation their friend has for the special gift they selected. I see diappoint in their little faces when they find out the gifts won't be opened until later.

YOu can make candy necklaces. I know you saidy ou have a boy but it is still fun for little kids. Get that roll of red licorice from candy stores and buy cheerios and fruit loops and any other stringing cereals and let them make a necklace or braclet to bring home.

We just celebrated my youngest daughters 5th bday in November--I had all these great games planned. The weekend before the party, my dd decided she really wanted a moonwalk. Of course, the suckers that we are we got the moonwalk too. I tried to do the games, but the kids weren't interested they just wanted to play on the swing set and moonwalk. The few activities they do want to do were...popping all the balloons (I had a trash bag full for one of my games), making ice cream sundaes and the pinata. Other than that they were happy as could be to just play.
Have fun!

I don't think I would personally add a game or craft. Just more stress on you and the kids would probably wind up preferring playing in your backyard anyway! :)

So far as opening presents, it's really a personal preference thing. My daughter's love language is giving gifts, so it always disappoints her to not get to see her friend open the present we picked out for her. But, I also know it's difficult to get a bunch of kids - especially small toddlers - to sit still long enough to get through someone ELSE opening presents. If you do decide to open them, we've started having the giver stand next to the bday boy while he opens their present. Gives a great opportunity for photo op, reminder to thank that person specifically, and all the party-goers have a special time to look forward to their turn standing up front next to the bday boy.

Enjoy the party! I always love the opportunity it affords for the parents to enjoy one another almost as much as the kiddos enjoy getting to play together! :)

K.
Mom to Kate (6), Ethan (4), Karis (2)
www.TheMommyJournal.com

For this age, simplicity tends to work best. You have plenty of things to occupy them and they'll have a blast. Open the gifts too and that will give your son an opportunity to say thank you to everybody who brings him something.

Wow, I think your party sounds wonderful, I am going to snag a couple ideas for my son who will be two in July:) I don't think you will need anything else, especially since there is going to be a pinata. I do think opening the gifts is a great part of the fun. I went to a party where the kids didn't open the gifts and I was bummed because I love to see the expression of the child when they get all this cool stuff and it is fun to see them open what you got them as well. That is just my opinion. Have fun!

Sounds like you have just enough planned for the right ages of the kids! Have fun.

Wow, my just turned four year old would have a blast at the party! Sounds like you have a great backyard - we don't have a playscape, but every get together we have the kiddos hit the sandbox/water table with zest. Having a playscape, trampoline, and pinata, you really don't need much else (and the adults will enjoy the trampoline, also).

As far as presents are concerned, we tried to wait until the guests went home this year to open them, but my four year old wanted to open them and her friends wanted to see them. I would play it by ear and see how the party goes. If the kiddos are enjoying the weather and the outdoor activities, you may want to wait, if not, it's fun to open presents, also.

Good luck, sounds like it's going to be a great party!

Your party sounds perfect! My daughter was always very shy about gifts. Some years she would open them if her friends asked, other times, she really was not up to it. Some children take forever to open gifts, so I liked the idea of letting people know he will be opening them, but they do not have to stay and watch..

At this age, the kids do not need a blindfold for the pinata. At this age we would let them bang on it and then finally let the parents have a swing, with the blindfold and pulling the rope way high or way low, so they would miss.. The kids would laugh and laugh watching their parents struggle to hit the pinata...

Take tons of photos....

My son just turned one and we had a wide range of kids from 3 month - 6 years. They played with all my sons toys and outside. Everyone loved balloons.

I think that is plenty of stuff for a 3 yr old. All birthdays i have been to they open gifts then and there. Have fun.

When my daughter turned 2, we did a scavenger hunt and people had to find clues to where the things for their goodie bags. The little ones went with their mommies and daddies and it was a fun family activity. With a pinata, you probably don't need more activities; they can just play.

As for gifts, a lot of people like seeing their gift opened. What I tried to do last year was, at the end of the party (they already had their goodie bags and everything), let people know we were doing that, and they could watch, stay and play outside, or leave if they needed to. Then everyone could do what was comfortable. My daughter is one of those who HAS to watch. But a lot of kids get bored and would rather play. Unfortunately, I didn't communicate this well enough to my husband, who ended up making everyone come inside. Oh well. Next year I will do it better.