My son will be 4 soon and I want to throw him his first 'friend' party. (we will have family party a week before with his brother who will be turning 1). I have 9 4yr olds on the list... knowing not all will probably attend. I am thinking about a Sunday, 2:00-4:30pm. Do I need real food? Or just cake/ice cream/snacks. I have several games in mind... but welcome any of your ideas. My current timeline:
2-2:30 - play time in play room / guests arrive
2:30-3:15 - games
3:15-3:45 - cake/ice cream
3:45-4:30 - open presents
4:30 - play time in play room if have more time / guests leave
Thoughts??? Never had a friend party for him before, so I am wanting it to go smoothly. Thanks.
Cars 2 Theme I think.... since I have lots of props/stuff from his 3yr old Cars Theme party
I think that is a great schedule. You don't have to put anything out for the parents who will most likely stay but I always appreciated it when there was something for the parents to nibble on anyway.
I do suggest putting up or even hiding any expensive and favoriate toys b/c most likely, they will be tossed about a bit in the hands of one of those 4 yo!
I would definitely have some food (esp snacks) on hand.
Everybody gets hungry esp little kids.
It can be simple:
chips
hot dogs
Mac n' cheese
a few raw veggies cut up w/Ranch (carrots, celery)
Games to poss add to what you have:
Matchbox cars on tracks
Bean bag toss
Fishing (clothespin tied to string which is hanging from a pole or dowel
to be dropped over side of couch or cardboard wall that you clip mini
toys to)
Have fun & happy birthday to your little one! :)
During that time, I would not expect food. Just make sure that info is included on the invitation. Something simple like "cake and ice cream will be served". My only suggestion about the games would be to make sure you play for fun and not prizes. At my son's 4th birthday we played for prizes and that part was a bit of a disaster. I had something for everyone, but kids who didn't really "win" a prize were upset. Kids who won wanted another prize, etc. After my initial game, it was easy to see to just play for fun and not prizes, the rest of the party went really smoothly. I'd also give the kids something to do while your son opens presents. I pass out suckers. Your son will have a ball! Have fun!
