Birthday invitations....yes/no

I agree with everyone else that you need to check with the school and that they might not let you do it.

I just had a party for a 5 year old and I had 6 kids here at my house. I had a big list of party games and we played 2 of them and then they just played with what we had laying around. So while your ideas sound really fun, you should be prepared for the kid who doesn't want to do it or finishes fast. I was here with my husband and the 3 older brothers, so we had plenty of help, but if you are having the whole class, you will need some help with all the kids. Are you going to bake the cakes during the party? What do you do while they are baking and cooling?

This sounds like a great party, but I wouldn't do it until the kids are older like 7 or 8. They are more focused at that age and can take direction better.

As far as invitations, you don't need to do anything fancy. I just do a word document and put some graphics on it and put it in an envelope. The kids don't care what it looks like, just that they are going to a party!

I don't mean to be Debbie Downer, it is a great idea, I just think it will be hard to pull off. Best of luck in whatever you choose to do.

Very fun and creative idea. Just don't know if the school would let you host this during the school. It could become their liability. "If one child can do it - why can't the rest???" may be the other parent's arguments.

I was involved in Vacation Bible school, for about 6 years and had a kindergarten class. One day during the week, I turned it into a food-fest and did more of a demonstration-type meal. I would have "volunteers" come up and put in certain ingredients depending on the theme of VBS for that year. One year it was Hawaii, another year it was Asian Cooking, All-american, etc...

A couple things come to mind. You really do have to contact ALL the parents because it is amazing what kids can be allergic to. Things you wouldn't think of could be allergens (i.e. children who are allergic to pork can's consume marshmallows, jello, etc...)

Also, 5 year olds aren't the most sanitary people - you can do your best to keep their hands clean ONLY until they sneeze into a vat of whipped cream! I've had kids make decorated cookies before but created a "cookie-kit" for each kid with their own icing, sprinkles and M & M's.

I love the idea. Love the chef hat idea. Your invitations could be almost like a "menu-type" looking invitation. Again, you'll want to ask about the allergies on the invitations. Sometimes teachers can only tell you that a certain allergy exists but they can't tell you who has it, which is ridiculous. It's good to have that contact with the parent if an allergy exists.

Your games are good too. Adding a "bozo buckets" type game and anything that would be a version of "pin the (something) on the (something)" A cute game which lends itself to the whole "cooking party" is a "cake walk" - kids walk around, stepping on numbers that are affixed to the floor. Music is playing. When the music stops and everone is on a number - you pick a random number out of a basket and, depending on your game, has to leave or wins a little prize. At that age - EVERYONE should win the same number prizes,otherwise, there will be lots of tears.

Good luck!

Dear C.,

I think your question was about invitations, but like the other posters I am also wondering about this type of a party at a school. But, re: invites, I don't think those are necessary since the activities will take place during the course of a typical school day.

I think it is awesome that your kids' school permits parents to come in and teach a lesson alongside staff. Cooking can be fun and educational.

You will need to check with staff re: policy of bringing in outside food. And check to make sure there are no food allergies and/or health or religious exceptions to ingredients that you plan to use. Some schools don't permit sweet treats for birthdays. Others have strict restrictions due to food allergies.

But, I think fresh lemonade and fresh fruit with whipped topping sounds great.

I would encourage you to reconsider the rest of the plan though. I think a simpler "Cooking Class with the Birthday Boy" is perfect. Kids really enjoy having their parents in class and simply being there and doing a simple, healthy cooking activity is plenty.

In schools, kids do notice what other kids "get" and the schools really do want to be equitable. I would gather that not all kids at the school could afford to have a parent bring in games, pinatas and gift bags for each child.

But, having a parent in class is super cool for a kid. So, I think you could come in and do the cooking class and the kids get to have fun with you and your son gets to be the star for an hour.

Other parents could also do this for birthdays. Like, bring in a favorite book to read to the class, then donate the book. Or bring in a blank canvas and have the kids paint, then donate the completed project. Or come and cut up fruit and pass out fruit salad. Once I brought in a photo of each child (taken the week prior) and scrapbook supplies and each child decorated a scrapbook page, then my daughter donated the scrapbook to the school.

Of course, clear this with the staff ahead of time! Teachers have lessons plans made the week prior, typically.

The classmates will get to enjoy the results of their labors and your child gets to have a parent in the room, which is a big thrill for a kid. There is no need for extra games, prizes, pinatas and send-home treats in a school setting. Having a parent there is a big enough treat! If you have the time and can afford a home party, then you can do the rest of the stuff at that time.

Have fun!

Hi C..
While I think this is a cute idea, have you checked with the school first? I am a teacher, and I know that most principals would not allow for this during school hours. And personally, I don't think school time is the time for you to be hosting a birthday party with pinatas and games. Why not have it at your home afterschool or on a weekend?! Happy birthday to your little guy.

C., Where does your son go to school that they allow birthday parties? My youngest son goes to public school and has never been even allowed to so much as bring in a home made goodie. they always have to be totally store wrapped. Not to mention how did you get a teacher to agree to class time being used to celebrate your sons birthday? Just wondering as I have never heard of anything like this being allowed.
S.