Son's 2Nd Birthday Party- to Invite or Not to Invite?

If you haven't socialized with them in quite a while, then there's no need to invite them. The ones you do still socialize with, or even just keep in contact with, you should definitely invite.

hi lynsey,

First of all happy birthday to your son.Now that u have attended all the birthday parties in the playgroup,u should be inviting them too.Its upto them , if they feel that they are in good contact with u then they will surely come.I know birthday parties are stressful but just 1 time in a year which is worth.Its a memory for the later of your son's life.

Hi and Happy Birthday to your son. My son birthday party is tomorrow and it is the first time I am doing something big for him. Even though I do not talk to all of the mothers in his class, I gave each of his classmates an invitation. I was not thinking about gifts but my son to be around his classmates on his birthday. Now that you mention that they may think that I just invited them for the gifts, I realize why most of them did not ever RSVT my son's invitation. Anyway I just want to have many many children at my son's party and so far I have 15 children coming in. I just hope your party is a succesfull one. Good Luck!!!!

Never mind who you like, parent-wise. Do you want your son to be friends with any of these kids? If yes, invite them. If no, don't. But my rule of thumb is that if you don't invite them, then you should NOT go to their birthday party next time, as it implies you want the kids to play together.

I would invite them and let them decide whether they want to come or not. If they don't think it's appropriate to attend then they will reply no, but give them that option. Although you're no longer a part of the group the kids may enjoy seeing each other again. I think its usually customary and expected to invite a child to your party if they invited your child to there's and especially if you attended their party.

As for the gift, I never think that someone invited us just for the gifts. Therefore I don't think everyone automatically thinks that's the reason for an invite, even if it's someone that you may not interact with on a normal basis. The party should be about the kids having a good time not about getting gifts.

Invite them all. The least they can do is not show up. That's on them.

Nanc

Hi Lynsey
Happy Birthday to your son!!!
Birthday parties!! What fun!! Happy memories for you!!!
OK so this has been my thought for many years. I am not a party person. I wanted my children to have a fun memory. I am not a give me person, so I decide who comes not by the past but by the future.
Do you want to continue to be friends and be invited to their parties, then invite. if not don't. Why? because as far as the past goes, theoretically the gift you gave compensated for the party expense. The kids all had a "good" time and learned to get along.
Old enough to be your mom, if you are able talk to her she may have some stories she would love to tell.
God bless you as you make this decision.
K. SAHM married 38 years -- adult children -- 37, coach; 33, lawyer, married with 9mo; and twins 18, in college after homeschooling.

I agree with the posters who said just invite the ones you plan on staying in touch with. Birthday parties shouldn't be stressful for you - the 2-year olds really won't remember this down the road, and if any of the moms have older kids they will probably be at the point where they appreciate not being invited. Especially at age 2; those kids won't realize they've been left out and your kid won't either.

My daughter had a big 2nd birthday and cried through 3/4 of it, so by the time my son had his we just had family and close family friends.

Good luck!

I say definintely invite just the few moms/kids you are still "great friends" with. You said that you no longer participate, and while it is generous of you to have attended all of their parties and given gifts, it isn't necessary for you to reciprocate.

Happy Birthday to your little boy!

Invite the children your son gets along best with, and those that you continue to have a relationship with. You cannot be expected to invite every child your son has played with to his birthday parties - think about how many kids that will be by the time he's in school! :)
Don't stress out - he'll enjoy the party however many kids you have.

Good luck!

All you can do is invite and if they come, great, if not that's ok too:-)

When in doubt I invite (they can decline) if desired anyway!

Happy birthday.

Being counter-cultural, I go by the old rule that a birthday party should be the child's age plus one -- so for a 2-year-old, 3 kids max. If the party is truly for them, that's all they need or can handle.

That's why my friends call me a hippie. I think simplicity and consistency are the BEST gifts we can give our kids.

Hi Lynsey,
I would invite those children who you plan to continue seeing. If you're not ever planning to get together with some of these kids/parents again, then I wouldn't invite them, only the ones that you plan to maintain friendships with.
I hope your little guy has a wonderful party.

Invite children your son will have fun with and dont worry about the play group. Those moms would probably be relieved if not invited. You shouldnt be stressed about a two year olds birthday party. He doesnt know any better and wont remember later on. I would think close family is enough. There is no etiquette for babies.