Children's Parties

[joolz1910]

OK, I need some inspiration from creative people.

DD is 7 in February and wants a party. I don't really want to do one at home and was wondering if anyone had any ideas.

We have done soft-play areas, cinema, restaurants, Warwick Castle, bowling and indoor bouncy castle. My budget is about £100.

Thanks.

 

[Pinky166]

How about a Build-a-Bear party (If you have one local to you)? My niece went to one recently & loved it!

 

[joolz1910]

How about a Build-a-Bear party (If you have one local to you)? My niece went to one recently & loved it!

We haven't got one near to us. Nice idea though.

 

[emily1982]

Have you got a snowdome near you? Could have a sledging party

 

[scottish mum]

Is there anywhere near you that will do small makeovers on young girls, some places will do their nails and hair. You could then take them out for lunch

 

[Sapper383]

How about having a craft party....hire a hall and then have lots of thinks that the children can make.....my DD went to one last month and had a fab time, making bookmarks, decorating bags and much more......you can pick up craft items very cheaply in places like poundstretcher and wilkinsons


you could even let them make or decorate cupcakes


hope this helps

 

[2Tiggies]

How about a Build-a-Bear party (If you have one local to you)? My niece went to one recently & loved it!

I have been looking into the same thing, although like Joolz, it is a fair way to the nearest one and the kids will spend double the time in the car that they will at the party. I was googling ideas a few weeks ago and did come up with this

http://www.childrensartparties.co.uk/?gclid=CLf8-vu_kqYCFQJO4QodyUqrZw#/party-options/4534334983

I think you do need to host it at home, but my issue with parties at home is you become the caterer, entertainer, DJ and the cleaner. I do like the idea of them sending the things out to you. Not sure what kind of space you have though and how many you were thinking of inviting. If there are quite a few then it will blow your budget anyhow.

Honestly, despite the hassle, when it comes to budget the most cost effective way to do it is to keep it small and do it at home. DD had a huge party last year, hired a hall, entertainment etc - there were 30 kids and it cost a fortune. The previous year I had done a Tiaras and Pizza party at home for 5 girls. They really entertained themselves a good part of the time with DD's toys and things.

All I did was issue each princess with a tiara and a wand when they arrived and they each got a "Royal Fruit Plate" which was fresh fruit arranged on a gold paper plate. I did some party games for them and did a treasure hunt later on. They don't really have expectations at that age. If there are some games, prizes, a party bag and cake they are happy. With the pizza I bought mini margarita ones and had an assortment of chopped toppings for them to do their own. While it was cooking they got to decorate a cookie for dessert.

DD is also a Feb birthday so keep your eyes open now for clearance gifts and nik naks for party bags.

 

[2Tiggies]

You've got me into this now Joolz, lol

Are you creative? On the same website as above I found this:
http://www.nelliespartyshop.co.uk/puppet-art-party-641-p.asp

Now don't look at the price per head. That would be possible to put together yourself if you are creatively inclined. The kids would do all the decorating, put on their puppet show and you could video it and burn them each a DVD of the recording. In fact I think I am going to seek some inspiration on there myself

Do you have a little church with a hall nearby that would maybe let you use the facilities for a couple of hours for a donation if you undertake to clean up afterwards?

 

[buzz for boys]

My kids have allbeen too and loved pottery painting partys!
Its easy as someone else takesover for you and every child takes a plate bowl or cup home !!

 

[PoppyAnna]

How about having a craft party....hire a hall and then have lots of thinks that the children can make.....my DD went to one last month and had a fab time, making bookmarks, decorating bags and much more......you can pick up craft items very cheaply in places like poundstretcher and wilkinsons


you could even let them make or decorate cupcakes


hope this helps

This is what I was going to suggest, although it requires more adult intervention and help this is a great party idea.

Depending on numbers I think you could easily buy plain t-shirts (plenty of web sites do bulk discounts), fabric paints (glitter??) plain paper bags that they can personalise to take it all home in, a cheap church hall, a few sandwiches, crisps and sweets, girly music on in the background and a few party games and I think you're on to a winner. My girls would love that.
Good luck

Think the cupcake idea is great to, you could pre make them and let them decorate them - I'd imagine that would be even cheaper

 

[joolz1910]

Loving all of the ideas!
I'm looking in to them now. Any of you fancy a trip to the Midlands in Feb to be a party host?

 

[MazdaUK]

My friend did a "before and after" makeover on a group of girls, taking pics before and after (der!) and rpinting them out to take home.

Or another kid had a party at Pizza Express where they let them make the pizzas.

Is there another girl in her class you could share a party with? (Many mums will probably be going through the same angst and its a terrible month for organising parties - speaking as a Pisces myself!) My sister and I did a joint party for DS(17) and DNeph(17) when they were 7, and we bought a box of assorted crisps from the cash and carry (but if Walkers multipacks are on special its probably just as cheap) made fairy cakes the day before and rolls (the small round ones are good) in a variety of cheese, ham and jam (with a few spare). We bought some of those "snack boxes" shaped like cars and as each kid came up they filled a car with a packet of crips, roll and cake and then went off to eat them (we had a big tarpaulin down, provided by the hall). It worked really well - kids are generally not really fussed about the food, and any that are could come back for seconds! We had a conjuror who also did some games and a disco after the food and it worked great. It was a while ago now of course....

 

[lakelandcallsme]

we rented our village hall and programmed an i-pod and let the girls dance. i made food as it was dinner time but they didn't eat. about half way thru the party they decorated their own cupcake and then we played pass the parcel and little games like that. she was turning 7as well. a few mums stayed to help but we ended up just drinking tea and talking as the girls took care of themselves! it was the best party i have ever done. it was super cheap too. i spent in total about £60. for decorations we blew up balloons and just left them all over the floor to dance in and around. and hey, i'm i the midlands!! haha. hope you have fun! just remember they are only seven and really easy to impress without to much trouble!