Need help with low-key birthday party

[Swimalie]

Normally I go all out with my son's birthday parties (theme, hand made invitations, full decorations, good take-homes for the kids, games, etc). But this year we're taking our son to Disney for his 5th birthday so we want to do a small lower-key party for him the weekend after we get home. We were thinking 5 kids and he has since added in 3 more kids. We will also have pizza and cake plus the moon bounce that we gave him for Christmas. But.... how do I do a low key birthday? Goody bag suggestions? Should I do a theme like Disney? I don't want to spend a ton of money like I usually do but also don't want to go too light. The only 2 things my son is in to now are Star Wars (which he has asked to be his theme for next year's party) and pirates (which was last year's party complete with a treasure hunt, eye patches and bandanas for the kids)

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I think it is totally doable. Get balloons from the dollar store and then make the rest of the decorations in whatever theme you decide. Get a few sheets of oaktag and go to town. As for Goody bags don't go nuts. Make cookies cut out in the theme of the party or have a pinata and there is the goody bag. No need for anything else. Kids that age are just happy to play so you don't need a ton of games either. Some of the best parties are where things are not super structured. The kids get to socialize with their friends and have a ball. Good luck!

 

[AmandaLee]

good ideas! We went on a family trip to Hawaii a few weeks before our son's 5th birthday party, so when we got back the last thing on my mind was a blow-out-bash. We choose a theme based on our trip (under the sea) and used souviners to decorate and lots of sea shells from the dollar store. For the goody bags, I did bubbles, bendy straws and some fruit snacks and goldfish crackers. Honestly, he and his friends (9 total kids) had more fun playing outside and watching a movie...

This year we are going to Disney April 10-17th, Gregory's b-day is May 19th. He decided he wants a "Halloween" birthday party (it's his favorite holiday). I had bought Halloween goodies when they were 75% off for a halloween party he wanted to have, but he decided he wanted to do this as a theme for his party. I plan on having the kids come in Costume and have some fun "not-so-scary" activites...

 

[eeyorefan74]

One of the best, low-key parties my DD has been to lately was at a local park. The kids brought their bikes and had a great time riding together, throwing footballs, and playing on the play equipment. The mom had a small craft for them to do, cake, and opening presents. So simple and so fun.

We did a movie party for DD's b'day this year, and it was cheap and easy. She wanted a concession stand so I got play money from the party store and each kid got to "buy" the candy and popcorn they wanted while they watched the movie. I love parties and usually put lots of effort into them, but I've started to realize that low-key makes the kids just as happy!

 

[Swimalie]

Thank you all for the ideas. I'm going to keep these in mind. Guess I need to ask my son if he wants a theme. He just started tennis lessons so maybe it will be sports this year. I could find some sports balls to give away.

I love the play money idea!! How clever.

 

[Vacation Lover]

Play-Doh is a an inexpensive favor for parties. Buy the 4-packs of Play-Doh and use a ribbon to attach a couple of plastic cookie cutters to a can. You can buy a big box of 100 cookie cutters for about $10 at Wal Mart or AC Moore.

 

[Vacation Lover]

Just adding, this might not help you this year, but an idea for others, we're doing a very low key (budget) party for my DDs 5th birthday next week. We are having a pajama party and she and her friends are so excited! It's from 5:30-8pm and probably the cheapest party I've ever done. The plans are...

Pizza $30
Drinks $10
Paper products...left over from last year
Make-overs...DD10 is in charge of this...nail polish, jewel stick-on earrings & tattoos $10
Craft...foam board from AC Moore to make into frames & foam decorations (I'll print a picture of the kids at the party to put into the frame) $10
Balloon animals...My DS11 can make these $5
Pajama Dance Party (no cost)
Decorate your own cupcake...Each girl gets a "naked" cupcake, dixie cup of icing and another cup with sprinkles. $5
Party favors...I found a great deal on those invisible ink books at AC Moore--regularly $5, but on clearance for $1 each. I bought 20, but we won't have that many kids there. $20

Total cost: $90