OT: Birthday Party Ideas

[Kanga1]

Please help!! My DD will be turning 6 and I am throwing her her first ever birthday party. I am such a newbie at this. (I've only ever been to one birthday party in my entire life...one that my DD attended last year.)

The theme is a pink poodle in Paris party and I do have a definite count of 12 little 6 year old girls that will be attending. Of couse there will be food (pizza, cake, ice cream and punch,) a small craft where the girls will be painting suncatchers (it goes with the theme,) and a pinata. But I still have many questions...

How long should a party for 6 year olds last?

How many games should I have and what are they? That's my biggest hurdle at the moment.

What order should all these events take place? I was thinking about getting the girls started on the suncatcher at the craft table as they arrived. Good idea or should I let them "mingle" first?

Do I expect the parents to stay and, more importantly, do I feed the adults?

Any advice/suggestions would be MUCH appreciated!!! My DD is so excited about this and can hardly contain herself!

 

[MSSANDRA]

This months parents magazine is the birthday issue. Pick up a copy for all kinds of good ideas.

I would suggest the party last 1 1/2- 2 hours. Expect about 1/2 the parents to stay perhaps more if they do not know you well. Any parents that stay you should offer then refreshments as well as the children. Also expect there may be some younger sibblings come along as well.

Starting with a craft is a great idea. If you have never done sun catchers before , be aware that they really do not take too much time for most children so be prepared for that.

I think sometimes activities rather than game work very well.
Some activites for all little girls might be painting thier nails, some make-up time (see if you could get a hold of some samples), and being part of the food. They might could decorate cup cakes or if you are making your own pizza, allow them to each make thier own.

Having a back up plan is good too. Perhaps a short viedo, coloring sheets etc just in case.

Relax and have fun. The girls will!

 

[rt2dz]

A b-day party should last 1 1/2- 2 hours. You definetly want the end time on the invitation.

Some parents at that age will drop and run, others will stay. It depends on their comfort level with you--how well they know you/your house rules/how supervised the kids are, etc. Do not take it as an insult if they stay. Many times during the RSVP time, parents will ask if they are staying or just dropping. Many times the invites will say right on them if it's ok to drop or if they do want the parents to stay. Something along the lines of "please stay with your child" or "you may stay or drop your child off".

No, you do not have to feed the parents. It's very nice too though. Many won't expect it and will say no thank you because they've already made other arrangements. However, be sure to have drinks for them and it is nice if you do have some type of munchie for them if you don't plan on feeding them. Again, be specific on the invitation: "There will be pizza for the you and cake and ice cream for all".

I want to take the time here to disagree with the pp. It's pretty rude to bring an extra child to a party (that requires extra food, extra goody bags, extra activity stuff, extra supervision, takes up space in someone's house & might be a charge at a party place, etc) without a "siblings welcome" on the invitation or asking first--unless, it's a baby, then who cares? However, people can be rude, so you might want to be prepared.

Sun catchers as they arrive would be a good icebreaker. I'm not sure how long the activity would last (I have boys), but if it is short, do some coloring sheets as they arrive. I'd do another activity or two--I like the painting nails/makeup thing, little girls love that & it fits your theme. Or you could have them decorate a dog bone cookie to take home (party of the favor) or put stickers all over some cute little dog bowls type of thing.

Games: go traditional if you are doing games, but modify to fit your theme. Pine the tail on the poodle, musical dog leashes, etc. try http://www.birthdaypartyideas.com.

I find the best birhtday parties break up the events. Arrival activity, a game or two, lunch/dinner, more activity/games, cake & ice cream, another game/activity, presents, goody bags (hand out as they are walking out the door), see-ya, bye!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I would say 2 hours for the birthday parties. In our area most parents stay for the parties and we feed them. One of my kids favorite party games is party bingo. I usually buy the bingo game at the party store and I wrap a box in birthday wrap and put lots of $ store toys and such in it. We play until each child has won and when they win they get to pick out of the box. Good thing - everyone gets a prize and it takes up a fair amount of time to let everyone win!

 

[MSSANDRA]

Oh, I very much agree with rt2dz that it IS rude to bring along a younger sibbling to another sibblings friend's party BUT it happens all the time so just be prepared with an extra treat bag or two if you think this might happen. I think it happens more at in home parties where parent think that an extra child or two will not matter.

 

[disney_fan_fam]

You've got good advice already. I would go ahead and write on the invite 'drop off time' & 'pick up time' so that will let the parents know they're NOT invited . I like it because you don't have to entertain parents and deal with the kids at the same time. You can just focus on the party. Maybe have one person to help if you think you may need it but ask them ahead of time.

I always do goody bags. Maybe you could do goody 'purses'?

And not more than 2-2 1/2 hours

 

[Kanga1]

Thanks you guys for the suggestions...they're great! And Rt2dz, the link was fantastic...even found someone doing the exact same party as I am and got some great ideas.

I timed the party for 1 1/2 and marked the time on the invitations. I know what kids are coming...but I'm not sure how many parents will stay. I guess I'll have enough food for everyone. And as far as siblings go, my DD knows most of the siblings...and they have already been invited...so I don't think I'll have any "surprise" guests.

The games part was what I was most concerned about. Now I have some in mind and some back up activities as well.

Oh...one more question...is the birthday child supposed to open the presents at the party or save them for later? If she opens at the party, that's another activity to account for, but I'm not sure what's appropriate.

 

[Mkrop]

I have been seeing less and less kids open presents at parties. Not sure how I feel. It is easier but then you don not get to see the kids reaction. I have asked DS9 on did so and so like his gift and he doesnt know because they opened them later.

 

[Kanga1]

I have been seeing less and less kids open presents at parties. Not sure how I feel. It is easier but then you don not get to see the kids reaction. I have asked DS9 on did so and so like his gift and he doesnt know because they opened them later.

I'm leaning towards having her open them at the party. Not only will it be a culminating, (and settling) activity at the end of the party, but then DD will have a chance to tell the children thank you's, "I love it", etc. Of course she will be sending formal thank you cards, but I think kids that age need to hear the thank you's (and you're right) SEE the reaction. If there's some big inappropriate reason why she shouldn't open presents at the party, please tell me. I'm really lost on all this stuff!

 

[Mkrop]

I'm leaning towards having her open them at the party. Not only will it be a culminating, (and settling) activity at the end of the party, but then DD will have a chance to tell the children thank you's, "I love it", etc. Of course she will be sending formal thank you cards, but I think kids that age need to hear the thank you's (and you're right) SEE the reaction. If there's some big inappropriate reason why she shouldn't open presents at the party, please tell me. I'm really lost on all this stuff!

Well it is not always settling because you need to make sure the girls dont crowd the birthday girl, maybe put her up in chair or something. They get VERY excited for her and want to see it (the present)

I have heard the cons being that the other kids have the "I want that" and this way they dont go home wanting everything your daughter just received.
Also make sure you prep you daughter to say thank you no matter what, whether she likes, or even if she has one already.

DS9 was crushed at a party when he was young because he got them the same toy as another kid and the birthday boy said "now what do I do with two" and ours was the second one. But my son got over it.

You know your child, do what you think is best. Just be careful to budget your time. It may seem like an eternity but it does go fast. Maybe make opening gifts the activity you dont do if anything else runs over like your suncatchers or something.

Good luck

 

[jenrein]

Every party we have had seems to be too long I think we got them down to 1 and 1/2 hours. Our last one was our 6 yr olds Tea Party- it was over the top. We had 16 girls with an immaculate set up and it ended up perfect timing wise.

As for parents staying....it makes me crazy!!

 

[MSSANDRA]

I see both ways in having the children open gifts at parties. I do see that girls enjoy watching the birthday child open the gifts a lot more than boys do!! I also agree that it is an important skill for children to learn to say thank-you and children learn to give . What I have seen work well is to open gifts immediatly following refreshments and make it an activitiy. Have all the girls sat in a circle (chair are better because they do not seem to move closer quite as much). Have each girl hold the gift they brought (as long as each child brings a gifts) and then have some fun way of deciding which child gets to present thier gift next. Draw names out of a hat or say the girl with blue hair bow or whatever. If you do goody bags, this would be the time to give those out, trying to time this activitiy to finish just as moms and dads return. DO not allow DD to open any of the toys themself before everyone is gone. Pieces will be lost and broken!! Try to relax and have FUN.

Oh, also review the manner rules with DD. Give her things to say if she gets something she already has or does not like!

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

With the younger kids, I have always found 1 1/2-2 hrs to be perfect time wise. Anything more and you'd tear your hair out wondering what to do to keep them busy.

With the parents...ugh...that's tough, because for me I always feel like I have to entertain the parents then and it diverts my attention, but there is not much you can do. Some parents will stay because they don't know you (or know you well) and then others will stay because they think it is a socialization opportunity for themselves. When I was a kid I never remember one single parent staying around for kid parties, they would drop and go (or run as someone else put it). Be prepared...I was totally taken by suprise the first time it happened to me.

I have to agree with OP...showing up with a sibling (or someone else) that was not invited would be all out rude. I am constantly amazed though at the number of times it happens. I also got a few times where the parents would call to rsvp and ask if their other children could attend-perhaps they thought it was a free babysitting opportunity for them, rather than a social event for their invited child? I don't know...but that seriously aggravates me. I think it takes a lot of nerve either way. Hopefully you don't have to deal with that issue, but be ready with a few extras just in case.

For opening gifts...I definitely would do it during the party, but that is JMO. I think that is half the excitement for the kids-to see what the birthday girl (or boy) gets. My dd has been to a few parties where they didn't open the gifts and my dd was upset not to get to see the reaction (after all, we did take the time to carefully pick out a gift). I just thought it was ill mannered not to open the gifts at the party...but again, JMO. DD has also been to a party where the bday girl received doubles of a gift-OUR GIFT. I was glad to know and be able to give the mom the receipt so her dd could exchange it for something else and not be stuck. Now if she didn't open the gifts while my dd was there, we would never have known and she would have been left with an extra. Just tell your daughter to be gracious about it if she gets 2 of something-like now she has TWO of something she really loves!

As far as activities go, we have done face painting and also applied those temporary tattoos. The kids always loved picking out their own designs. You don't have to be the worlds greatest artist with face paint...little kids are very happy with the basics. I've used halloween paints and spray glitter (always check with the parents when they arrive if this is ok for their child). We've also done balloon popping races (if you can stand the sound). I love your pink poodle theme...very cute. Hope everyone has a great time and it all goes smoothly!

 

[Mkrop]

Guess I was one of those parents that drove you all crazy for awhile!

DS9 is one of the most adventuorous, outgoing, kids I know yet when it came to parties for the longest time he would want me to stay whether it was out somewhere or at someone's house. This lasted until middle of 1st grade, he is in third now. I could sign him up for classes or camps, and he would be like later mom, birthday parties he just wanted me there for some reason.

I always called the parent to let them now how DS felt and most seemed understanding. I would offer to help or try to stay out of the way whatever seemed best. Sometimes the extra hands came in handy!

I never brought his younger brother though, always left him home with dad or even called my mom to come watch him.

But now he is just fine and sometimes says I can just drop him off out front, "ah no sorry kid going to still walk you in and then I will leave." we do alot of carpools so I am not even there half the time anyway. Although I sooooo prefer drop off vs pickup, you can never get the kids to leave

 

[Mom2Rae]

Another Mom here that must drive some of you crazy!!!

I'm staying with my daughter...UNLESS, it's a family I know EXTREMELY well. Dd is 6 and gets a bit shy at parties..but, I don't expect the parents of the birthday child to take up any time with me. In fact, I'll pitch in and help in any way I can.

We've always had Dd's parties at our house and have hired face painters, big bouncy houses, magician's, etc. This year...we're at a loss, so far. Maybe Build-A-Bear and then lunch at the mall.

In any event...don't stress...the girls will LOVE whatever you've planned. They're very easy to please and just enjoy being around their other friends.

And, jmo, let the b-day girl open the gifts. It does save a lot of feelings.

Have Fun!

 

[Lora]

Add me to the "mom's that drive you crazy" list. I always offer to help out at parties and the moms I know appreciate it. It's always nice to enjoy your children as they experience events like these...don't stress out if a mom wants to be there.

I usually include an invitation to siblings and parents - and feed them of course. I have stopped including a meal at the parties though. I usually have it around 2 in the afternoon and just serve cake/ice cream, that should be plenty.

Our parties have always lasted 2 hours and we usually do:

• craft first (many crafts need time for drying, etc.)
• 2-4 games or activities based on the theme (depending on how long they are)
• sing "Happy Birthday" - eat cake
• sit down for present-opening

(I usually sit the b-day child on a chair or couch with room for the giver next to the child for pics.) Each child takes a turn next to the b-day child and the others are seated a short distance aways so there's room for everyone to see.)

As my kids have gotten older, we have changed the format a bit. We don't usually do a craft anymore. Usually we have one longer game (we've done "Amazing Race" and "Treasure Hunters" the past two years). My girls are two years apart and their birthdays are 8 days apart, so I alternate parties for them each year. That's part of the reason why I invite siblings. The other reason is that we tend to hang out with "families" since we homeschool. My girls know their friends siblings and get along in groups of mixed ages.

Have fun at your party and relax and enjoy your six year old!!

Editing to add: Perhaps since you're new to this, you can ask one or two of the other moms to help and give you some ideas for games. You can do relays, circle games, singing games, mystery games (hunt for something with clues), games for getting to know each other (if the kids are not all friends already). There's a great site that I usually find if I search "party" and "ideas" or "birthday party games", etc.

 

[vy2cga]

Happy Birthday to your daughter. Our daughter is 6 too. She couldn't believe this was your daughter's first birthday party. Your party sounds like a lot of fun. I usually wait until everyone arrives before I have the craft part of the party that saves going over the instructions several times and can be the main event of the party. You may want to buy a roll of craft/brown paper at a dollar store or department store and cover the table. You could set out markers etc. and they could all draw on it or have coloring sheets while the earlybirds wait for everyone to arrive. If you want you could make a game i.e snakes and ladders out of bristol board and stickers and use anything for game pieces. My daughter loves music so musical chairs and freeze tag are popular. I also often make a "pin the tail on the ??" and match the item to the party theme. I make an x on the back of the game and the winner is the one closest to the mark. Sometimes I give out prizes and sometimes not. We always have treat bags and I go overboard at the dollar store. We usually have pizza or hot dogs and cake/ice-cream. I like to make punch as everyone can serve themselves and it seems to go farther. I was at a party with daughter (quite a drive from our home so checked with hostess before staying and did not eat) and they made fruit skewers which they liked. Also cupcake/cookie decorating is popular. Feeding the adults is a tricky issue around here. I usually end up feeding everyone but that adds a lot to the cost. At my daughter's birthday, no one could believe how much pizza one dad ate (LOL). I like the suggestions the others made about the invitation wording re: siblings, drop-off etc. I'm going to take note. Remember just have fun and take lots of pictures.