I am doing a study for one of my classes at Saint Mary's University and I would like to ask for feedback from as many moms as I can. I am researching the topic of children's birthday parties. There are two questions I would like to ask. 1). On average, how much do you usually spend on your children's birthdays? 2). What kinds of activities would both you and your children enjoy when celebrating his/her birthday? (for instance, educational readings, time for moms to get together, inflatables, clowns, etc.) - this question is basically more for the parents.
When I host a birthday party for my child, I want the parents (if they choose so to come) to enjoy their time at the event also. What would you like or appreciate when you attend someone else's children's bday party?
I don't go over board with parties. I think time spent with Family and Friends is more importamt that gifts and other activites.
We have a big (25 people) family and I do not nvite friends. So I probable spend adout $100 on food, beverages and paper products. No fancy games.
S.,
Kids ages 21mo and 3yrs.
Honestly, so far I have stuck to the same type pf party with the same thing as you in mind... parents and kids. So, what we've done is hold the party at a hotel. A pool party. That way, parents can use the hot tub... the kids get to swim, and actually alot of family and friends ended up staying the night and renting rooms so that they could make it into a "family night out". The cost includes the room ($150+, Cake, treat bags, games, invitations, food/beverages. Last year I think we spent $300 all together).
I have a 1 year old, so I only have 1 party to use as experience! :) However, because it was his first birthday I did spend alot of money (probably $300- $100 of which was on the cake).
I think the most appreciated parties from a parents perspective is to make sure you keep it moving. Have a definate plan of:
1. guests arrive - 20 minutes
2. Eat - 20 minutes
3. Gifts - X minutes
4. 2-3 Games for kids - X minutes
5. Cake
6. Go home - for a total of 2 hours (approximately).
No one likes to be standing around wondering what is going to happen and making small talk with people they may not know!
I think besides organized games (pin the tail etc) it is nice to have some 'free form' games (like a bean bag toss, bubbles, large balls to throw or kick) that the parents can kind of play with the kids if they choose.
Hope that helps!
H.
(1) $40 including pizza, cake, present, drinks, etc.
(2) Would enjoy a magician, but mostly we just have free outdoor play for the kids to run off all the sugar.
We just had my daughter's 3rd birthday party this past weekend...
We spent about $50 on the location to host the party (the YMCA) and about $60 on cake, snacks, decorations. We hosted it at our house last year and spent more money because we provided lunch for the kids and parents. I think it was nice to have it somewhere else this year (less mess, less prep, etc.) so I assume we will try to continue to do something like that. When the kids are older we may do it at a gym or something. When providing things for parents and kids, the main thing I like and try to provide is something for both kids and parents to nibble on, and just to make sure that the kids are having fun. If I go to a party, I am fine with it being as simple as possible, as long as the kids are having fun. The type of party or actvity doesn't really matter to me as long as it is age appropriate. I appreciate healthy snack options in addition to the cake/ice cream if possible, but it's not a huge deal since parties at this young age only last a couple of hours and the kids are usually too busy running around to eat much anyway.
