What do you think is a fair rate to pay for birthday party entertainment for a toddler's birthday party? The entertainment would stay for 1.5 hours and would do "Drama"--dress up, storytelling, and face paint? Someone gave me a business card of a woman in DUMBO who will come to NJ for $750 (w/ 15 cupcakes). Is this ridiculous?
I don't know if it is so expensive because of travel time, but my four year old son's party at a place, not at my home, was 400 for EVERYTHING (invitations, favors, lunch and dessert, plus entertainment run by one leader and two helpers). So, the price you were quoted sounds excessive to me: besides, we never had a party like that until he was four -- we just had family and cupcakes in school that we baked (and a special day out, ie. ice skating or a visit to the zoo). They never felt like they missed out.
$750 is way too much. You can find someone very good for about $250 to 300 max. Magic Bob is terrific in the northern NJ area. Check the Yellow Pages to see which agency books him. Incidentally, if you'd like an extra part-time job where you can work at your own hours, your own pace, from home, and earn $100 per hour or more, call me. Ina Collins, Executive Senior Director at Mary Kay, Inc. 201-666-1911
Dumbo, as in Brooklyn New York?
Try allinoneentertainment.com
I used them for my daughter's birthday party and it was all the kids needed. They are not upscale and fancy but largely sufficient for 1.5 hours - a character and face-painting + cotton candy and balloon shapes for $180.00
Good luck and happy birthday!
Maia
Marissa,
What you're getting for $750 is absurd. Maybe if it was for 4 hours or more, then I would probably consider it, but they'd also have to offer a heck of a lot more. Surely, you can find other entertainment for significantly less, and your daughter and guests would still have a great time. Remember, it's not about the amount you pay, but the experience you create for your child. I grew up in Brooklyn, and I know that DUMBO is a high-end area, so they're going to charge high-end prices. If it's in your budget and you can spare it, then you should do that. In this economy, you're better off going somewhere else, and put aside that extra money into college savings vehicles.
My daughters are 4 and 7 years old. Some things I've done for them is take them and their friends to Pizza Hut and a movie; bowling parties; Chuck E Cheese, things of that sort. I have also had entertainment at home (clown, face-painting, etc.), but nowhere near $750. Next month I plan to take my 7 year-old and a few of her friends to Build-A-Bear. They do parties there, too.
Good luck!
Absolutely!
yeesh, that's pretty steep. i live in manhattan on the ues, and we had this wonderful magician come to our building's playroom after we served lunch and before we had cake, to do a magic show that was very well received. i think we paid something like $250, and it was a 45 min. show. if you want me to forward on the contact info, let me know, as they have other types of entertainment, too.
i would say $750 is a bit much for a 3 year old party... but if the party planner does everything.. meaning all you have to do is give her the list of kids. ok... that's a great prince.
Entertainment now costs a pretty penny but that's a little
steep. I can do that party for $450(cupcakes and all) and even give the kids little gifts as favors to take home. I am in NY. Let me know if you don't find anyone else closer.
I first sumbled across this company on the web, I would say, 2 years ago, Professional Kids Entertainment, i am pretty sure this is their website: http://www.bookyourkidsparty.com and my friends and I have being using them for years, their prices are reasonable.