Should parents throw birthday parties for two year olds?
Recently, on a local mom blog, a reader asked the question, “What is a good place for a two-year-old’s birthday party?”
I have been thinking about this, myself, recently because I have a 22-month-old who needs a celebration of some kind in two month’s time.
Throwing Birthday Parties for Two-Year-Olds
For my oldest, who is now four years old, we had a “real” birthday party for her in our home.
We mainly invited family and friends. The majority of attendees were adults because most of our friends didn’t have children of their own or only had infants at the time.
It took a lot of planning to prepare the house and feed 20+ people.
At the time, it seemed like way too much work for a party whose guest of honor could care less that she was at her own birthday party.
All she wanted was to eat a cupcake! LOL
The party definitely ended up seeming like it was more for Mommy & Daddy than the birthday girl.
The year after that we were still burned out from the last experience and went the easy, route of hosting a party at a local indoor playground (she’s a November baby, so outdoor parties are out).
We really liked that experience, but the facility rental was a lot for our budget. This was even a bit much….so back to the drawing board we went.
What Am I Going to Do This Time?
So after seeing the question from the reader above, I am conflicted on what I would tell her to do.
The frugal person in me says to definitely do an in-home party, but the realist in me says hosting it somewhere else is way easier.
Seeing as the child won’t remember this party except through pictures, I’d highly recommend having a low key party at home (maybe a few 2-year-old friends plus local family like any nearby grandparents or aunts/uncles).
What Are Your Thoughts on Two-Year-Old Birthday Parties? Do You Have Any Location Ideas?
I’d love to know – did you / will you throw a party for your 2-year-old somewhere other than your home? If so, what types of places do you recommend?
This time around, we are going to throw a very low-key party at home…not only are we trying to save money, but we will have a 4-week-old baby in the house at that time! 🙂
Just trying to get away with a small party while I still can…
Carolyn says
For our first born we had a simple play time at home, I decorated with a few balloons, we had a tea and a cake, just a few friends who mainly played with the toys. Now my 2nd born is 2 and the friendship group is wider with siblings older and younger so we are hiring the small function room at our apartment complex but the format will be the same, tea time type snacks, cake. I will prepare a few group games, 2 crafts (making party hats is a great one for kids of all ages to do as they arrive) and have some toys on hand.
Lena Gott says
That makes complete sense!