I want to give my mom a 50th birthday party.
Here are the problems:
She has only 5 friends where we live.
She has no boyfriend and I am her only child, so her only family here is me and my wife.
There wouldn’t be anyone at the party but me, my wife and a few of her friends.
Our family (my mom’s mother, nieces and siblings) lives two hours away and if we had a party here they would not come since they are “too busy” or “too old” to travel.
If we had a party at our family’s house then her friends wouldn’t come.
My house is too small and I have no backyard for a party.
I don’t have a lot of money to pay for dinner for everyone either.
Should we just plan a party at my grandma’s house and make it a big deal there?
And then take her to a nice restaurant with just her, me and my wife on a later date?
I feel bad since her friends had big parties thrown by their children.
I don’t want her to feel like we don’t care.
2006-08-24 07:35:50 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
awww that is so sweet of you. I say do what you feel is best and most convenient for you and your wife. I'm sure mom will appreciate any thing you do.
2006-08-24 07:39:22 · answer #1 · answered by Backwoods Barbie 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Your a sweetheart first of all. Here is My suggestion. Have a party at Your Grandma's, so She can be with Her Family, arrive a day early so that You and Your wife can help cook, or prepare. Make it pot luck, but make sure You know what everyone is bringing. Decorate.......no black balloons, or over the hill stuff, there are too many beautiful colors that are cheery to use black. It is like telling Someone they need to lose weight, They know, and Your Mom knows She is turning 50, She doesn't need a gig. Not saying You would, but Someone Else might think it is funny.
Do this the week before Her Birthday, weekend that is.
Then on Her Birthday invite Her Friends to meet You at Her favorite Restaurant, don't tell Her They are coming, and They have to park at the back, or Some where They will not be seen, that is Their cars. Tell the Friends that everyone pays for Themselves, and that They can chip in for Your Mom's meal, or You will pay for it. That way, if the first plan doesn't go well, the second makes up for it, and She has had a very wonderful, loving 50th birthday. And She will feel very special, and loved.
Good Job Son, and Wife of Son
Happy Birthday Mom
Hope all goes well
God Bless
2006-08-24 14:54:48 · answer #2 · answered by Muffin Ann 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It is wonderful that you care so much about your mom's happiness. First of all though, how does she feel about turning 50? Some women get really depressed when a big fuss is made over that particular birthday. On the other hand, when I turned 50 I appreciated the fuss. As for your mom, I am sure that she will appreciate whatever you do for her, she must be pretty wonderful to have raised such a caring child. Make a special dinner at your house for just her and your family, then invite her friends and family over for dessert. Even if the family doesn't come, invite them anyway so no one feels left out. You could even meet in a park somewhere inbetween and have cake and ice cream, nothing too fancy or expensive, but still fun. Good luck, and a very happy birthday to your mother!!!
2006-08-24 15:08:21 · answer #3 · answered by Mary D 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would maybe just take her to dinner. You can make a big deal out of dinner by taking her some place expensive, telling her to dress up real nice, maybe asking a few of her friends to come along, etc. You could also really put some thought into her gifts and get her stuff she really needs, or nostalgic items she maybe would love to remember. (Think how great it is to find old toys of yours! Ah, the memories!) Maybe even plan a game or two of trivia from her life. If family members or friends can't come, invite them to send a video of themselves or a really nice letter... Then watch the video after dinner at home or read the letter aloud at dinner, so she feels like more people care and are remembering her for her birthday. Don't forget to sing her happy birthday (invite the staff to sing with you for more voices and louder merriment!) and bring a big cake.
I say way to go for all your thoughts that have gone into planning the party- she is lucky that she has a son/daughter like you!
2006-08-24 14:44:19 · answer #4 · answered by Leigh 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You do what you can afford to do. You do not have to have a big fancy party to make it memorable. Ask a couple of her friends to help. Maybe one of them can have the party at their house. When my friends and I plan birthday parties for each other, we will hold it at one of our houses, we will have a pot-luck type dinner where everyone brings one dish for all to share and we will decorate with party supplies from the dollar store. One of my friends found one of those blow up cakes that you plug in and it is a tradition now that it gets used at every birthday celebration for all of us from little kids to people in their 70's and 80's. Do not feel bad that you cannot pay for a big party, memories are made of fun, not fancy places or the amount of money spent. You are a great son, to even think about all of this; and I'm sure she will love anything you plan. If you would like to have your grandma included, have the party there. Other relatives and friends can choose to attend or not, that is up to them. Have a good time, and blessings to you for being a great son. Have a good day!
2006-08-24 14:52:30 · answer #5 · answered by Sue F 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Definately do dinner in your town with you, your wife, and your mother's friends. However, make sure all attending, except your mother, understand it is "pay your own way." Reserve ahead of time and try to get a small room for the celebration.
Then... talk to the rest of the family 2 hours away and see if they would like to host something for your mom. If not, invite them to the dinner... make it on a weekend... then they have to make the decision.
Whatever you do... it sounds like you want to make your mom feel special on her 50th. That's great!!
2006-08-24 14:47:26 · answer #6 · answered by Gail R 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
She will love anything you do. Is she the kind of person that likes a big deal made about stuff. She may not really want that stuff just because her friends did. Don't feel bad. I think it's wonderful that you are putting this much thought into it. I'm sure whatever you and your wife decide will be perfect. Best of luck, and happy birthday to your mom. :)
2006-08-24 14:41:39 · answer #7 · answered by Michele D 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I think if you are worrying about all this you are a good enough kid on your own without spending all the money. I would say have the small party if you want you know... the whole backyard BBQ thing. Then if you want to take her out later for her b-day....
2006-08-24 14:41:34 · answer #8 · answered by pro_steering_wheel_holder 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You're a good son!
Take her to Grandma's to eat and make a great day of it!
Put together a photo album or something - a very personal gift. Or can you make something? Sounds corny, but if you are good at carpentry or whatever. Just try to do something she needs and you know she'll like.
Trust me - your presence, time and caring will be the best gift ever.
Good luck and God bless.
2006-08-24 14:44:41 · answer #9 · answered by American citizen and taxpayer 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Ok, invite all of your mother's only 5 friends. And you and your wife attend it, as well. Do everything else, too, that you can to let her know you care. I think your restuarant at a later date plan, is very good and nice. Go for it!
2006-08-24 14:41:38 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Make it at your grandmothers place and take her out on another date. Tell her why you can't aford something big. Maybe you could plan ahead on her next b-day party. Good luck!!!!
2006-08-27 19:35:11 · answer #11 · answered by nana_dt 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋