what are 3 yr old birthday parties like in the real world?

Question

My son preschool class all seem to be dumping money for their kids birthday parties. Most have them have more than one child and most have parties at gyms. How much does that cost? And then you have to buy present too?!
I figured I might spend more money when my son is older but he's only three. Don't people just have family parties anymore-like in their backyard?
Do you have to hire caterers and moonbounces when they are five?

Answer 1

We didn't even have a party when my son turned two. We took him on a jet boat trip up our local river into Hells Canyon, then when we got back we had just a small cake to ourselves.

But in this age of keeping up with the Jonses, everyone wants to have a bigger and better party than everyone else. Eventually someone has to be the voice of reason that says, I refuse to spend as much on a birthday party as I will on their future college tuition.

Answer 2

Lol, I know what you mean. It seems like parents use their child's bday parties now to compete with each other in some weird 'parents of the year' award. My son's birthday is in January when it is too cold to have a party outsid, and the living situation we were in the last 4 years didn't allow for a party at home. I had to find a place to have one. For his first bday, I rented a McDonald's playplace for about $100 for 2 hours. They provided happy meals for 6 kids, a chocolate cake, balloons and little favors. I made my own goodie bags, because their's weren't the greatest. I got an extra cake because about 35 people showed up. For his 4th birthday, I had a party at Jeepers. $145 for pizza, cake, balloons, game tickets and unlimited rides for 6 kids.

In addition, I don't think you need to buy your own kid a present. The party in itself is a present and you spend all year spoiling your kid anyways. Plus, they don't know what is from who.

But, if my son had a summer bday, I would be all about having an outdoor party. I have the best memories from being a kid and running through the sprinkler at a friend's house for a bday party. There is nothing wrong with it.

Answer 3

We only invite family. It keeps the costs down and makes the get together more enjoyable because everyone there is actually there to see your child celebrate her birthday.
My husband and I did a dinosaur birthday party for our 3 year old last year. Cake, goody bags, favors, table cloth etc. ran us about $100. Then we did a cook out and the kids played in a $30 walmart blow up pool and sprinkler. It was a great day. Abigail still talks about her 3rd birthday party.
We are going to do Disney princess this year and have everyone bring a dress up outfit and we will bake cookies and play music and swim again.
Very low key is the way to keep the costs down.
The only reason people go crazy on 3,4 or 5 year old parties is to be comparable to the party they went to the weekend before. Don't get sucked into that!
Do what your child will enjoy the most. Trust me, she is the only one who will ever remember what the theme was.

Answer 4

Here are a few possible choices: Chuckie Cheeses Church (You can ask to use their sancutary or another place) Your house(the best place of all) Also: I'm having my 22 month old's 2nd birthday at the community center. Do you have a local community center or a YMCA where you can rent the gym and hold the party there? If not look at the choices above. Good luck!

Answer 5

You know, excesses like this only sets up kids to think they have to have SOOOOO much.

I just asked my 15 yr old kid what his favorite birthday party was (I have done the Chuckie Cheese thing, the Lazer tag, etc.) His answer was the year we had it at home and hired a clown....

The big parties are more for the parents to show off I think. Do a small party, at a park or at home. Play some games, get a Pinata, keep it simple. And enjoy the smiles on the birthday boy/girl's face. That's what it is all about....

Good luck.

Answer 6

My son will be turning 4 in September and for the last 2 years we have done it at a local park.... we went to the dollar store for a lot of stuff.... chips, cups, plastic silverware, etc. we BBQ'd Hot dogs and Hamburgers.... I got a pinata and a Couple games that 3 year olds love.... Water balloon toss, Pin the Tail..... I dont think it is neccessary to spend all that money on a ritzy ditzy party for a 3 year old..... Good Luck and have fun!!!

Answer 7

Some of the parties people throw for their very young children are nothing short of ridiculous! Until my daughters were in kindergarten, we just had family parties with the cousins - pizza or sandwiches, cake and ice cream. Little children are thrilled to have any kind of party - it doesn't need to be elaborate. Once the girls were in school we did "friend" parties, but most of them were still at home. Sleepovers became very popular from third grade on up.

Answer 8

My son is turning four in June and we have ALWAYS had his parties at home with our family and close friends. Some people prefer to have the parties out of their home so don't need to clean up afterwards. A majority of my girlfriends work fulltime so it's easier for them to have a party out some where instead of in the house. My husband works and I am lucky enough to stay at home with our son so economically it is cheaper for us to have something at home.I do all the cooking for his parties, the only thing I order and have made is his cake. It's really up to you. I am not one to try to keep up with the Jones' so to say. Unfortunately some parents feel the need to compete with one another, they don't think about the child. Some times parents don't consider the consequences of over doing things.

Answer 9

I completely agree . . I've always done simple backyard family parties for my son. I want my son to have a good day and that's all that matters . I let him pick the theme and we do a cake, some games, and we did a bouncer last year . . He just loves running around playing with his cousins. . .

Answer 10

I had my son's parties at our house. I couldn't afford the fancy places. So we just played a lot of games, and I made all the food myself. I don't think a three year old really cares where the party is, as long as he's running around and having a great time.