My Gymnast’s birthday is coming up quicker than I can believe. It just crept up on me. She is turning 4 this year, and I need to get into party planning mode. There are so many options, and while we usually just have our parties at our house, we have been to many and there are several ways to celebrate the big day depending on several factors:
-Age of Child
-Budget
-Space
-Time
-Season
I think the younger the child is the less you need to plan, because let’s face it; they are not likely to remember it. Many Parent’s like to plan a HUGE 1st birthday. Yes, that is a special day, and I admit, for our first child we invited everyone we knew over, made tons of food and had a great time. I know others to throw a big party as well, and then there are those who keep things low key for the first birthday, dinner with family, or something small. There is nothing wrong with that, like I said they won’t remember. But the older the kid is, the more they might want to do something special, especially after going to their friends birthday parties.
Both of my kids were born in difficult times of year. Late fall and early spring. Basically not times where you can do something outside. If the birthday is during a nice time of year, there are options for going to a state or county park. Depending on how organized you are, how many people are being invited, and budget, you can rent a pavilion, or just go early and hold a spot. Food can be cooked right there on grills. For other nice out door party places Huber’s Farm, and Chapel Hills Farm both have pavilions that they rent, I believe they also have activities for the kids to do as well. There just might be weather contingencies; you might want to plan a rain date.
In November and March it is too cold for outdoor parties, but there are many indoor options. If you don’t have much space at home for little ones running around, you can see if you can throw the party at a grandparent’s house, or if you can afford it there are plenty of birthday places in the area. For kids 2 and up you can try a bouncy place. Bounce party and play is in White Marsh, we have been to several of those parties. You get the place to yourself for an hour or two to play, then they have a room where you can do food and cake. Pros: it is not at your house, so there isn’t much clean-up involved, the kids are occupied, and it’s fun. Con’s: The cost. For most places that do parties, the cost is usually between $100-200+. This only includes the space. You will still need to provide food. There is always a time limit, and possibly size limit as well. Other places that do fun parties are Ultimate Gymnastics, Kid’s First Swimming Parties, and Free State Sports. For school age kids, bowling and Ice skating are also options. There is a list of links for all of these places below this post.
For those who do not have the budget for those party places, and who have the space, have the party at home. It can still be plenty of fun. I like to choose a theme to base the party around. We have done Max and Ruby, and last year was Tinkerbelle. You can buy or make decorations. Since the gymnast’s birthday is in the fall right before thanksgiving, we like to decorate the house with fall time stuff. Leaf garlands and other decorations can be bought at craft stores. If you think far ahead of time, it pays to wait until the season is almost over, then the decorative stuff is heavily discounted. Do what your budget allows. The kids don’t care that much if the place is decorated or not. Food is the other big factor. If you have the time, it can save you a lot to cook and prepare the food yourself. You can make whatever you might like. Depending on the time you plan the party might depend on what you serve. The time of year might factor in the decision too. It always is good to have veggies and dip out for a healthy option and chips are good snacking stuff. If you plan the party around lunch or dinner time you’ll need to provide something more substantial. If you need ideas, think of your theme. This year we are doing Dragon Tales. So I’m planning on making bbq dragon wings among other things.
Cake is the last thing on the list. If you’re very creative, and a good baker, make your own cake. I have a friend that makes the most amazing cakes. Just about any grocery store makes a good cake, and the cost isn’t too bad. If you have a theme they don’t have a kit for and your painting skills aren’t too bad, try buying a sheet cake with white icing, and paint a picture with food coloring, I did that one year and it turned out great. I just used gel food coloring and used them like I would water colors.
I hope you got some good ideas and good luck planning; I still have quite a lot to do.
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