Re: Need Birthday planning guidance/opinions

[Guest guest]

Bonnie,

Wow! You have lots of things to consider!

We have done both skating and bowling during the day, most places are

open and are willing to accomodate a group during these typically slow

times. Rather than booking a " birthday party plan " type deal, we have

gone in with the group, and just paid for the bowling or skating per

kid. One place near where we live even let us bring in our own birthday

cake and chips, etc. We did purchase drinks and some other snack items

from them. This cut down on the cost by a lot. Our local bowling

centers also will discount the shoe rental or the per game fee for a

larger group. If you have other bowling centers or skating rinks other

than the ones at the Pickwick center you could call and see which would

offer the best prices and would be more willing to accomodate you with

bringing in cake etc. if you decide to do that.

I would probably decide on one or the other and not have the kids vote.

If they vote you will have some whiners because their choice didn't win.

Another idea might be swimming. Sunday I took my 11 year old and 7

friends to an indoor pool for her birthday. It was only $2 per person

and they let us use a long picnic table for cake and gifts and all.

There were lifeguards and all kinds of flotation devices available.

That might be worth looking into, also.

I would do the invitations a week or two before the party. If you do it

too long ahead people will forget. If you are worried about language

barriers, maybe one of ' bilingual teachers would help you

translate the invitation for the Spanish speaking families. (we lived

in a part of California where the schools were trilingual. That was

interesting!)

As far as food, I would let the birthday boy choose the menu. Most kids

will eat hamburgers or mac 'n' cheese or whatever.

Birthday parties can be stressful. I have learned to keep it as simple

as possible and just let the kids have fun.

Hope that helps a little.

Kim in IA

[Guest guest]

Thanks for all the ideas and feedback Kim. There is a swimming pool center down

the street and I should call them and ask for information.

I wonder if the Y does parties at their facilities.

Bonnie

================

& Kim Cotter wrote:

Bonnie,

Wow! You have lots of things to consider!

We have done both skating and bowling during the day, most places are

open and are willing to accomodate a group during these typically slow

times. Rather than booking a " birthday party plan " type deal, we have

gone in with the group, and just paid for the bowling or skating per

kid. One place near where we live even let us bring in our own birthday

cake and chips, etc. We did purchase drinks and some other snack items

from them. This cut down on the cost by a lot. Our local bowling

centers also will discount the shoe rental or the per game fee for a

larger group. If you have other bowling centers or skating rinks other

than the ones at the Pickwick center you could call and see which would

offer the best prices and would be more willing to accomodate you with

bringing in cake etc. if you decide to do that.

[Guest guest]

Thanks for all the ideas and feedback Kim. There is a swimming pool center down

the street and I should call them and ask for information.

I wonder if the Y does parties at their facilities.

Bonnie

================

& Kim Cotter wrote:

Bonnie,

Wow! You have lots of things to consider!

We have done both skating and bowling during the day, most places are

open and are willing to accomodate a group during these typically slow

times. Rather than booking a " birthday party plan " type deal, we have

gone in with the group, and just paid for the bowling or skating per

kid. One place near where we live even let us bring in our own birthday

cake and chips, etc. We did purchase drinks and some other snack items

from them. This cut down on the cost by a lot. Our local bowling

centers also will discount the shoe rental or the per game fee for a

larger group. If you have other bowling centers or skating rinks other

than the ones at the Pickwick center you could call and see which would

offer the best prices and would be more willing to accomodate you with

bringing in cake etc. if you decide to do that.

[Guest guest]

Thanks for all the ideas and feedback Kim. There is a swimming pool center down

the street and I should call them and ask for information.

I wonder if the Y does parties at their facilities.

Bonnie

================

& Kim Cotter wrote:

Bonnie,

Wow! You have lots of things to consider!

We have done both skating and bowling during the day, most places are

open and are willing to accomodate a group during these typically slow

times. Rather than booking a " birthday party plan " type deal, we have

gone in with the group, and just paid for the bowling or skating per

kid. One place near where we live even let us bring in our own birthday

cake and chips, etc. We did purchase drinks and some other snack items

from them. This cut down on the cost by a lot. Our local bowling

centers also will discount the shoe rental or the per game fee for a

larger group. If you have other bowling centers or skating rinks other

than the ones at the Pickwick center you could call and see which would

offer the best prices and would be more willing to accomodate you with

bringing in cake etc. if you decide to do that.

[Guest guest]

In addition to the other great ideas - I always found it easier to invite

slightly older kids as 'helpers' and gave them something special for their time.

This has really helped with kids that need more attention! I also try to provide

a space for the child that needs a break from the chaos; a quiet spot to rest

and gather energy can be a comfort for someone in distress be it due to peer

pressure, anxiety or whatever.

Oh - and make it clear on the invitation the start and finish time - you want to

keep that strict so that you can be available for your own child!

Don't sweat the small stuff and enjoy the day!

wendy, in canada

Bonnie Sayers wrote:

Thanks for all the ideas and feedback Kim. There is a swimming pool center down

the street and I should call them and ask for information.

I wonder if the Y does parties at their facilities.

Bonnie

================

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