I enjoy birthdays. I don't love them, don't hate them either, just enjoy them. If it's my kids birthdays, I like it more. I enjoy planning a party and the activities. I like 'doing' parties, you know the ones where you do a craft or two and the kids get to take them home. I've done fishy cracker making parties, shrink bracelets, tie dye shirts, and sun catcher painting in the past (No.....not all of them at the same party)
My youngest will be turning 3 soon and I'm stumped what to do for her birthday. Being a SAHM doesn't always allow your child to have friends their own age unless you are part of a social group......of which I am not.
I tossed the idea around of renting an indoor playground venue, but I found it too expensive to justify the cost for only a dozen people.....half of which were most likely adults. I think the resulting party will consist of a few friends....but mostly family.
My favourite tradition I started is cupcakes.....all day. Yup, you read it right....all day! Breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner, dessert....anytime. It only happens once a year, so why not make a big deal about it? I'm not talking the elaborate party, let's rent an elephant and have a carousel inserted in my yard big deal.....I mean let it be fun. I always leave a wrapped gift attached to a helium balloon in their room for them to wake up to. It's fun and exciting, and that's what I like the best.
Gifts boggle my mind too. What do you get them? Another toy? Oh gosh.....add another toy to my disaster of a toy room? If you notice the toy room couch.....it's only there to make room for the Christmas tree in the adjoining room. As you can see I attempted to use bins to keep it tidy, but it ends up a mess anyways (I'll probally use this pic at another date too). The problem with giving a toy is it may be a fad item that gets ignored a month later. Clothes are a necessity, not a gift too.
I guess as my children get older they may choose a theme, or a specific venue, or what they want at their party.....but for now I suppose I'm in charge of planning and fulfilling the entire thing........
And one day I won't even get invited....(sniff, 😢) I may even be asked to leave so they can party without mom there. I guess with that future in mind I'll take my mom duites of planning and being involved.