Pittsburgh Nesties
MaryM
member
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Lots of questions re 6 yo bday party
We are having a birthday party for my soon to be 6 yr old. at bounceu. I would appreciate any help as I never did a party before that was not at our home. Thanks in advance and sorry to bombard with questions!
-Do I have to buy pizza/food for the parents too? Do parents usually stay? (Was hoping not to..)
-a bunch of people did not RSVP. Do I contact them? (Sigh...)
-parents I don't know are texting/enailing me for gift ideas.. Makes me feel awkward as that is not the point and I feel stupid saying something to buy my kid. Really we would be happy with nothing. Opinions on this?
-favor ideas? I am over bags of plastic junk. Any ideas for one thing or something unique? (Inexpensive if possible)
Why are kids parties so complicated these days?!
Thanks a million!!
Mary
-Do I have to buy pizza/food for the parents too? Do parents usually stay? (Was hoping not to..)
-a bunch of people did not RSVP. Do I contact them? (Sigh...)
-parents I don't know are texting/enailing me for gift ideas.. Makes me feel awkward as that is not the point and I feel stupid saying something to buy my kid. Really we would be happy with nothing. Opinions on this?
-favor ideas? I am over bags of plastic junk. Any ideas for one thing or something unique? (Inexpensive if possible)
Why are kids parties so complicated these days?!
Thanks a million!!
Mary
Re: Lots of questions re 6 yo bday party
To answer your questions:
-Do I have to buy pizza/food for the parents too? Do parents usually stay? (Was hoping not to..)
-a bunch of people did not RSVP. Do I contact them? (Sigh...)
I always stay, unless the parents say to not (which has only happened one time, at Build-a-Bear. If the parents are there, I would feel like I had to feed them, too, but I'm sure you'll get different opinions on that. (especially if it's over a standard lunch or dinner time) For the non-RSVP'ers, I think it depends on the set up of the party there, if they need a head count and can't accommodate for extras that day, I would probably contact them via email if you can.
-parents I don't know are texting/enailing me for gift ideas.. Makes me feel awkward as that is not the point and I feel stupid saying something to buy my kid. Really we would be happy with nothing. Opinions on this?
Had the same thing happen with Jake's party, I gave a standard response of "Right now Jake is into x,y,z but please don't feel obligated to bring anything, Jake will just be happy that child's name can join us for the party. " I'd rather just give the suggestions if someone is asking, because I've been in that situation before....if we're going to the party, I'm bringing a gift, so if I can make sure it's something the kid will like, I'd prefer that
-favor ideas? I am over bags of plastic junk. Any ideas for one thing or something unique? (Inexpensive if possible)
This past year, their main favor was the superhero mask that they made as part of the party, but I also included a small bag that had a pack of crayons, an activity pad, and a bag of spiderman fruit snacks. You can't go wrong with food!
Jake - 1.15.08
Liam - 5.17.11
Although our kid group is a bit younger and we have definitely stayed. I would still expect to stay for 6 year old. I think if its over lunch or dinner time it's nice to have food available.
As for RSVPs if you need a head count I would send a quick email.
I would do what Emmy does about gift suggestions.
For favors I think a mixture of small treats/snack and stickers or something similar are good.
I would have enough food for parents, but not all will eat. How far do you live from bounce u ? That would change how many parents are likely to stay and therefore eat.
I would email about rsvps if you need an exact number. If the party is paid up to so many kids then it doesn't matter so much. Just have a treat bag for everybody you haven't heard from, since if you don't they will all show up.
I always email the mom or dad and ask for present suggestions. I want to minimize the chance they will actually have to use the gift receipt. Pick a couple of things he likes, "he's into city legos, Cars 2 and would really like Dino Hockey or some other book (insert title here)."
Favors; Hate bags of junk. Do you have a theme? A ball for everyone since it bounces, or something edible or a book or a water bottle maybe? Kids ,however, love getting candy and lego mini figures have also been a favorite with my boys in treat bags.
kristen
I would provide food for the parents. (They had pizza, fruit, and soft pretzel bites with dipping sauces at this party.)
I would also follow up with the non RSVPers. We actually did not RSVP to this party because we didn't get the invite (it was in Masons cubby at school, which we haven't checked in a while because there is rarely anything in it - oops!), so I was glad the mom mentioned it to me.
I would also give general gift ideas if people ask. It's always helpful for me when shopping for gifts to know what the child likes. Don't feel awkward, it's a birthday party, people bring gifts!
At this party BounceU provided the favors - they were water bottles with candy inside them. Otherwise we usually do art type favors (crayons, coloring book, craft done at party, etc.) with some candy. I really like the $5 gift card idea!
From a guest's perspective, the coordinators at Bounce U seemed really organized and kept everything moving. They also had a big bin for the presents that they wheeled out to the car for you, which I thought was convenient!
Have fun!
The party that was close to dinner time (around 5 for pizza), I definitely was glad to have a slice. The other party had pizza around 3:30 and it was just an odd time and I didn't feel the need to eat (but others did). I definitely think time matters.
We went to a party there when Adam was in preschool. They did feed the adults. We all stayed.
I HATE plastic crap too. I tend to do stickers to match the party themes, crayons, coloring books, I did cars plates one year from the dollar spot at Target. This year was sticker fruit snacks ( Mario ones) bubbles ( because we were at a park) and I made little Mario star cookies and put 2 in each bag.
I agree, tell the askers what he is into as far as themes or characters. I will give specifics if I know they are inexpensive like markers or crayons.
Married, September 23, 2006