planning a party!? need help!

[Dreambeliever]

So, DS turning 2yo in a few weeks and we are planning a kids party. Most of the kids will be from day care, with some friends with bubs too.

We're thinking of a bob the builder party as it seems to be a favorite at the moment. :yelclap:

Ive never done this before so i have some questions on what usually happens with kids parties...

1. how far ahead do i send the invites out?

2. which time slot is better? 9:30 till 11:30am with a "you're welcome to stay for a bbq lunch or 2 to 4pm and possibly stay for a bbq dinner?

3. do i need games or anything? (kids will be from 4months to 3yrs) we will have things out for them to play with such as swing set, caterpillar tunnel, sandpit, big plastic play gym thingy and possibly play dough inside?

4. party bags: so far im thinking of putting in stickers, bubbles, little board book, a few lollies (natural confectionery co) and a helium filled balloon...is that enough? is that good?

if you can think of something im forgetting or something to add please do! :yes:

thanks :)

[Dreambeliever]

bumpity bump!

[Little Gorilla]

So, DS turning 2yo in a few weeks and we are planning a kids party. Most of the kids will be from day care, with some friends with bubs too.

We're thinking of a bob the builder party as it seems to be a favorite at the moment. :yelclap:

Ive never done this before so i have some questions on what usually happens with kids parties...

1. how far ahead do i send the invites out? I have always sent out invites 2-3 weeks prior to the party.

2. which time slot is better? 9:30 till 11:30am with a "you're welcome to stay for a bbq lunch or 2 to 4pm and possibly stay for a bbq dinner? With younger kids parties I always did mine in the morning - that way I figured kids wouldn't be too tired and would be well and truely ready for a sleep once the party was over. I wouldn't put the bit about a bbq lunch on there - I would probably just throw some snags on the bbq at around 10:30am and you will find people will hang around if they want too (& their kids are too tried).

3. do i need games or anything? (kids will be from 4months to 3yrs) we will have things out for them to play with such as swing set, caterpillar tunnel, sandpit, big plastic play gym thingy and possibly play dough inside? I don't think you will need games, but you could do things like blow some bubbles (those automatic bubble blowers you get from toy shops are great) and let the kids chase them around to some music. You could have a lolly hunt (or some other sort of hunt, doesn't have to be lollies) - but any of those traditional games (pass the parcel etc are a bit too old for 2 year olds). I would skip the play dough....could get real messy!!

4. party bags: so far im thinking of putting in stickers, bubbles, little board book, a few lollies (natural confectionery co) and a helium filled balloon...is that enough? is that good? I think that is great. I always made sure there wasn't anything too small that little kids could choke on.

if you can think of something im forgetting or something to add please do! :yes:

Just keep it simple so you have some time to relax and enjoy the party too. My mistake was that I always did too much food, too many games etc and just didn't relax or get to talk to anyone cause I was running around like a crazy mum the whole time!

thanks :)

My response in red.

[JiminyCricket]

1. how far ahead do i send the invites out?
About 2 weeks in advance should be ok.

2. which time slot is better? 9:30 till 11:30am with a "you're welcome to stay for a bbq lunch or 2 to 4pm and possibly stay for a bbq dinner?
Thats tricky because all babys have differnet nap times that people will have to consider, but i think the afternoon tea with possibilty of dinner would be better that way if they cant make it in the afternoon they can still come around for dinner, also 9.30am is pretty early and you'll need to give yourself the morning to get orginised.

3. do i need games or anything? (kids will be from 4months to 3yrs) we will have things out for them to play with such as swing set, caterpillar tunnel, sandpit, big plastic play gym thingy and possibly play dough inside?
You could have a treasure hunt for the older kids, pass the parcel, pin the hat on bob the builder (instead of pin the tail on the donkey).

4. party bags: so far im thinking of putting in stickers, bubbles, little board book, a few lollies (natural confectionery co) and a helium filled balloon...is that enough? is that good?
Yep sounds good, i prefer that when my kids go to partys that they DONT get tons of horrible lollys it sends them hyper!

Your party sounds great, I am sur everyone will have a good time.