Hellobee Boards

I agree with Looch, pick a theme and plan activities around it. You don't have to rent/hire someone. It doesn't need to be big either.

What is LO into? Then we can help with activities to do. And ones that are affordable.

indoor gyms can be really pricey.

honestly at that age the kids are happy just to play with toys. you could have a couple of different stations like a simple craft area, a play doh area, and put out a bunch of toys.

We didn't have any structure at my friend's two year old's party. The kids just ran around and played with whatever toys were around. They didn't care and we adults stood around and drank wine and beer and ate appetizers.

We did a bounce house and piñata and food and just let the kids run wild. Logan loves his bounce house (we bought a toddler one because it was $50 more than the rental and we got to keep it).

@irene: then don't throw one. why stress yourself out? we only threw one for charlie at a gymboree type place for his first birthday. but we haven't thrown a party for either kid since. they don't know any better and don't feel like they're missing out.

maybe charlie will ask for one this year when he's turning 5, but so far he's always been pretty laid back about birthdays maybe because we don't make a big deal out of them.

Play! Explore new surroundings. More play. I agree with @Mrs. Bee: if you don't want to host a party then don't.

The kiddie parties I have attended usually have enterntainment. Bounce house. Sing along. For an indoor party a puppet show, story teller, or guitarist may hold the LOs' attention for a half hour.

@irene: I wouldn't stress yourself about throwing a party if you don't want to! Who cares what others are doing I don't plan on having a birthday party for LO this year (she's turning 2). She's too young to ask for one and I don't really feel like planning anything. Maybe next year when she's older and actually asks?

But most kiddie parties I've been to do have some sort of entertainment for the kids. EX: clown (although I'm terrified of clowns and will never, ever have one at my LO's parties!), face-painting, bouncy house, etc.

@irene: I've had a *lot* of friends do super laid back birthday parties for small kids (you are right, I promise they aren't going to remember their 2 year old B day party). Like....a sheet cake from a grocery store, finger foods, and maybe 5 LO friends and their parents. A couple of hours of eating cake and ice cream, opening presents, and the kids toddling aruond and playing. No big deal. Maybe make little treat bags for the kids to take home.

You don't have to spend a lot of money,