https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 09 Apr 2026 06:34:36 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-restrain-yourself-with-birthday-parties#post-2392995 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 19:35:50 +0000 californiadreams 2392995@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i feel like i don't restrain myself enough even though i am far from throwing pinterest parties. Every year i evaluate what i didn't really need to do in terms of decorations etc and vow not to do it the following year. Setting a budget is probably the best way to go. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-restrain-yourself-with-birthday-parties#post-2392988 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 19:27:48 +0000 808love 2392988@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@abbydabbydoodlebug: I have a Pinterest board for LO's puppy party inspiration. She is sooooo into dogs too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-restrain-yourself-with-birthday-parties#post-2392794 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 16:29:46 +0000 daniellemybelle 2392794@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So I went all out for LO's first birthday party. Like, embarrassingly, but I loved how it turned out. I knew I wasn't going to keep that up for her second birthday party. As others have said, I just focused on what she would like. She was on a real Thomas kick so as much as it was not what I would have liked, I just went to Party City and bought their Thomas stuff - plates, napkins, decorations, etc. I mixed in some cuter primary color stuff from Target but I kept it really simple and just focused on what would excite LO which was to see Thomas all over everything.</p> <p>I also didn't allow myself any "projects" other than baking cupcakes. It was a lot better that way. I am not crafty and projects stress me out. I like the end result and the praise ;) but it was better to just enjoy the time with LO leading up tot the party. Everyone is different though! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-restrain-yourself-with-birthday-parties#post-2392564 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 14:39:33 +0000 abbydabbydoodlebug 2392564@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@anonysquire: True! I am really good at making cakes, so I'll definitely make her puppy cake. I don't really care about paper invites, so evites for sure. I already looked and they have a cute puppy party one. I'm fairly good at DIY crafty stuff, but finding time will be hard. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-restrain-yourself-with-birthday-parties#post-2392496 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 14:20:10 +0000 anonysquire 2392496@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@DillonLion: good points!!i love paper invites as well. But agree that decor to me isn't as important. I go diy for decor because it's cheap. </p> <p>Oh, this reminded me of something. My sister is a baker. She makes incredible treats. She loves it. Why does she go to all the trouble of slaving away in the kitchen when she could just go buy a pack of Oreos? Because she loves it. She's not trying to impress anyone. That's how I feel. It's a hobo to me, I'm not trying to impress anyone. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-restrain-yourself-with-birthday-parties#post-2392445 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 13:58:54 +0000 abbydabbydoodlebug 2392445@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@DillonLion: Definitely! I love good food at a party! I think my DD would go crazy for balloons and anything with dogs is a hit. Hence, puppy party! I might splurge and have my friend make us those beautiful frosted cookies. But DIY everything else since I can. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-restrain-yourself-with-birthday-parties#post-2392430 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 13:55:08 +0000 abbydabbydoodlebug 2392430@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: Haha, YOU'RE NOT HELPING!! &lt;3</p> <p>@anonysquire: @Mrs. Lemon-Lime: Thanks. I get teased too. I'm pretty sure I can DIY this shiz up and try to not let myself go crazy with it. </p> <p>@deerylou: Definitely agree with what you said. Although, I think I put the pressure on myself mostly, which is so silly! She's a 2 year old. She just wants cake and toys and family for her birthday. It's silly really. I almost wish Pinterest was never invented, haha. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-restrain-yourself-with-birthday-parties#post-2392353 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 13:27:40 +0000 DillonLion 2392353@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So, hosting parties is my JAM. It has always been a hobby of mine since I can remember. I planned my own birthday parties growing up, created my own invites, etc. </p> <p>I try to go into it with the mentality of how can I plan a gathering that my kid and my guests will enjoy the most and make sure there's ample time for everyone to interact with each other and feel connected. That means that crafting exceptional Pinterest-worthy decor is unnessesary. Tasty food? Yes. Contracted calligrapher? No. </p> <p>We also maintain a strict budget, so I do most of my party shopping at the local dollar stores. They have a TON of stuff for parties in general and you can re-use a lot of what you don't get to each time. I highly recommend going there for most of your party needs. It really keeps costs down. </p> <p>Also, figure out which parts mean the most to you. I love receiving paper invites, so I always send those out for parties as opposed to electronic invitations. But I make up for that expense in other ways, such dollar store decor. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-restrain-yourself-with-birthday-parties#post-2392323 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 13:11:52 +0000 deerylou 2392323@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I restrain myself by focusing on what my child truly enjoys. She doesn't need much to have a spectacular time. We focus more on special traditions, but I do enjoy crafting and creating. Parties are a good excuse for that. Of course, infants, toddlers, and preschoolers couldn't give less of a shit about pinterest-worthy decor. Cake is cake, be it homemade or from an exclusive bakery. I find that most of this compulsive need to throw OTT parties stems from competition between adults and what will look good on Instagram. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-restrain-yourself-with-birthday-parties#post-2392236 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 12:28:44 +0000 anonysquire 2392236@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: that's how it is here!! My family jokes that I have to make my kids costumes for every event we attend or every holiday. Umm ya... Because that's my thing. I love costumes. I don't think that's crazy haha. It's my hobby! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-restrain-yourself-with-birthday-parties#post-2392227 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 12:18:34 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2392227@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@abbydabbydoodlebug: I'm not helping, but aww... <a href="http://www.100layercakelet.com/2015/12/16/adopt-a-puppy-party/" rel="nofollow">http://www.100layercakelet.com/2015/12/16/adopt-a-puppy-party/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-restrain-yourself-with-birthday-parties#post-2392196 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 11:54:39 +0000 looch 2392196@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What I've noticed is that the first few years, the decor tends to be more important, but it fades away in favor of the activities as the kids get older. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-restrain-yourself-with-birthday-parties#post-2392146 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 11:17:35 +0000 cascademom 2392146@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We're a low key bunch. My LO #1's birthday is at the end of summer when everyone is traveling. I had to cancel his first party because of low attendance. With the encouragement of one of our mom friends, we threw a fun birthday party in a park. It was a blast. </p> <p>For his and his brother's birthday this year, we'll probably have it at home since we can accommodate more people. We'll still keep it low key though. The best parties we've been to have been at parks and people's homes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-restrain-yourself-with-birthday-parties#post-2392039 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 10:30:38 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2392039@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@abbydabbydoodlebug: I spent many kid birthdays on vacation since my bday fell on the long weekend right before school started. There are all kinds of ways to celebrate birthdays that will be fun and memorable for the one that matters- birthday girl! Don't break the bank to impress anyone. Focus on what would make your LO smile whether that's an over the top party or a great gift she will use well after the party is over or an outing with just your nuclear family around her bday to celebrate. </p> <p>@anonysquire: me too! and I don't even think when I host something it's all that spectacular. I was teased so much on Saturday that my next event will be super, duper low key. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-restrain-yourself-with-birthday-parties#post-2391995 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 10:10:11 +0000 anonysquire 2391995@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@abbydabbydoodlebug: oh, ya definitely don't donot to compete with anyone. Or try and 1up yourself or anyone else. I just like going all out for holidays and often get grief over it so its sensitive to me hahaha!! But now I get your sotuation. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-restrain-yourself-with-birthday-parties#post-2391920 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 09:40:50 +0000 Finfan 2391920@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We focus on what's really important-- spending time with our family and showing all of our guests a good time. Keep a low-key, fun vibe. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-restrain-yourself-with-birthday-parties#post-2391760 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 08:20:23 +0000 regberadaisy 2391760@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@abbydabbydoodlebug: growing up we were too poor to have parties. I remember one party when I was about 8, which was just cake and my cousins came over. Then a sweet sixteen. So I feel the need to throw my kids a party yearly. But because of varying financial reasons (mainly me being laid off) we didn't have a party for DD1 for her 2nd or 3rd. But, we had family over and the people *she* loved the most. And we always did something special on the actual day of. She loved it all. So I definitely hear you on "wanting" to throw them parties! But when it comes down to it, right now, all they care is having the people most special to them there. :heart: </p> <p>Granted, assuming I still have a job in April, she will be getting her first "friend" party! ;) She's been asking! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-restrain-yourself-with-birthday-parties#post-2391752 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 08:15:47 +0000 abbydabbydoodlebug 2391752@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@regberadaisy: Well, money is definitely a reason. We don't have a ton of it and went a little crazy at her 1 year party last year. But we can afford some things. I just know if I don't restrain myself, I'll end up spending hundreds. Plus, I've just been feeling lately that our family needs to cut down on the "more more more" mentality and be thankful for what we have. I don't want to create this expectation for DD (and myself!) of what her party "should" be. There's nothing wrong with going crazy with parties. I just can't control myself when it comes to them, haha. </p> <p>His family is obviously another reason. They probably don't even feel this way, but I feel like they'll judge me for NOT doing a crazy party. I almost want to do a big party every other year when she gets older and let her choose what she wants to do on the "off" years. That's sort of what we were going to do this year. We wanted to go to the beach and stay in a condo for a weekend and that be her big birthday thing, but they ended up getting booked up and any that are available now are too expensive. So we just decided to stick with a small party anyway. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-restrain-yourself-with-birthday-parties#post-2391745 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 08:09:47 +0000 Modern Daisy 2391745@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I made DS's 2nd bday party cake only after dinner with family. I still did a theme and had party hats and some decor but it was really just singing happy birthday and opening presents with my parents at their shore house. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-restrain-yourself-with-birthday-parties#post-2391731 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 07:59:11 +0000 regberadaisy 2391731@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@abbydabbydoodlebug: that should definitely not be the reason! I mean, there are plenty of over the top parties right here on HB! LOL But most of them have the money and want to do it. If that's you, go for it! If you're breaking the bank to throw a lavish party just to "one up" his family? That's so not worth it. Do what you think your kids will love!</p> <p>I keep to a crazy budget but DIY Pinterest like crazy and I'm sure to our family my parties seem insane. But DD really appreciates and loves all the little details! So, I'll keep doing all that until she's outgrown it and no longer wants me to. *sobs* </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-restrain-yourself-with-birthday-parties#post-2391728 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 07:52:55 +0000 abbydabbydoodlebug 2391728@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@anonysquire: well, I guess I just dont want to feel like I need to one-up myself every year. I'd rather do cool parties when she's having friends over and can appreciate it more? I feel like I need to compete with his family for the "best" party and I want to avoid that. </p> <p>@Mrs. Champagne: haha, I actually have 2 boxes of beanie babies left over from my childhood and I'm planning on doing that! </p> <p>@SugarplumsMom: haha. If my sis and her family were ever here from Japan for DD'a birthday, I'd probably go crazy too!</p> <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: hmm, interesting idea. I need to start making a list! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-restrain-yourself-with-birthday-parties#post-2391706 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 07:02:45 +0000 Mrs. Champagne 2391706@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No advice on keeping it small, but... I saw a puppy party on Pinterest and the kids got to adopt a stuffed puppy at the end. So cute. </p> <p>I'm not helping your cause I guess. Haha </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-restrain-yourself-with-birthday-parties#post-2391701 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 06:54:59 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2391701@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Pick 2 or 3 must-haves that will require great expense or effort. Then make the rest easy-peasy. </p> <p>Example: </p> <p>Effort: Awesome professional cake. </p> <p>Easy Peasy: Instead of theme food, use paper plates that carry the theme. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-restrain-yourself-with-birthday-parties#post-2391680 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 05:19:09 +0000 SugarplumsMom 2391680@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was deprived from throwing DD a birthday party last year and if my mom makes it this year, I'll have no restraints! :grin: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-restrain-yourself-with-birthday-parties#post-2391645 Thu, 17 Dec 2015 01:51:49 +0000 anonysquire 2391645@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Why do you need to reign things in? For every over the top parent there's another parent who won't do a party. Do what you want to do. I like to go all out for birthdays, and I'll continue to do it :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-restrain-yourself-with-birthday-parties#post-2391597 Wed, 16 Dec 2015 23:14:01 +0000 abbydabbydoodlebug 2391597@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hummusgirl: thank you! This is super helpful. I don't know why I didn't think of what my DD will enjoy most. Duh. Man, pinterest gets me every time. I feel like that should be the obvious answer... is what my kid would like best. I guess I feel pressure because my husband's family does pinterest parties and go all out for all birthdays. </p> <p>@regberadaisy: yes, def going to budget everything and stick to it! </p> <p>@808love: wish I had more time! I'm going to do balloons for sure and steamers are good. Big impact for low $$$. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-restrain-yourself-with-birthday-parties#post-2391575 Wed, 16 Dec 2015 22:23:14 +0000 hummusgirl 2391575@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think about what's most memorable as a guest at parties, and it's never the color-coordinated snacks in mason jars or whatever from Pinterest - it's just the overall vibe. I actually prefer more low-key parties. And I try to focus on what the birthday kid will care about too. My LO turned 3 recently, and the highlights for him were:<br /> - Guests (grandparents, cousins, friends)<br /> - Piñata<br /> - Helping to put sprinkles on cupcakes<br /> - Wearing a birthday hat<br /> - Cake/blowing out candles/singing<br /> - One nice mylar balloon that lasted forever</p> <p>It was not an expensive, fancy or photogenic affair but he was really happy with it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-restrain-yourself-with-birthday-parties#post-2391486 Wed, 16 Dec 2015 20:59:20 +0000 808love 2391486@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sounds like you are willing to make everything so plan ahead. Shop the after Christmas sales for anything crafty you might need. Use basic decorations (streamers/balloons) in a creative way. Having fun and being festive doesn't have to be expensive. You can also compensate by having fun (free) games! The laughs and photo album you create will be plenty...and free! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-restrain-yourself-with-birthday-parties#post-2391431 Wed, 16 Dec 2015 19:27:35 +0000 regberadaisy 2391431@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Keep a running budget or take your total allowed budget and break it into categories. I fit whenever possible. If I have to pay someone to do it then I figure something else out! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-restrain-yourself-with-birthday-parties#post-2391426 Wed, 16 Dec 2015 19:21:06 +0000 abbydabbydoodlebug 2391426@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I looooove throwing parties and typically go nuts and spend way too much on them. I really want to tone it down for DD's 2 year birthday, as much as I want to go all out. We're just going to have immediate family, which will end up being 12 adults and 4 kids. I want to do a "puppy party" and I'm planning on doing her cake and having it at home. I still want to make it special, but don't know how. I'm the kind of person to make signs, theme related food, banner, balloons, professional cake, etc. Pinterest, basically.</p> <p>Tips for keeping yourself in check? </p>