https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 03 May 2026 18:06:51 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-normal-reasonable-budget-for-a-5-yo-birthday-party#post-2626600 Fri, 23 Sep 2016 14:11:33 +0000 MrsSRS 2626600@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I personally wouldn't do pottery with a dozen 5 year olds. I would do the pizza party and take my son to do pottery painting just as a family. I do think their prices seem reasonable for a metro area outside the house party. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-normal-reasonable-budget-for-a-5-yo-birthday-party#post-2626539 Fri, 23 Sep 2016 12:36:22 +0000 Finfan 2626539@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would do a pizza party but take my son pottery painting as an outing for his birthday instead of a present. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-normal-reasonable-budget-for-a-5-yo-birthday-party#post-2626538 Fri, 23 Sep 2016 12:36:16 +0000 gingerbebe 2626538@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: I didn't mean to imply that it wasn't worth it if your son would love it - it just seemed like a lot of money to shell out for the other kids' figurines. If HE wants to do it, then by all means. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-normal-reasonable-budget-for-a-5-yo-birthday-party#post-2626529 Fri, 23 Sep 2016 12:29:57 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2626529@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: I would either lower the cost and do the cheap figurine and do a small favor or do the mug. But kids may enjoy the figurine more because there is more detail. Sometimes kids have trouble with a complete blank canvas. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-normal-reasonable-budget-for-a-5-yo-birthday-party#post-2626526 Fri, 23 Sep 2016 12:28:51 +0000 hummusgirl 2626526@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If he's excited about it, then I think it's a no-brainer. My LO made all the major decisions for his upcoming party (park, sheet cake from the store instead of cupcakes etc). Your son is the most important guest! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-normal-reasonable-budget-for-a-5-yo-birthday-party#post-2626521 Fri, 23 Sep 2016 12:26:34 +0000 Ajsmommy 2626521@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd totally do the pottery party if that is what your son wants. His birthday, his choice. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-normal-reasonable-budget-for-a-5-yo-birthday-party#post-2626508 Fri, 23 Sep 2016 12:08:04 +0000 Smurfette 2626508@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@erinbaderin: I totally agree. If he wants a pottery painting party, then do it. If the other kids don't want to do it, then they don't have to come. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-normal-reasonable-budget-for-a-5-yo-birthday-party#post-2626492 Fri, 23 Sep 2016 11:43:15 +0000 erinbaderin 2626492@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: If that's what your son wants to do than do it! It's his birthday, who cares what the other kids would prefer - they can do those things for their birthdays. People know their kids so if they think they can't be trusted in a place full of pottery I assume they'll either say no or stay to supervise. </p> <p>Remember too, though, that if you decide to do something else you and your son could still go to the pottery place and paint mugs, and then you guys have a special date with souvenirs of your outing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-normal-reasonable-budget-for-a-5-yo-birthday-party#post-2626485 Fri, 23 Sep 2016 11:32:35 +0000 irene 2626485@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: The pottery place offers canvas painting too, but I want my damn pottery lol</p> <p>@youboots: Thanks! :heart: </p> <p>@gingerbebe: I don't care about the other kids and their mugs (haha), but I think DS would use his own cup, and it would be very special to use the mug that he painted artwork on. Of course this is all in my mind as the perfect scenario, and reality may deviate from it.</p> <p>Thank you for all the other ideas! And I have no idea that Michaels hosts parties! I just checked and it is only $120 including venue, instructors and supplies for 8 kids *$10 @ additional child)! I need to look into that for sure. Both DS and I are very artsy fartsy people, and I hate to do a party just to make our guests happy. </p> <p>I am also warming up to the idea of pizza party too. There is an option of doing cupcake decorations party instead of making pizza for $325 instead of $300. So if we were to do it after lunch (so I don't need to provide a full lunch), I even save the $ for buying a cake, hahaha. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-normal-reasonable-budget-for-a-5-yo-birthday-party#post-2626470 Fri, 23 Sep 2016 11:11:14 +0000 gingerbebe 2626470@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Budgetwise for outside the home, I think its reasonable.</p> <p>That said, I'm lukewarm about the pottery thing in terms of actual value. I don't think the kids would use the mugs or they might break them, and the figurines seem useless. Do you have a Michael's around you? They host kids parties with a variety of crafts that you can pick and you can bring in your own food. </p> <p>In that same vein, call your local Home Depot or Lowes. They usually do FREE kid's workshops where they build something, get a little apron, a certificate of achievement, etc. on a weekly or monthly basis. Because they offer this free service, some parents will call the manager and see if they can do one for a birthday party. Some locations let parents bring food and everything on-site. </p> <p>Another popular option these days is a gymnastics gym or the YMCA - they usually let the kids run around and tumble and then they get lunch afterwards. I mention this because if you are doing it in the winter and its cold, kids may be more excited about running around and burning off energy than sitting still and doing crafts. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-normal-reasonable-budget-for-a-5-yo-birthday-party#post-2626441 Fri, 23 Sep 2016 10:21:16 +0000 youboots 2626441@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>As long as you can afford and are excited about it I think it's reasonable. I choose to have parties catered sometimes because I find it is easier/not much more expensive. Whatever makes sense to you is great. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-normal-reasonable-budget-for-a-5-yo-birthday-party#post-2626440 Fri, 23 Sep 2016 10:21:08 +0000 looch 2626440@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: Do you have the option for one of those canvas painting places, if you're worried about things getting broken? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-normal-reasonable-budget-for-a-5-yo-birthday-party#post-2626437 Fri, 23 Sep 2016 10:17:06 +0000 Freckles 2626437@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: I don't think that's too expensive. Last year we were considering an art party for our 4 year old's birthday and it would have been a little over $400 (we decided not to in the end because she no longer wanted a party). Now that they are older, it's so much easier to just rent out a place that has built-in activities available. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-normal-reasonable-budget-for-a-5-yo-birthday-party#post-2626384 Fri, 23 Sep 2016 09:29:37 +0000 irene 2626384@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: Did the host serve additional snacks other than the pizza they made? </p> <p>I am so torn. I asked DS last night if he want a make your own pizza party, or a pottery painting party, he exclaimed pottery painting party! There wasn't even a question to it. But I do have a concern we have to include friends such as our next door neighbor who has a really "active" boy if you know what I mean ;-)</p> <p>Ahhh.... I guess we can always have a pottery painting party at age 6... just that both of us would prefer a pottery painting party. mmm. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-normal-reasonable-budget-for-a-5-yo-birthday-party#post-2626330 Fri, 23 Sep 2016 08:41:09 +0000 Anagram 2626330@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: My older one is younger--only 3. But recently one of her friends had a make-your-own pizza party at a local pizzeria and it was super cute. The venue provided mini chefs aprons and hats and each kid learned how to roll out their own pizza dough and add toppings, then each kid got to help put their pizza in the wood fire oven. It was a really nice party. They also just did cake pops instead of a cake.</p> <p>I think if the difference is $10 per kid, but the more expensive option includes the food, drinks, and paper goods, then it is probably about even. I think food, drinks, and paper goods could easily be an additional $10 per person once it's all said and done. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-normal-reasonable-budget-for-a-5-yo-birthday-party#post-2625601 Thu, 22 Sep 2016 14:37:00 +0000 irene 2625601@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: High 5 girl on the cake!!! LOL</p> <p>I mean I really don't mind baking, but I'd happily pay $50 so I don't need to deal with the stress of what if I fail or what if the kids get sick...etc. In fact I can work on getting a cheaper cake.</p> <p>OK now I am really torn. Honestly I think they will do great too at pottery painting (and I did mention my son is turning 5) but then I can only speak for my son. I don't know how other boys may do. If you do the math the pizza party would be more expensive than pottery ($30 @ kid vs $19 @ kid, even though food and drinks are covered...) Hmm. need to think. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-normal-reasonable-budget-for-a-5-yo-birthday-party#post-2625571 Thu, 22 Sep 2016 14:15:47 +0000 looch 2625571@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My son attended a party at one of those canvas painting places at 5 years old, I was surprised at how well the kids did the project so don't discount them!</p> <p>I basically refuse to do anything related to prep for a party, I work full time so if I am even going to bother having a party at a venue, the last thing I am going to do is bake the cake. But I realize I am laaaaazy when it comes to this stuff. We invited the entire class of 11 kids, plus some others from previous years/outside friends and we had a nice sized party at 10 kids. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-normal-reasonable-budget-for-a-5-yo-birthday-party#post-2625560 Thu, 22 Sep 2016 14:05:43 +0000 NorthStar 2625560@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: I would do the pizza party and save the pottery thing for when your son is older and will truly appreciate it. Plus, boys at the age of 5 might be a bit much and very stressful for you at a pottery place. I would be scared that they would break something! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-normal-reasonable-budget-for-a-5-yo-birthday-party#post-2625542 Thu, 22 Sep 2016 13:52:15 +0000 irene 2625542@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PinkElephant: Hmmmm . OK you guys are making me rethink. There is a pizza party alternative: 1.5 hour party for $300 up to 10 guests, and they provide balloon decorations, paperware and drinks, and of course the pizza.</p> <p><a href="http://96bda424cfcc34d9dd1a-0a7f10f87519dba22d2dbc6233a731e5.r41.cf2.rackcdn.com/youngchefsacademySandySpringsNorthside1/1_updated_Party_Packages_Doc_8_10_2016_docx.pdf" rel="nofollow">http://96bda424cfcc34d9dd1a-0a7f10f87519dba22d2dbc6233a731e5.r41.cf2.rackcdn.com/youngchefsacademySandySpringsNorthside1/1_updated_Party_Packages_Doc_8_10_2016_docx.pdf</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-normal-reasonable-budget-for-a-5-yo-birthday-party#post-2625540 Thu, 22 Sep 2016 13:52:09 +0000 avivoca 2625540@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: I would split the difference with the cupcakes: bake them yourself and then frost with store frosting. Though, making homemade frosting is super, super easy and you can pipe it on with a Ziploc bag (I don't use fancy attachments). The picture is a funfetti angel food cupcake I made last year with whipped cream icing piped on with a Ziploc bag I cut the corner off of.</p> <p>I also think that whatever they paint should be the favor, even if they have to wait a week. But I hate favors anyway and never have them. </p> [attach=2564/16/odx5rt.600x600.IMG_4349.JPG] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-normal-reasonable-budget-for-a-5-yo-birthday-party#post-2625533 Thu, 22 Sep 2016 13:43:53 +0000 Anagram 2625533@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Seems pretty reasonable, cost wise. I guess it depends on geographical area and COL, and whether it's an at-home party or a venue party. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-normal-reasonable-budget-for-a-5-yo-birthday-party#post-2625532 Thu, 22 Sep 2016 13:42:58 +0000 PinkElephant 2625532@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: does the venue (a) know the guests are 5 yrs and (b) have any idea what five year olds act like?! 😝</p> <p>I love the idea of a pizza making party for this age group if that is an actual option for you. My pre-k girl and her k/preK friends would universally enjoy the pizza, whereas only a small number of them would actually paint pottery. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-normal-reasonable-budget-for-a-5-yo-birthday-party#post-2625524 Thu, 22 Sep 2016 13:36:04 +0000 irene 2625524@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@erinbaderin: True.... I know my son woud LOVE it, but I don't know about the others. You have a very good point! Hmm... I just wanted to get this over with grr. Do you think 5 yo boys would do better with pizza party (where they'd make their own pizza) or pottery party?</p> <p>@PinkElephant: I also think 12-15 kids is a lot too.... the venue I talked to said 8 kids minimum. We do have at least 3 -6 kids I would like to invite. Then I am not sure if it would be mean to just invite some kids but not the others in DS's class! We are in a new school and DS always want to have a lot of friends and want to invite everybody (right now he has maybe 1 friend). But yes, it would be lovely if I can get it down to 8-10 kids.... maybe that should be my goal ;-)</p> <p>@Mamaof2: Haha, very good thoughts! I thought about baking my own cupcakes but I have no experience with frosting, and I am afraid I'd get super stressed out if I were to bake my own cake. And yes to the other suggestions! The only thing about favors is, the painted pottery will not be available for pick up after a week! I don't know if I'd look cheap to not have something for them to take home immediately. Maybe I'd get balloons as decoration, and each kid get a balloon to go home with a message saying don't forget to pick up your pottery creation in a week.... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-normal-reasonable-budget-for-a-5-yo-birthday-party#post-2625507 Thu, 22 Sep 2016 13:27:27 +0000 Mamaof2 2625507@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: some thoughts</p> <p>Cake+candles: $50<br /> *** I would make cupcakes at home </p> <p> favors+plates: $55<br /> *** grab some plates from the doallr store and the favor is the mug they painted</p> <p> $10 juice, water bottles<br /> *** water only - a case is around $3 here </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-normal-reasonable-budget-for-a-5-yo-birthday-party#post-2625503 Thu, 22 Sep 2016 13:25:10 +0000 PinkElephant 2625503@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The cost seems very reasonable to me for an outside-the-home party in a metropolitan area. Most venues around here charge around $650-700 for an hour and a half rental of their space (think indoor gym, bouncy place) for around 12 kids. Sometimes that includes cake/pizza/a party favor (like a balloon), sometimes it doesn't. </p> <p>To me , 12-15 child guests sounds like a lot for a 5 year old's birthday. I know everyone does it differently, but I might be inclined to say he's turning 5, so he gets to pick 5 friends (whether they are from school or somewhere else). Or even just invite all the boys in the class (if he primarily plays with them) or something? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-normal-reasonable-budget-for-a-5-yo-birthday-party#post-2625499 Thu, 22 Sep 2016 13:24:13 +0000 erinbaderin 2625499@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I guess it depends on a few things. Would your son enjoy a pottery painting party? Would his friends? If they're going to have a great time and you have the money than go for it. I'm not sure the 5 year old boys I know would be into it, I think they'd paint for 5 minutes and then just want to run around, so for me the money would be better spent hosting kids at a play centre or a movie. </p> <p>I don't think you'd need to have favours at this party, I think what they're painting would be the favours. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-normal-reasonable-budget-for-a-5-yo-birthday-party#post-2625491 Thu, 22 Sep 2016 13:19:08 +0000 irene 2625491@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What is a normal / reasonable budget for a 5 yo birthday party? And do you invite everybody at your class, or just some of the friends?</p> <p>I am looking into hosting a pottery painting party for my will-be 5 year old, and there are two options, $15 or $19 @ kid. The only difference is on the pottery selection they will be painting ($19 they can choose to paint a cup, while $15 they will paint a selection of not as cute figurines). I am leaning toward $19 because at least the kids can use the mug rather than creating a bunch of useless figurines. Say I have 12-15 kids, that will be $228-285. Nothing else is included.I am thinking of hosting an afternoon party so I don't have to serve full on lunch (which sucked anyway). </p> <p>I am referencing a party we had 2 years ago:<br /> Cake+candles: $50<br /> Veggie+Fruit: $24<br /> favors+plates: $55<br /> $10 juice, water bottles<br /> Cards (DIY): $25 (or maybe $0 if I do it digitally!)<br /> Popcorn, cheese sticks and what not: $20?</p> <p>So that will be an additional $184. The venue suggests us to ask the parents to drop off the kids, so maybe that would help with lowering the cost. The party will end up to be a total of $412-469. </p> <p>Is that reasonable or on the expensive side? How much did you spend on your party? </p> <p>I would love to do a party at home but we don't have a big yard, plus it will be in the middle on winter and I just don't want to add the stress. </p>