Charlotte’s birthday is this month! She is turning 5. I am so proud of her. She is just a beautiful soul from the beginning.
But we have a dilemma.
In the past we have never had a large birthday party for her. We generally do something at home, with a cake, and if family is near us, ask them over. Its always been very intimate. But since most of our years with Charlotte have been spent on military bases and she was too young to ‘get it’, I never went “all out” for a party. In fact, her 1st birthday her and I spent alone. I think her 3rd birthday we invited some neighbors over and had some cake at the house. I cant even remember the other years. Thats how little I apparently did.
I should also mention that I am the cheapest person on the planet and really have to justify before I spent any amount of money over $20.
This year is different. She is in her 2nd year of school, she has a million friends, the neighbor kids, our family is here, she has cousins local, and this girl wants a PARTY.
Cake, presents, and everyone fawning over her. Trust me, she gets it.
We would like to to have it at the gymnastics studio she is a part of. Its a great place, she has been going for years and attends camp and classes. Also, I refuse to have someone elses kids at my house that I have to entertain and I am not going to Chuck-e-cheese germy hell.
To rent out the gym for 2 hours is $315. It would include all the kids being about to play on the trampolines, jump pit, hanging ropes, and the staff to supervise and help. The cost is making me sick.
Someone tell me that isn’t overkill for a kids party and that I should do it.
~Trisha
Last year alone, I believe I spent about $500 between both of my children’s birthday parties (they are only 2 weeks apart).. Most of the money went towards food, but also a big chunk towards decorations. If you are not going to make a regular habit of these parties, $315 is not unreasonable.
That does seem like a lot of money. You can probably strike a deal with your daughter in which she has a big party for certain birthdays (i.e. 13th and 16th) and other times will be low key. That way she will be getting the best of both worlds.
My kids are grown up and I must be OLD, because that sounds like a lot of money to me. But, I’m with Classy Mom on the part about, IF you WANT to do it and she wants to do it AND it is not a financial burden, then go for it. BUT if it will cause a financial burden, then explain it to her that it is really something you can’t afford. I think kids understand that more than we realize, it is on TV all the time now and they may be disappointed at first, but they do understand. Then have her help you plan something else she will like.
But maybe I am just OLD and all wet!!
Hi, I actually own two gymnastics facilities in Indianapolis IN. We charge $200 for 2hours, however I’m sure we’re on the low end. The kids have a great time, and it’s really good for them. They all leave sweating
It’s very easy on the parents as well. We have waiting lists for our parties in the winter months. Have fun!
Another alternative is the park. Some parks even let you have those jumpy moon things that you can rent for relatively cheap. At a park, the clean up is easier than your home and there’s lots of room to run and play. Of course, that depends on how the weather is where you are. We are in Texas where it’s pretty warm. In the end though, it’s up to you. She’s your child and will be little only once and if she wants that and you are comfortable with it, then go for it
does that include any food provided by the gym? like pizza or a cake or something? For how many kids? that’s a lot of money.
When I was a kid my brother and I had most of our birthday parties at our church. They had a big multipurpose room you could rent out for just the cleaning fee. Then they also had roller skating and my parents usually got some kind of entertainment like a magician.
Besides going big for my first child’s 1st birthday (over 100 guests), I haven’t done another big one. My best/easiest/cheapest was a 3rd b’day at the fire station and then cake in the neighboring park/playground.
Jojo just turned 5 in October and I asked him what 5 friends he wanted to invite. He came up with a list of 4! Haha! They came over and I made a cake and they made shrinky dinks. It was 2 hours on a Saturday morning. That is all that either of us could handle.
I didn’t want to invite his whole class of 20 children because I was afraid some parents I didn’t know well would try to drop the kids off and leave, then it would get awkward.
Love the collage of Charlotte!
If she wants it, you want, and you can afford it – go for it! Birthday Parties make fabulous memories and it sounds like this is the year you finally have the guest list to merit doing something outside of the home. Cause seriously, you’d probably spend that much hosting a party at home with the guest list you have.
I think I’ve always spent close to $200-$300 just on food, decorations, favors etc. So far we’ve opted to host the kids parties at home ( 4 for Kenzie and only 2 for Kyle so far!) but that has really been our decision, since Kenzie never begged to go to a “venue” yet and I love the personal vibe of a party from home – if you can swing it of course. I have friends that have spent far more than $300 and those that love to keep it simple with cake and ice cream at Play Group. The important thing is just making it special however you do it. For the 4th party this year, as our guest list grew – I even had a Disney Princess (local of course!) come to the house for entertainment and sing and do story hour with the kids – that was $150. For Kyle’s 2nd party, I hosted during the week with Moms & a few kids. Since they are all too young for real games, we spent $100 to have the Music Lady come to do 45 mins with the kids. They loved both scenarios as did our guests – I was happy to find a way to entertain the kids while keeping our cozy at home vibe.
I’m sure it will be wonderful whatever you do! Happy Birthday Charlotte!
xo colleen