5 year olds are old enough to understand that the gifts are for the one person. 3 and 4 year olds, it's iffy. Parents are old enough not to get upset that a 5 year old got a gift that was $1 or $2 more expensive than the one they bought for her.
advice for throwing a first-ever birthday party
by 2pink 15 Replies latest jw friends
-
-
jamiebowers
P.S. Don't forget to write thank you notes after the party.
-
wantstoleave
Good topic, as my oldest will be turning 5 next month, and I'm contemplating celebrating for the first time too!
-
carla
ah, my favorite kind of thread! Ok, here is my advice from a non/never been jw who has always done birthday parties and remembers going to them as a kid.
How many are you inviting? In my area if you want to bring invites to school then the entire class must be invited otherwise mail them out so there are no hurt feelings. I found that at that age sometimes it is best to invite only all the girls or all the boys whichever you have. Some suggest no more guests than the child age but it usually never works out that way. Plan every minute so there is no fighting, etc....While you are waiting for the guests to arrive have some fun toys or outdoor activity available, once all the guests are there the pary begins. Keep a shorter time limit than think you will need if you have an entire class of 5 yr olds 2 hours will feel like an entire afternoon anyway!
Start with a few organized games like pin the tail, or outdoor games like relay/dress in funny clothes game, (Google games for 5 yr olds) etc.... cake & song time! yes, gifts are opened during the party and if you didn't know cards are opened first and mom or other adult writes on the back of the card what the person gave so the CHILD can write the thank you and yes a 5 year old is capable of doing this. 5 yr olds can certainly understand etiquette of thanking the person directly and to remember not to say negative things about a gift and hurt the gift givers feelings. Now the kids will be all wound up and if they are not all playing with the new gifts I would recommend some 'free' play time outside if at all possible while waiting for parents, balls, chalk for sidewalk/driveway, etc.... and don't forget a 'goodie' bag for your guests, usually some small trinkent & possibly some candy in a paper bag (birthday child can decorate these if you like) Parents should be arriving to pick up kids and a good time was had by most. Make sure birthday child says goodbye to each child and thanks them and gives them their goodie bag.
Why most? I don't know why it is but at every little kid part (even older too!) there is always one crybaby in the crowd who is sulking about something or thinks some game wasn't fair, whatever. Just keep it moving and don't fret too much about the little crab. Sometimes the birthday child themself can become overexcited and act like anything but your normally cheerful and polite child! If you can have another adult there I would highly recommend it! If not don't sweat it, it is only 5 yr olds here not the Queen.
-
chickpea
happy birthday to your youngster!
having grown up "worldly" i remember
the rule of thumb was invite as many
guests as the age of the child...up to around age 10!! that is a lot of kids!!
in second grade i went to a party that was
all boys except for me... we played yahtzeeanother game i remember is tying a long
balloon to everyone's ankles and having
a free for all trying to pop each other's
-once both your balloons popped you were out
- the last person with a balloon won a little prizegrowing up in proximity of the mexican border
piñatas were at most parties i went to....keep it simple, especially since it is your first
-
DJK
Does your daughter have cousins her age and are not JWs?
If it's not a surprise party, ask her who she would like invited.
If your having the party at home, there will be lots of sugar and sweets involved, have some cages ready.
Edited to add,,, put all breakables up high.