Parenting Toddlers

Keeping Your Child's Birthday
Party Within Your Budget

Children's Birthday Parties
WHERE TO HAVE A FUN PARTY THAT FITS YOUR BUDGET
by Paula Hubbs Cohen

The Category Is:  "Children's Birthday Parties."
The Answer Is:  "A mom without an eat-in kitchen."
And The Question Is:  Who is willing to pay to have her four-year-old's birthday party somewhere else besides at the family homestead?

Although the above Jeopardy-style question is a tad tongue-in-cheek, one of the thoughts that crossed my mind when planning my daughter's birthday party was the ancient mess versus money factor "How much time do I want to spend cleaning my house versus how much money do I want to spend to have the party elsewhere?"

The thought of having her party at home reminded me of one of those mathematical word problems from sixth grade. If you have six four-year-olds, three of whom are eating cake at any one point in time, add four one-year-olds running amok, throw in one dog and two cats, then what is the probability of the red-haired conductor arriving on time? Oops!--I mean, what is the probability of cake being squashed into the carpet?

HELP, I'M OUT OF IDEAS
The purpose of this article is to give you some fun new ideas about places to hold birthday celebrations, their price ranges, and to discuss some generic advantages and disadvantages of home versus away parties.

There are many different places to hold parties these days, at home being the most obvious. But how about one of the following fun spots?
     Local zoo or petting zoo
     Children's museum
     Hotel swimming pool area (A great idea for an older child's winter party!)
     Pizza parlor
     Indoor play center
     Beauty shop
     Tennis club
     Computer facility with children's classes
     Exercise studio
     Bowling center
     Amusement park
     Gymnastics studio
     Fast food restaurant
     YWCA or YMCA
     Aquarium
     Planetarium
     Roller rink
     Miniature golf course
     Park or playground
     Ice cream parlor
     Movie theater
     Art and crafts store

Many of these locales are well known as party hot spots, but, other places may be just as happy to host your party, but, don't advertise heavily that they will do so.

Some party ideas can be generated from specific activities as opposed to specific places. For example, how about a hay ride party? A sleigh ride party? A strawberry, blueberry, apple or pumpkin picking party? The ideas are limited only by the season and your imagination.

HOME VERSUS AWAY
If cost is the overiding factor, a home party is probably your best bet. All you need is few play-group friends, party hats, a cake with candles and little ones are thrilled. Add a small goodie bag on the way out the door and you have a sure-fire-hit of an event. If your children are older, decorate with some banners and balloons, add a well planned schedule of games and goodies and you're sure to have pleased even the experienced "party animal." Baking the birthday cake at home really keeps the cost down as well.

The obvious advantage of a home party is the lower cost (Unless you start adding magicians, clowns and the like.), but, the hidden advantage is that you can plan any type of theme party your child might be interested in. I recently went to a four-year-old's birthday tea party that was a real hit with the guest of honor and the attendees alike. The disadvantages of a home party are the KP duty and the clean-up. Since I am the mythical mom in the opening Jeopardy question, I really have to think about the fact that I don't have an eat-in kitchen and a small horde of loveable ,but, messy munchkins will be eating cake in my carpeted dining room.

At-home parties can be loads of fun, for some great ideas, go to your local public library and look under "children/juvenile parties." There are lots of books available filled with party theme ideas, crafts, recipes, invitation suggestions, etc. My favorite is The Penny Whistle Party Planner by Meredith Brokaw and Annie Bilbar. It's chocked-full of step-by-step instructions that help develop a "non-crafty" type like me plan and execute a fun event.

Okay, let's say you decide that the at-home version is not for you. Before calling around to check out prices for parties at various facilities, be sure you've thought about just what kind of party you and your child want to have. The ages, activity levels, and time of the year (and, therefore, the weather) are of primary importance.

Are they a bunch of rambunctious, energy-filled preschoolers? Maybe an indoor play center is the best place for this group. Play centers range from small, intimate places generally intended for the preschool crowd to the large "wild-and- crazy-big-kids-only" kind of fun spots. Are your kids a little older? Would they enjoy sitting and talking with each other? Maybe, a pizza parlor is the way to go. Grade school kids would probably love a party at a roller or ice skating rink, a museum, aquarium or planetarium.

CHECK IT OUT
There are several questions to ask when calling for price quotes. Be sure the price is itemized so you don't get hit with any hidden charges later. Ask specifically, what does the fee include.
     Cake or cupcakes?
     A visit from a "character" or does that cost extra?
     A host/hostess to assist you?
     Pizza or hotdogs for each child?
     Soda or juice? Unlimited or limited refills?
     Food and/or cake for parents?
     Tokens for games (if applicable). If so, how many per child?
     A T-shirt or another gift for birthday child? Goodie bags for the other children?

And don't forget to ask:
     Is there a minimum or maximum number of children required or allowed?
     Can you bring your own food and/or cake?
     Can you use your own decorations?
     Are free invitations and thank you notes provided?
     What is their policy on gratuities?
     Are there time limits on general play area usage?
     Is the birthday child free?
     Can you pay by check or credit card?
     Is your deposit refundable? If so, within what time frame?

Again, the obvious advantage of an off-site party is "no muss, no fuss." Also, the kids get to go somewhere special so, it can be a real treat for everyone. The disadvantage is these places can be pricey. How pricey you ask?

Here's a chart that will give you some approximate price ranges based on types of facilities. These prices were calculated based on ten children attending. Each location includes different items in their party package. So, again, be specific when asking about what is and isn't included.
     Party Place - Approximate Range
     Pizza Parlors - $30 to $60
     Play Centers - $60 to $140
     Museums - $15 to $45
     Fast Food Restaurants - $30 to $40
     Gymnastics Facilities - $50 to $100

Just remember that it's not how fancy the place is or how much money you spend. It's truly is the fun and the memories that make a good party. So, think ahead; be creative and include your child in the planning if that's age appropriate. Finally, don't forget your camera and lots of extra film and have FUN!

And hmmmm...my dining room carpet does need a good shampooing, so maybe we will have her party at home this year.