Anyone already thinking about that 2nd B-day party??

mrsshawnavanb

Or, am I just crazy?! I haven't actually started planning yet but was thinking about starting a pinterest board for some inspirational ideas. 

MrsH11710

This was about the time I started planning DD 1st birthday last year so I feel like I should at least start thinking about her 2nd birthday. DH wanted to keep it easy and have it Chuck E Cheese, but the last few times we've taken her there she's had a total meltdown. I'd hate for her to have a meltdown at her own party!

We might just stick to a BBQ at the house like last year. No themes yet. Last year was Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

Now off to go stalk Pinterest boards....

GromMom

I went a little crazy when there was a 50 cent sale clearance on party goods at party city last year and got stuff for 3 parties plus balloons. I really should do Diego this year since I want to get rid of the younger themes before he gets an opinion, but I am not even familiar with Diego so it doesn't excite me. I was thinking of maybe considering it Rainforest theme which would make it more fun for me to plan :-)
Last year we did a recycling theme and asked for only reused or regifted gifts, which was nice because we got lots of fun vintage stuff like an adorable jacket that his great grandmother made 40 years ago for a grand child (she is no longer with us) and an old wooden puzzle back when they were hand cut. we also got some new toys that had been duplicates, and a ton of books he loves. I know it can be considered tacky to tell people what to give or not but everyone loved the theme, since many folks reminisced about a childhood book or were happy to clear out some toys their kid grew out of.

If your lo is afraid of chucky cheese, I've seen parties done at the local Indoor playground, there's one about 30 min from here which is for kids 5 and under SMS we went about a week ago and everyone loved it!

[Deleted User]

Not crazy... I have to shoot a wedding the day before DD's birthday and DH is not fond of me being gone all day the day before to having a party on a Sunday.  So thinking we'll either wait a week or do something MUCH smaller than last year lol...  Def already been chat about it!

bellelamb

Oh yeah I've been planing for months and started making favors already, have paper goods, and started laying out invites

Lucas and my oldest Danny who will be 10 are having a joint party! Camping is the theme. Just family is ever invited but that's still 10 kids and 20+ adults. We're having a scavenger hunt and camp foods, ending the night with a camp fire and smoore making!

mrsshawnavanb

WOW! ok, you guys are way more on top of this than me. I've got some catching up to do. I'm not super fond of cartoon themed parties but DD absolutely LOVES mickie and minnie and Bubble guppies so I was thinking maybe one of those 2 themes. I can't decide on who to invite this time. For her first bday, we invited tons of friends and of course all of our family but most of those "friends" we either haven't seen since or maybe once or twice so I'm thinking maybe just family this time around. We have a big family too so it'd still be around 15 adults + about 6 kids but none of them under 9. I thought about maybe inviting just a couple of friends with kids her age. Now, as said above- OFF TO STALK PINTEREST

littleredfish

This year might be at a ranch nearby that has all the animals for a petting zoo, pony rides etc. DD loves animals and given that she's not at the age where she'll have a big party of kids her age it will be my friends and their kids who vary greatly in age. This way it's something fun for all the kids. It might end up being something different though, because DH might be away on course this summer, and he's already expressed that he doesn't want to miss that.

picklesx

I've been planning since the fall. We are only having my parents and my in laws over for pizza and cake but I still like the decorating and planning it gives me something to do. i am 95% sure we are doing a Bubble Guppies theme.

bellelamb

nlynch11 said:

Ds is currently obsessed with dinosaur train so I've been thinking that dinosaurs will be the theme, but I'm waiting to get a little closer to see if he's still into it by then. We had a ton of people last year and it got to be pretty expensive, even as a backyard BBQ, so we are trying to figure how we can tone it down this year. But yes, we've definitely been thinking about it, I think it gives us something fun to think about when the weather is so crappy.

My Nathan's second bday was dinosaur train it was so much fun! I'll have to post some pics of it for you.

mrsshawnavanb

littleredfish said:

This year might be at a ranch nearby that has all the animals for a petting zoo, pony rides etc. DD loves animals and given that she's not at the age where she'll have a big party of kids her age it will be my friends and their kids who vary greatly in age. This way it's something fun for all the kids. It might end up being something different though, because DH might be away on course this summer, and he's already expressed that he doesn't want to miss that.

That sounds fun! 

mrsshawnavanb

picklesx said:

I've been planning since the fall. We are only having my parents and my in laws over for pizza and cake but I still like the decorating and planning it gives me something to do. i am 95% sure we are doing a Bubble Guppies theme.

I imagine the bubble guppies decorations and things are pretty easy to find but I haven't even started looking yet. Where did you find yours? 

GromMom

What activities do you have planned? I'm not sure if just playing with toys we have is enough? I read bubbles can be fun but then that requires everyone to go outside or to have an outdoor party and then all of Lo's toys will be indoors. There will be about 7 two year Olds, 2 5 year Olds & an 8 year old.

bellelamb

GromMom said:

What activities do you have planned? I'm not sure if just playing with toys we have is enough? I read bubbles can be fun but then that requires everyone to go outside or to have an outdoor party and then all of Lo's toys will be indoors. There will be about 7 two year Olds, 2 5 year Olds & an 8 year old.

We have coloring theme based at every party, and never just play with every day toys.. I feel like that sets lo up to be upset at their party when other kids play with their stuff. Plus it's so every day it's not special. I plan theme based activities for them to do. Ex. Construction party I brought the water table in filled with styrofoam and had construction toys set up to play with in it.

GromMom

Thanks for the ideas, I wasn't sure what activities were realistic since they don't really play together yet. I might do something outdoor so I can get a bubble machine and maybe use your water table idea, I've seen them for sale at the thrift shop near by so maybe I can have that out and his little slide. Dh wanted to get a mini picnic table, that's the only way I can see them having space to color, but a friend just gave me an old potable picnic table, maybe that will be short enough,or maybe can get a table at ikea and cover it in butcher paper and have crayons. :-) you've got me thinking :-)

bellelamb

GromMom try Pinterest!

GromMom

Thanks, I've been looking there but they say things like have a cake walk or ring around the rosy, I think those games are a bit advanced for what lo can do right now, I can see older 2 year olds doing that but not the 1 year olds (he is the oldest of his playgroup).  I figured some of you would have some previous experience and happily you had great suggestions