Poll- which of these 2nd birthday ideas do you like best?

iristony

Yes, I will make the final decision but curious as to which options others vote for.[Poll]

BelhurstBride

FWIW, we also can't decide whether to have a big party with all of our family, friends and the kids or just immediate family, picky stuff and cake. 

iristony

Of course everyone is voting for the most expensive option- food, drink, etc... for 30 plus kids plus all the parents since none will be staying home with older sibling, probably renting a tent, a $300 moonbounce...  Ha ha.  Renting extra chairs, etc....

iristony

I am glad I am not alone in being confused on what to do,,,

MrsMommyQ

iristony:

I am glad I am not alone in being confused on what to do,,,

No you are not alone. We were hoping to have a house and yard by DD's 2nd bday, in which case we'd do a big bbq in the yard, but that doesn't look like it is going to happen.  Sooo, we have no idea what plan B will be for us.

schnappycat

My feeling is that you have years to have big parties. Kids this age don't know or don't care much, so the party is really more for the parents (the pics, memories, or in some cases the "bragging rights," etc.). So far we have had small, family/close friends only, at our house parties with food, cake, and ice cream and it's been lovely. The kids have loved it and it's been nice to have our close circle of friends and family to celebrate with. Plus, it's less expensive. Once the kids are in school and exposed to more kids and their "big" parties, I figure there will be more pressure to do the same, but for now my opinion is to enjoy the ability to keep it small. 

dangerkitty102

I picked Gymboree just because it will only be an option for the next year, then they're too old for it. 

I'm trying to decide between that and a little petting zoo that's closeby. 

BelhurstBride

iristony:

I am glad I am not alone in being confused on what to do,,,

If we do a big party we're not renting a bounce house, tables and chairs, though. It'll mean more food wise, but it'd be the same gig just more people.  

I feel like we have a lot of years ahead of us where she's going to want specific type birthday parties, I'm going to keep it on the simple side while I can. 

ashnoelle

I would do backyard with the bigger party, but skip the bounce house thing. I think kids can entertain themselves with simpler (not expensive) toys.

Summer20

Can you do option one, but on a weekend?  That would be my vote. I feel like weeknights, after work, can be very hit or miss with kids and it would be more fun to do at like 4:00 on a Saturday.

racegrrl714

BelhurstBride:

FWIW, we also can't decide whether to have a big party with all of our family, friends and the kids or just immediate family, picky stuff and cake. 

 Me too. We had a big party in the park last year and I swore up and down I wasn't doing that again until she was five. However, I am now torn between the small pizza and cake for family and close friends w/kids and having a party at the Build a Bear store inside the St Louis Science Center.

I probably ought to wait on the Science Center thing til she's at least 3 huh? LOL

iristony

I am leaning towards option 1 now.  Yes, I could do option 1 on a weekend but since I do not want to make it an official birthday bash I feel like our close friends would be offended and I think by telling them we are not having a party, just having immediate fam and some neighbors over for cake on his actual birthday night would be best.  I will do pizza at 6 and cake at 630 and if people can't make it I will not lsoe sleep over it.  In my neighborhood, we are all outside after work with the kids anyway.  And I am sure they will all be grateful they do not have to rush home to cook dinner for the family.

TBLilyRose

I think a small party with just your neighbor's kids is good for this age. But I'm the type that would rather not spend hundreds of $$ on a big party and instead do a small gathering and put the rest in his savings account or something.