What do you think makes a good birthday party? Are there any trends or themes that you don't like?
I went to one where the birthday girl didn't open her gifts. That was a little disappointing. They had yummy catered food though, so that made up for it.
Re: Birthday party likes and dislikes
I've never seen kids open presents at birthday parties either. I actually prefer that. Most of the parties I go to are not at someone's house, so we are limited to 2 hours. If 30 minutes of that 2 hours is spent watching presents bein
It's good to know that opening presents is not a thing. I don't have too many friends with kids, so I don't know much about expectations. I guess I just remember opening gifts from when I was a kid. That's why I need some feedback on this question, so
I agree no present opening this young because really it's just parents opening and trying to keep LO focused--a losing battle.
I think if you're not going to serve a meal that's fine but make it a 2-4 type time frame when a meal is not expe
For me, I don't like when parties have just snacks. Most parties are around a meal time, and as such I do appreciate a main at any birthday we attend.
I like a gift opening when the party is at home, at a venue I don't always think it
DS will be 3 in June.
Nobody opens presents in our group of friends and I prefer that-kids not fighting over a toy, ripped open boxes etc. I like to open them with DS post party so that I know what he got, make sure that he does have duplic
The opening presents debate is interesting. Clearly seems to be specific to region/group of friends. Maybe this will become this board's "hot button issue." Ha!
Likes: Short and sweet, some activity to keep kids busy (park, play area, bounce house, whatever), serve a normal meal during meal time and bonus points for having food for parents, and then wrap it up and get out!
Dis-Likes: opening presents (bo
Haha to pp's "Hot button issue" comment!
Likes:
Themes
Good food (it does not matter if it is a full meal, just make it yummy)
Adult drinks and bottled water
Music
A take home something for the LOs
___________
If you have over 5 guests and are not over the age of 5, gift openings are a horrible experience for everybody. We never do them.
I think a good birthday has a good theme that is well executed, though not TOO over done. Fun activities, but
I'm in the no present opening camp. With little kids, I have seen it get terrible when other kids want to play with the presents, think that what they brought is theirs, not want to stop playing to watch the birthday kid open everything, when eve
We are in NJ, and I have never been to a party where kids didn't open presents. Actually, last year for her first birthday party--we were trying to skip it--because it was just adults and friends really--and a bunch of people (aunts, uncles) wanted us
I like when people open gifts at the party. I put a lot of thought into what I get for people so I like to see if they like it or not. Since a lot of my friends don't seem to bother to write thank you notes anymore, if they don't open it in front of me
I think the best and most successful parties have been when the host/hostess takes their guests/audience into consideration. For example, if it's a party for kids over 2, having some organized activities or games/crafts goes a long way, whereas if it's
I have never been to a birthday party where the kid opened the gifts after the party. It must be regional, but it would be considered weird and rude here.
I like parties that are either 10 - 12 or 2/3 - 4/5. I hate it when people schedule during
like: safe enclosed area for kids, good food and drinks for parents
dislike: th eopposite of the above
On the gifts, I like to see my gifts opened but it only makes sense for parties held at home. I cant imagine opening and
I've never seen a child open gifts at a party. But most of the kids I know are under 5. I live in SC.
DS is a meticulous present opener. I'm talking 3 hours to open 5 presents. He opens, then plays with it and forgets about other gifts. So
Likes: Themes (simple or complicated) or at least some sort of cohesiveness that sets it apart from a regular run-of-the-mill party. Cute little desserts, thoughtful favors, age-appropriate activities, and good food.
Dislikes: potlucks and