Spinoff to 1st Birthday Entertainment-Do I really need it?

I am on a budget and I would like to save where I can. The kids I will be inviting are basically 2 and under except for my nieces and nephews who are 6, 9, 9, 10, 11, and 15.

I am thinking of cotton candy, but I really don't think I can afford to do anything wild.

Do I really need anything?

Either I was thinking to pay my 15 nephew who has all of DH's old DJ equipment 50 bucks to DJ or just streaming an Ipod with music.

I know a lot of people have clowns, characters, face painting, you name it.

How necessary is it?

Re: Spinoff to 1st Birthday Entertainment-Do I really need it?

No, definitely don't need it! They are excited with just about anything at that age....a shoe box, a ball, you get the idea...

I posted on the other thread that we had a kiddie pool and water table, amongst some other toys and the kids were busy the whole time! I'm glad I didn't spend the money on that....we did though on the food and cake, but adults were eating that

ETA: Ours was yo gabba gabba themed, and my cousin dressed up as dj lance (we bought the costume) and the 2yr olds that were there LOVED it, LOL

Message edited 1/19/2011 9:59:49 PM.

Re: Spinoff to 1st Birthday Entertainment-Do I really need it?

We like old school parties. For DS's first birthday, we did a backyard party with an ipod playlist of kid music (burned cd's from the library ) and played pin the tail on the sock monkey and silly sock monkey (hot potato). Obviously did a sock monkey theme.

Borrowed some ride on toys and teeter totter from my siblings (as DS did not have any yet) and everyone had fun.

I was thinking of getting a cotton candy machine for his 2nd.

Re: Spinoff to 1st Birthday Entertainment-Do I really need it?

Not necessary at all. Seriously...for DS1's birthday my BIL had the kids playing simon says and duck-duck-goose and they had a blast. I think they enjoyed that more than anything.

Re: Spinoff to 1st Birthday Entertainment-Do I really need it?

i've been thinking of that lately too and with our situation its just not in our budget.. they love to just play with each other anyway.. I'd rather save the money now and spend it when he's older and "requests" something in particular and will remember it for a little mroe than a day..

Re: Spinoff to 1st Birthday Entertainment-Do I really need it?

Thanks everyone!

Maybe I will bring some of Sienna's bigger toys so the babies can play (music table, laugh and learn house, a few walk behind toys) and do the Ipod with music.

Re: Spinoff to 1st Birthday Entertainment-Do I really need it?

We had a mostly adult 1st birthday party so we didn't have entertainment. Honestly I don't even remember if there was music playing. I'm assuming the restaurant probably had some background music playing.

I think it depends on your guests. If I had a lot of kids, I may get entertainment for them.

Re: Spinoff to 1st Birthday Entertainment-Do I really need it?

I agree that it depends on the guests. If family gets together and knows each other I think you need nothing but decent food.

I have a tricky situation in where I have a lot of kids around age 4 (like 6 of them), who do not know each other, and have very protective parents who sometimes act like they don't want them to know eachother. So, I feel I need entertainment or some kind of distraction. I have over 15 kids total coming for sure ...

Re: Spinoff to 1st Birthday Entertainment-Do I really need it?

This is a good question Michelle!

I just called inquiring about entertainment today. It's more than I wanted to spend, but I thought it would be fun for the kids.

The kids we're inviting are under 1 to 9 years old, but majority are 4 and under.

I am worried that DS might get scared if we have a character come, but hoping he won't.

I'm not 100% sure if we should, but I'm leaning towards it.

But I definitely don't think it's necessary.

Re: Spinoff to 1st Birthday Entertainment-Do I really need it?

I have a mix of kids coming similar to you. Besides DS' toys out, I'm also having a crafts table with some stuff they can make.

Re: Spinoff to 1st Birthday Entertainment-Do I really need it?

Re: Spinoff to 1st Birthday Entertainment-Do I really need it?

Re: Spinoff to 1st Birthday Entertainment-Do I really need it?

Re: Spinoff to 1st Birthday Entertainment-Do I really need it?

We had a big mix of people, age range. We had a DJ and for us it was worth the money. However my family and friends are crazy lol & Kevin the DJ made sure to involve everyone. It was actually pretty hilarious the games he came up with.

My sister did not have a DJ and we had just as good of a time. I think it just depends on your crowd.

Do I think it's necessary? no, absolutely not. Do I think it's fun? yes.

I did bring a lot of Joey's toys too. (look at the pics on FB, you can see it all!)

Re: Spinoff to 1st Birthday Entertainment-Do I really need it?

NO! I had no entertainment for Nina's 1st and I had a huge party. No one cared, the kids all had a blast and I am so glad I didn't have to spend the money. I used that extra money for lots of yummy food.

Re: Spinoff to 1st Birthday Entertainment-Do I really need it?

I say go with an ipod

Re: Spinoff to 1st Birthday Entertainment-Do I really need it?

i was going to get entertainment but couldnt see spending $200 for 1 hour. so i got the superyard gates and foam mats and Ian's toys. the kids went to town. and the parents didnt have to keep an eye on them the whole time. it was great.



yes...thats my son's head in her lap.

Re: Spinoff to 1st Birthday Entertainment-Do I really need it?

Posted by QTDimps23

i was going to get entertainment but couldnt see spending $200 for 1 hour. so i got the superyard gates and foam mats and Ian's toys. the kids went to town. and the parents didnt have to keep an eye on them the whole time. it was great.

IMAGE

yes...thats my son's head in her lap.

Re: Spinoff to 1st Birthday Entertainment-Do I really need it?

Posted by LoveyQ

Posted by QTDimps23

i was going to get entertainment but couldnt see spending $200 for 1 hour. so i got the superyard gates and foam mats and Ian's toys. the kids went to town. and the parents didnt have to keep an eye on them the whole time. it was great.

IMAGE

yes...thats my son's head in her lap.

I remember seeing your pics - GREAT idea for the little ones!!!!

I'm thinking maybe I should do that instead of getting entertainment.

Michelle's idea of bringing things like the learning home and other toys - that's a great idea too.

Hmmmm. DS has 3 ride on toys (one is too large to bring though). I could bring the two smaller ones, the learning home, his music table. That might be good to keep the little ones busy.

Then maybe a few games for the older kids.

I think it could work!

Re: Spinoff to 1st Birthday Entertainment-Do I really need it?

for DDs baptism, we have kids ages 6ish, 5, 4, 4, 3, 3, 1, and then little little ones and teenagers. the teenagers just text all the time anyway so forget them!

I went to the dollar store and bought crayons, coloring books, puzzles, stamp kits, etc. spent $20 and I have a basket of goodies for them.

eta:

I just thought - do you think the older kids would paint the little kids' faces? They would love that!

Message edited 1/20/2011 10:21:30 AM.