Is this a good alternative to a Bday party? -with poll

We're having a small family BBQ for our 3 year old on a Saturday but I wanted to do something on the day of her bday on a tues with her little friends that live locally.

I was thinking of inviting everyone to her favorite park or a beach to play for a little & just bring a cake so we can sing to her.

I thought it would be a good, simple idea but I don't want people to feel that they need to bring a gift & it's not even a real party.
I could tell everyone not to bring gifts but I always feel awkward mentioning things like that.

Is this a good alternative to a Bday party? -with poll

I would just say you want a play date in the park and not word it is a party. Say a casual get together with friends.

Re: Is this a good alternative to a Bday party? -with poll

If you want to make it about her birthday then I think it's cute to bring a cake and maybe some beach balls, bubbles, etc for the kids to play with. Since you would be bringing a cake maybe mention to your friends you want to do a little casual celebration at the park for DD. Just going to bring a cake and let the kids play. Don't mention a gift or anything or the fact that it's a "party." Just something for the friends. This way you don't put them in the position to feel obligated to bring something or even saying not to bring people will bring.

Re: Is this a good alternative to a Bday party? -with poll

Ok good, as long as most people don't think it's a crazy idea, I'll probably do it & make it more of a get together.

Re: Is this a good alternative to a Bday party? -with poll

We made a playdate at the park birthday party for DD. People will be bringing gifts. I don't see what's wrong with it unless you didn't want it to be a party and you don't want the gifts.

Re: Is this a good alternative to a Bday party? -with poll

Message edited 7/1/2014 4:23:19 PM.

Is this a good alternative to a Bday party? -with poll

I think it's great and I wouldn't mention anything about gifts. We did a very small family party for DD this year and didn't invite friends. All her neighborhood friends had parties within the next month or two so I felt bad but we just couldn't do a big party this year for a variety of reasons. I'd say about half of them gave her a small present at some point anyway. Kids don't need a big party and I'm sure they'll all have a blast at the park together. If people bring gifts, great and if not, great! I'd bring cupcakes or cake and let DD enjoy sharing that with her friends. I would never feel annoyed about getting someone a present just bc they didn't splurge on a fancy party.

Re: Is this a good alternative to a Bday party? -with poll

Posted by Beck

Just seems like the average party these days are big theme parties with pony's & bounce houses
If I do something little, I was just wondering if some parents would think it was nervy because I'm asking for gifts & it's not even a "real" party. Not that I'm asking, but you know what I mean.

Re: Is this a good alternative to a Bday party? -with poll

Posted by Beck

Posted by BaysideForever

We made a playdate at the park birthday party for DD. People will be bringing gifts. I don't see what's wrong with it unless you didn't want it to be a party and you don't want the gifts.

Just seems like the average party these days are big theme parties with pony's & bounce houses
If I do something little, I was just wondering if some parents would think it was nervy because I'm asking for gifts & it's not even a "real" party. Not that I'm asking, but you know what I mean.