2nd bday party help...

Ok so DD will be 2 Nov. 26. DS is coming via csect on Nov 10. I am considering having a small kiddie party the second week of Dec for DD and 10 of her cousins/friends at a place. Est cost $400-500. I am wondering of a pizza party at the house with cake would be that much cheaper or will I be around the same amount of $ anyway?

2nd bday party help...

At the house would be a lot cheaper. How much could a few pies and cake cost. BUT with a newborn I'd much rather have it at a place and not deal with prep or clean up.

2nd bday party help...

Home could definitely save a lot. My first thought though was no way I would consider it at home one month post cs and all that. Then a remember last winter I hosted christmas eve in the same situation, about 5 weeks post cs with a preemie at home. It was doable since I kept it simple. Not sure if I'd want to chase after all the kids though. If you can swing doing it out I'm sure that would save you a lot of stress but I'm also a fan of simple, cheap, home parties. I guess I'd consider how you would keep all the kids entertained indoors though?

2nd bday party help...

I had most of the kids over a few weeks ago for a family party and they all played so nicely together. I am thinking I can do an inexpesive snowflake type craft for them and play some easy kiddie games. (Pin the nose on Olaf). Frozen theme, can you tell? I was just really hoping to not spend as much with xmas being right around the corner and being on maternity leave. I think home is gonna be the way to go. I hosted xmas brunch and dinner a month after my daughter was born so I think I will be ok this time. Thanks ladies.

Message edited 10/19/2015 2:49:46 PM.

2nd bday party help...

Freeze dance would be perfect too!

Re: 2nd bday party help...

Thats a cute idea!!

Re: 2nd bday party help...

We had dd's 2nd birthday at home, with about 8 kids. We had a "coloring" theme - I picked up some crayons, Melissa and Doug decorated pads, got each kid their own coloring books and got some stickers (last two items from the dollar store). I spent maybe $40'in supplies, and then the cost of paper goods, pizza, and cake (most places have you bring in your own cake anyways,so this is a wash). Got the cake from bjs. Everyone had a great time coloring and playing. Definitely cheaper than $400-500 but of course it's not as convenient! IMO, unless you are inviting 15 or more kids, it's not worth it to have the party out. If 2 kids can't make it, you're having a big expensive thing for 8 kids. That's like $50 per kid!

Re: 2nd bday party help...

Re: 2nd bday party help...

At the house will save a lot - if you just do pizza/cake and let the party be a huge playdate instead of some fancy, formal, organized thing -

If you're going to start planning games, and crafts and and and ....you're better off doing it out. You MIGHT end up saving like, $50 - IMO, not worth it. $50 well spend for someone else to do everything !! Especially w/ a new baby

Re: 2nd bday party help...

I'm going to be different and say that at the house won't save you "a lot" or much at all. We did a house party for DS last year and after pizza, snacks, cake, soda and juice, we were at $200. Then decorations and goody bags, another $100. Add in the cost to clean your house (assuming you had a c-section you may not be up to scrubbing floors!) so another $75ish.

To me, the few dollars you save would be worth not having to clean before or after, run around to buy decorations, order a cake, etc. I'd have it out of the house.