1st b-day advice...

I haven't booked any type of entertainment for Lexi's 1st b-day because we are still not sure as to how many kids will be there and I didn't want to spend the extra $$ is only two kids came. We are having it at a VFW...and we invited 80 people. Would it be bad if I just brought my ipod speaker and played my ipod in the background? What should I do about the little kids (under 2 years old)?? Should I bring some of lexi's toys for them to play with? I feel like there might be alot of people for them to be hanging out on the floor playing...i'd be afraid they would get stepped on.

i am so confused and its in two weeks!!!

If you didn't have the party at home...what did you do???

Re: 1st b-day advice...

I didn't do any entertainment for DS's 1st birthday. Too much money. I had music playing in the background and the kids didn't even care. I had 10 kids ranging in age from 1-12. I set up an arts and crafts table. ( with Halloween themed things, party was a week before Halloween) I also had a cupcake decorating table. Which was a big hit. The kids were able to play together and had fun just bopping balloons around. For DS's sake, I bought his 8 panel play yard and put toys in it. It kept the younger ones contained and out of danger....I bought some of his toys and they played with them...Everything went great in my opinion....

Re: 1st b-day advice...

Thanks for writing back. I have to see how much room there will be after all the tables are set up for arts and crafts table. I guess i will bring her play yard too and some toys just in case the parents want to put their kids somewhere safe.

Thanks for the suggestions!!

Re: 1st b-day advice...

I had a large party at a firehouse - and had entertainment. It was more for the older kids, but everyone def. benefited from it.

Before the entertainment came, and after they left, the babies that were there were entertained by the toys I brought (small blocks, rattles, etc...) and by the toys their parents brought.

I also had giant sized coloring pages with crayons that seemed to be a hit for all ages.

Bubbles are always fun (and cheap)

Re: 1st b-day advice...

I had DS 1st bday at a Chuck E Cheese type place, so the entertainment for the kids was covered. Its a kids party you have to cater to them. If I had it in a hall I would book a clown or face painter or something...

Re: 1st b-day advice...

I rented the clubhouse in my complex and did not hire any entertainment. I had 17 kids. I did not feel that the extra cost was necessary. i had an extra table where I set up a pumpkin decorating table. I also brought some of DS' toys and my mom brought one of those pop up tent things. For four hours the kids were occupied and I didnt have to spend hundreds of dollars on entertainment. If it cost me $50 between Michaels and the dollar store that was alot.