Birthday Parties Made Simple

What was the most memorable birthday party experience you remember from childhood? Parents and kids are finding that small parties can be much more fulfilling and memorable than the common festivities involving inviting 15-30 guests and often the guests' parents, to top. When the birthday kid has a handful or less guests, less focus is spent involving preparation, entertaining, clean up, and spending money. More time, then, can be devoted to the preparation of a cozier experience – one that involves your child’s personal desires and creative input. You’ll have a greater per-guest budget (and still save), and more time to devote yourself to creating an intimate, joyous event. When given the option, often young children choose a dream day with a small group, versus a large-scale festivity.

The following is a list of memorable party highlights as collected/noted from the mouths of San Diego birthday babes. Here were the experiences that they treasure:

took best friend along to a ball game with his family and went out for a burger and shake afterwards
went to craft store with a friend with a $25 budget, then they went back home and got crafty - then later, had a slumber party with cake and ice cream
had few friends all meet up for an afternoon at a skating rink , then went out for pizza afterwards
took three best friends to the San Diego Fair and the they had lunch, went on rides and played games
invited a small group and went to ceramics painting studio party, then had cake and ice cream
invited a few friends to a big barbecue in back yard, mom served special cake, kids swam then played party games, opened gifts
created a home-version "Build-a-Bear" party with store bought bears and outfits (from Michael’s)
went out to a matinee with a few friends/family then returned home for an afternoon swim and favorite dinner
enjoyed lunch at Chuck E. Cheese’s with a few friends, played games for an hour (folks gave generous amount of tokens), then returned home for cake and present opening
had girlfriend guests dress up as favorite princess, danced, played games, had treasure hunt, then cake
had a craft party with several mom helpers, each manning one project at table and kids circulated
had an afternoon of old school birthday games and contests in back yard, sack races on lawn, then cupcakes and punch
went with three best friends to The Wave, then went out for burgers and dessert at Ruby’s later that day
had a small, thematic party and utilized the very affordable services of PartyPax.net