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Summer Parties
Best Birthday Bets for Your Little One
By Alexandria Powell
There's another advantage to having a party at daycare or preschool – one only a parent would understand. "No one feels obligated to bring a gift," says Fields. "So you're not collecting five million toys."
birthday party at the local community center in Plymouth Meeting, Pa. Kelman chose the site for its beauty. It turned out to be a perfect site for 74 guests, pizza and hoagies. "Everything went really great and the kids loved it," says Kelman, who entertained the 15 child guests (ages 5 months to 3 years) with a class taught by her daughter's music instructor and a performer who folded balloon animals.
Fields agrees. "Locations like community centers, parks and pools can often offer great surroundings and flexibility, especially for parties with mixed ages," she says. "And if price is an issue, they can't be beat – civic locations like community centers aren't out there trying to make a huge profit."
And don't forget the classic backyard party. Parties held in your own backyard can range from simple or elaborate, and while they involve more hands-on work for you, they are often the thriftiest option, says Fields. Plus, they're bound to be a hit. Even if young guests don't participate in the party, they'll enjoy checking out your child's collection of lawn toys.
Ginger Green, a Louisiana mom of two, held an underwater-themed party for her son, Caleb, that went – well, swimmingly. Green held the party in her backyard around a toddler wading pool and served tuna salad sandwiches, fish-shaped crackers, blue Jell-O and gummy candies shaped like fish. The kids had a blast, and Green's so enjoyed being involved in the planning.
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