NationStates Jolt Archive

My eldest daughter is turning 4 pretty soon, and I had originally planned to have a party for her at the studio where she takes dance lessons, but that has fallen through. This will be her first 'real' birthday party, with guests and such. She's really excited, and talks about nothing else. So I'm going to have about six or seven kids her age, and I don't really know what to do with them to make it fun. Nor am I wild about spending mad cash. So what are a few, structured activities I could lead them along in?


Things to keep in mind: The party will have to be in my home, as we have nowhere to rent, and it's minus 25 Celcius outside, so we won't be doing anything in the yard. Limited space.

The theme of the party has been chosen by my daughter. It shall be a Princess Party.

Hire a bouncy castle? (if you have no idea what that is, never mind)

I'm sorry, you will have to ask again in a decade.

Here in General, we can only conceive of activities involving a keg, bass amps and :fluffle:

Hire a bouncy castle? (if you have no idea what that is, never mind)
Mad cash. No way. Plus it's winter, and those things need to be outside. Hmmm...popsicle children...no, better not:)

4 year olds like to make things, bring stuff for them to make a craft. I rented out a pavillion at a park for my daughter's birthday last year, it was like $25 for the full day, we ate picnic lunch, cake, and punch, played in the park, and everyone went home with a goodie bag.

This year she is having a carnival party, basically we are setting up in the back yard, I am making a box with holes in it for a bean bag toss, I will fill up a wading pool with sand, and have games with that, relay races, ect.

I'm sorry, you will have to ask again in a decade.

Here in General, we can only conceive of activities involving a keg, bass amps and :fluffle:
Na...there are plenty of parents here. And wacky aunts and uncles. Even some grandparents...and like Eut...great-great-great-grandparents:)

4 year olds like to make things, bring stuff for them to make a craft. I rented out a pavillion at a park for my daughter's birthday last year, it was like $25 for the full day, we ate picnic lunch, cake, and punch, played in the park, and everyone went home with a goodie bag.

This year she is having a carnival party, basically we are setting up in the back yard, I am making a box with holes in it for a bean bag toss, I will fill up a wading pool with sand, and have games with that, relay races, ect.
Hmmm...can't set up outside, too cold. What kinds of crafts would you suggest? Most of these kids aren't great at colouring, or cutting...what would be easy enough for them?

Pasta necklaces...hey, I can get the spinach and tomato ones for colour too so we don't have to paint them...

are you having a mixed gathering of family and her friends or just her friends?

Mad cash. No way. Plus it's winter, and those things need to be outside. Hmmm...popsicle children...no, better not:)

Bouncy igloo then? (j/k)

I've never hired a bouncy castle so I have no idea of prices, I just know my parents used to hire them when I was younger.

does she have a theme in mind? I am great of thinking of things that go with a theme.....

like if she was doing a princess party then you could let the kids make crowns out of poster board, glitter, feathers, and sequins. It would be cheap. You could make them their own little cupcakes, and then let them decorate them.

I swear I have ideas for just about any theme. ;)

Last year my 4 year old's best friend had a butterfly party, they made butterflies out of coffee filters and pipe cleaners, and then made their own snack from Ritz crackers, peanut butter, pretzel sticks, and M&M's, they were supposed to be lady bugs. LOL

You could do a treasure hunt around the house(only where its safe though),hiding goodies behind a curtain etc.

Hmmm...can't set up outside, too cold. What kinds of crafts would you suggest? Most of these kids aren't great at colouring, or cutting...what would be easy enough for them?

Pasta necklaces...hey, I can get the spinach and tomato ones for colour too so we don't have to paint them...
4 year olds like to glue things, get glue sticks from the dollar store and buy feathers or tissue paper and let them glue it to a picture, they also like stickers, you can cut out door hangers from an old cardboard box and let them put stickers on it, or you can use poster board and let them decorate it with stickers and stuff then "laminate" it with clear shelf paper.

EDIT: oh with the pasta necklaces I have found Penne is easiest for little hands to use (elbow macaroni has too small of a hole) and you can dye it with food coloring, just soak the uncooked pasta in whatever color you want over night then bake them on low heat the next day to dry them out. :cool:

are you having a mixed gathering of family and her friends or just her friends?
It'll be my parents, and possibly a few oher adults. Mostly her friends. Her cousins would need me to come and pick them up and I'm not willing to do that.

does she have a theme in mind? I am great of thinking of things that go with a theme.....

like if she was doing a princess party then you could let the kids make crowns out of poster board, glitter, feathers, and sequins. It would be cheap. You could make them their own little cupcakes, and then let them decorate them.

I swear I have ideas for just about any theme. ;)

Last year my 4 year old's best friend had a butterfly party, they made butterflies out of coffee filters and pipe cleaners, and then made their own snack from Ritz crackers, peanut butter, pretzel sticks, and M&M's, they were supposed to be lady bugs. LOL
Cool! My daughter is really into being a princess right now. I like the crown idea...

Okay, so we do a craft. We'll have a cake, so I'm not going to do a food creation...I AM thinking of having a piñata, but I don't know that I'll let them go at it blindfolded...*thinks of the possible injuries*...not sure. Can you think of any 'princess games'?

Cool! My daughter is really into being a princess right now. I like the crown idea...

Okay, so we do a craft. We'll have a cake, so I'm not going to do a food creation...I AM thinking of having a piñata, but I don't know that I'll let them go at it blindfolded...*thinks of the possible injuries*...not sure. Can you think of any 'princess games'?
you can make a game kinda like candy land and let them play it. You get a pack of multi colored construction paper from the dollar store and lay it out on the ground like a game board, then instead of a spinner you let them draw cards out of a hat.


princess princess queen (duck duck goose)

if you don't want them running around very much you can make up princess songs and have song time, or check out a short picture book about princesses from the library and read it.

oh and I found this. (http://familyfun.go.com/parties/birthday/feature/famf1001_princessbday/) Some of that sounds really fun. (slightly modified though)

Smunkee the supermum to the rescue.

you can make a game kinda like candy land and let them play it. You get a pack of multi colored construction paper from the dollar store and lay it out on the ground like a game board, then instead of a spinner you let them draw cards out of a hat.


princess princess queen (duck duck goose)

if you don't want them running around very much you can make up princess songs and have song time, or check out a short picture book about princesses from the library and read it.
Very cool ideas!

What's a good time to start a party, do you think? I'm planning on doing a couple of crafts...I think a pasta necklace and a crown...then maybe a bit of dancing to some silly songs...I like your game idea, I'll just have to think of how to make it really princessy without involving too much frenetic activity...the piñata after that...then hotdogs and cake. Should I try to do something after they've eaten, or could that be a recipie for disaster?

What do you think is a good time to start a party? I'm just writing up the invitations.

whatever you decide i would have back up activities in case you first plan isn't working out. i know from subbing that dead air is your greatest fear(probably not as much for you real teachers). you don't want to get stuck in some activity that isn't holding their interest with nothing else to do. that leads inevitably to misbahavior, chaos and the breaking of things of at least moderate value.

Very cool ideas!

What's a good time to start a party, do you think? I'm planning on doing a couple of crafts...I think a pasta necklace and a crown...then maybe a bit of dancing to some silly songs...I like your game idea, I'll just have to think of how to make it really princessy without involving too much frenetic activity...the piñata after that...then hotdogs and cake. Should I try to do something after they've eaten, or could that be a recipie for disaster?

What do you think is a good time to start a party? I'm just writing up the invitations.
most kids take an afternoon nap, so you don't want to schedule it right in the middle of that since the kids will be crazy tired. I would go for early in the day like 11am, do games, let them eat, do a craft and send them home, that way you tire them out for thier nap. If 11am isn't going to work, then 2:30 or 3:00 is good then the hot dogs can act kinda like an afternoon snack, and they will be fresh from nap when you get them.

It annoys me when parents schedule parties for noon to 3p my kids take a nap at 1p everyday. ;)

oh and I found this. (http://familyfun.go.com/parties/birthday/feature/famf1001_princessbday/) Some of that sounds really fun. (slightly modified though)
This is cool! Thanks! I've never really put much effort into their birthdays before, because they really weren't aware of them. This year is different, and I found myself at such a loss!

EDIT: I really like the kiss the frog game as an adaption of the 'pin the tail on the donkey'!!!!! This is going to rock!

whatever you decide i would have back up activities in case you first plan isn't working out. i know from subbing that dead air is your greatest fear(probably not as much for you real teachers). you don't want to get stuck in some activity that isn't holding their interest with nothing else to do. that leads inevitably to misbahavior, chaos and the breaking of things of at least moderate value.
Yes, I know this well, which is why I'm a bit intimidated. I know what to do when I'm in a classroom, but it's different in my home. Plus, I've never taught kids this young, so I'm a bit out of my league. I can guess what they'll be into based on my daughter, but I could be off. I think having back up is a great idea.

I'd have some good suggestions for a birthday party if your daughter was twelve, fourteen years older...

I'd have some good suggestions for a birthday party if your daughter was twelve, fourteen years older...
Oh, I can just imagine...

It annoys me when parents schedule parties for noon to 3p my kids take a nap at 1p everyday. ;)
I definately won't be up to having it as early as 11...so I think I'll go with 3.

This is cool! Thanks! I've never really put much effort into their birthdays before, because they really weren't aware of them. This year is different, and I found myself at such a loss!

EDIT: I really like the kiss the frog game as an adaption of the 'pin the tail on the donkey'!!!!! This is going to rock!
birthdays are my favorite. Since Christmas is more spiritual for us than most, birthdays are the times when I can really spoil my kids. I usually end up spending like $50 on the party and then get them a small present, but the party really is "the present".

I realized that I might have not been very clear about last year, my 2 year old is who we rented out the park for, my 4 year old had a bowling party, for $30 we got a cake, soda, and up to 12 kids could bowl 3 games, and have free shoe rental. It was great. They also gave her an old bowling pin that said "happy birthday" and her guests got to sign it with a sharpie marker.

One last tip, do a quiet activity (like the craft) before she opens presents, it's stressful for little kids to watch another kid get toys, if they are hyper and stressed, you are going to have problems.

as far as the back ups, it's a great idea. Like I said 4 year olds like to glue stuff, and the craft doesn't have to function as anything or even be pretty for them to enjoy it, if they freak out give them paper and glue sticks and let them glue some more. :D

:eek: Dance lessons at 3 years old? *jealous*

Um... Are four year olds too young for paintball? ;)

Generally speaking, four is just a tad too young for clowns. But that depends on the children and the clown. I've entertained at parties for four year olds. They LOVE acrobatics and balloon animals. But they will want to participate in both so tumbling mats and extra balloons are standard equipment. *nod*

:eek: Dance lessons at 3 years old? *jealous*
It's 'Creative Movement'. About 15 little girls, 3 to 4 years old in dance outfits, doing the hokey pokey...they play with puppets, and get to be silly. No tap, no jazz, no majorly structured dance:) They love it!

Alright, I think I'll do it like this:

1) Craft: making the crowns
2) Game: Pin the lips on the frog
3) Music: not sure yet...still need an idea...even musical chairs might be beyond these kids...some will be younger than 4
4) Frenzy: beat the crap out of the piñata until it gives up the goodies
5) Last Craft: Pasta necklaces
6) Hotdogs
7) Cake
8) Present opening and distribution of gift bags

That should be enough...I hope!

Um... Are four year olds too young for paintball? ;)

Generally speaking, four is just a tad too young for clowns. But that depends on the children and the clown. I've entertained at parties for four year olds. They LOVE acrobatics and balloon animals. But they will want to participate in both so tumbling mats and extra balloons are standard equipment. *nod*
There are no clowns in town:( At least...not the 'haha' type.

There are no clowns in town:( At least...not the 'haha' type.

How are you at balloon animals and handstands? :p

How are you at balloon animals and handstands? :p
Well, my attempts at such would likely make them laugh...

There will be a few boys there too...so it can't all be stuff aimed at girls. They might not want to make necklaces, though the crowns will be fine...I'll just cut them different. What could they make with the pasta instead of a necklace?

3) Music: not sure yet...still need an idea...even musical chairs might be beyond these kids...some will be younger than 4

A little something I call The Special Needs Orchestra

1. Get a cheesy little electronic keyboard with a built in drum machine.
2. Hand out cheap plastic musical instruments to the children.
3. Start drum machine.
4. Record the results as the infants create avant-garde free-from jazz the like of which you will never have heard the like of before.

This also works with grown-ups who have had a few drinks. It saved my ass one time when I had to do a gig and didn't actually have anything prepared.

There will be a few boys there too...so it can't all be stuff aimed at girls. They might not want to make necklaces, though the crowns will be fine...I'll just cut them different. What could they make with the pasta instead of a necklace?

Bandoliers. :)

Bandoliers. :)

Garottes or cravats.*



* clues to their later sexual development may be revealed here.

There will be a few boys there too...so it can't all be stuff aimed at girls. They might not want to make necklaces, though the crowns will be fine...I'll just cut them different. What could they make with the pasta instead of a necklace?
pocket watch chains you can make the watch by cutting out a circle from poster board. LOL (yes, we buy a lot of poster board.) and btw 4 year old boys will still make necklaces, they aren't as picky about stuff like that like they will be when they are 5 or 6.

*just realizes she spends tooo much time with the under 5 set*

Making a unisex party is difficult at that age, especially at home. Luckily they're all around the age of 4 right? Could always uhhh get a movie for them to watch too. Movies are the perfect distraction-err I mean activity to a party. :confused:

Well if your daughter and her friends like makeup then you could buy some, cook some wraps and have a sleepover birthday party if you've got the room. r forget the sleepover and have a fairy party.

Alright, I think I'll do it like this:

1) Craft: making the crowns
2) Game: Pin the lips on the frog
3) Music: not sure yet...still need an idea...even musical chairs might be beyond these kids...some will be younger than 4
4) Frenzy: beat the crap out of the piñata until it gives up the goodies
5) Last Craft: Pasta necklaces
6) Hotdogs
7) Cake
8) Present opening and distribution of gift bags

That should be enough...I hope!
sounds like an awesome plan. I like the starting with the crowns since kids can start on them when they get there, it's always good to start out with an unorganized activity so the kids aren't sitting doing nothing waiting for others to arrive.

There are no clowns in town:( At least...not the 'haha' type.
Haha!

my family always did the donut on the string game...take a bunch of donuts and hang them with string. You have to eat it without using your hands, first one done wins

pocket watch chains you can make the watch by cutting out a circle from poster board. LOL (yes, we buy a lot of poster board.) and btw 4 year old boys will still make necklaces, they aren't as picky about stuff like that like they will be when they are 5 or 6. I think you're right...they'll probably be fine with the necklaces. The older boy can make it for his mom if he doesn't want it for himself. God look at me and my gendered birthday party....this really was not my idea, but my daughter is SO into being a 'princess'...how did I end up with girly girls?

*just realizes she spends tooo much time with the under 5 set*
Don't worry...as your kids get older, your 'friends' will age too:)

I think you're right...they'll probably be fine with the necklaces. The older boy can make it for his mom if he doesn't want it for himself. God look at me and my gendered birthday party....this really was not my idea, but my daughter is SO into being a 'princess'...how did I end up with girly girls? You haven't taken them hunting yet. ;)

Alright, I've been slowly decorating the basement, and got a bunch of supplies, but I still need help filling in some gaps. Here's what I have planned so far:

1) Kids arrive, are given a flower necklace, sit down and construct crown.
2) Go to basement once all have arrived. I'll read the book, "The Paperbag Princess", then briefly tell a story about the Frog Prince/Princess being transformed by a kiss.
3) Pin the kiss on the frog game.
4) Construct pasta necklaces.
5)
6)
7) Break the piñata.
8 ) Upstairs to eat.
9) Open presents, distribute gift bags. Kids go away. Except mine:)

Alright, I've been slowly decorating the basement, and got a bunch of supplies, but I still need help filling in some gaps. Here's what I have planned so far:

Hmmm....

1) Kids arrive, are given a flower necklace, sit down and construct crown.
2) Go to basement once all have arrived. I'll read the book, "The Paperbag Princess", then briefly tell a story about the Frog Prince/Princess being transformed by a kiss.
3) Pin the kiss on the frog game.
4) Construct pasta necklaces.
5) GET NAKED
6) GET FUNKY
7) Break the piñata.
8 ) Upstairs to eat.
9) Open presents, distribute gift bags. Kids go away. Except mine:)

5) GET NAKED
6) GET FUNKY

A DSN sympathizer?

Santa Barbara, you forgot:

10) GO TO JAIL.

Santa Barbara, you forgot:

10) GO TO JAIL.

Picky, picky. I can't be arsed with all the details!

1) Kids arrive, are given a flower necklace, sit down and construct crown.
2) Go to basement once all have arrived. I'll read the book, "The Paperbag Princess", then briefly tell a story about the Frog Prince/Princess being transformed by a kiss.
3) Pin the kiss on the frog game.
4) Construct pasta necklaces.
5) Give kids large bags of drugs
6) Consume drugs. Giggle uncontrollably for 2 hours.
7) Break the piñata.
8 ) Upstairs to eat.
9) Open presents, distribute gift bags. Kids go away. Except mine

Alright, I've been slowly decorating the basement, and got a bunch of supplies, but I still need help filling in some gaps. Here's what I have planned so far:

1) Kids arrive, are given a flower necklace, sit down and construct crown.
2) Go to basement once all have arrived. I'll read the book, "The Paperbag Princess", then briefly tell a story about the Frog Prince/Princess being transformed by a kiss.
3) Pin the kiss on the frog game.
4) Construct pasta necklaces.
5)
6)
7) Break the piñata.
8 ) Upstairs to eat.
9) Open presents, distribute gift bags. Kids go away. Except mine:)

5) listen to music play the freeze game (you play the music and when it stops they have to freeze, kids love it)
6) run a relay race or play a game.

It looks like you have it under control already.



We have an excellent aquarium nearby-we had my one son's birthday party there- the kids got the whole tour, watched shark feeding, fed penquins, touched star fish and horseshoe crabs in touch tank and then employees there served cake and ice cream we supplied. Instead of a "goody bag", we let the kids pick out things from the gift shop there.

We also had a "Mad Science" party here at the house- a scientist in a lab coat came and did interesting experiments with the kids. They made cotton candy, super runner balls and did some tricks with dried ice.

You could also consider some type of "build a bear" activity- get all the components of teddy bears and have the kids stuff and decorate them.

5) listen to music play the freeze game (you play the music and when it stops they have to freeze, kids love it)

That's called musical statues over here.

That's called musical statues over here.
I really have no idea what it's called. My kids learned it from someone and taught it to me. It's quite possible thats the actual name of the game and I never knew.

A 2 year old explained it to me, so she might have left out some details. LOL

5) listen to music play the freeze game (you play the music and when it stops they have to freeze, kids love it)
6) run a relay race or play a game.

I've been wanting to incorporate music, but thought that Simon Says (actually, the Queen Says) might be too complicated, seeing as some of the kids are only two. The musical freeze (or statue, or something to do with the Princess theme) game sounds perfect! I don't have much room for running around, but that shouldn't take up too much space. I just need one more activity, just in case, as a back up...something that hasn't been covered. We have music, we have smashing of objects, we have construction of objects and we have a bit of story telling...what is missing?

It looks like you have it under control already.



We have an excellent aquarium nearby-we had my one son's birthday party there- the kids got the whole tour, watched shark feeding, fed penquins, touched star fish and horseshoe crabs in touch tank and then employees there served cake and ice cream we supplied. Instead of a "goody bag", we let the kids pick out things from the gift shop there.

We also had a "Mad Science" party here at the house- a scientist in a lab coat came and did interesting experiments with the kids. They made cotton candy, super runner balls and did some tricks with dried ice.

You could also consider some type of "build a bear" activity- get all the components of teddy bears and have the kids stuff and decorate them.
These are all cool ideas for future parties!

I really have no idea what it's called. My kids learned it from someone and taught it to me. It's quite possible thats the actual name of the game and I never knew.

A 2 year old explained it to me, so she might have left out some details. LOL

Still, explaining the rules of a game sufficiently well to play it is pretty good for a two year old.

I've been wanting to incorporate music, but thought that Simon Says (actually, the Queen Says) might be too complicated, seeing as some of the kids are only two. The musical freeze (or statue, or something to do with the Princess theme) game sounds perfect! I don't have much room for running around, but that shouldn't take up too much space. I just need one more activity, just in case, as a back up...something that hasn't been covered. We have music, we have smashing of objects, we have construction of objects and we have a bit of story telling...what is missing?
hmm....... you could have a sing along. Kids like to sing. oh, maybe some free play time, but you have to watch out for the bossy kid (there is always a bossy kid)

you can have likea sunny beach theme kids love that. if they don't look like they are having fun take cooled noodles and jelloiw into a big bowl and have them find different prizes give em blind folds and everything..... make sure that your child is included.......dreesup with old cothes?

you can have likea sunny beach theme kids love that. if they don't look like they are having fun take cooled noodles and jelloiw into a big bowl and have them find different prizes give em blind folds and everything..... make sure that your child is included.......dreesup with old cothes?
there life is depended on one thing...you being their to give yourself

hmm....... you could have a sing along. Kids like to sing. oh, maybe some free play time, but you have to watch out for the bossy kid (there is always a bossy kid)
My kids are the bossy kids. Free play time for that age set is a recipe for disaster:)

you can have likea sunny beach theme kids love that. if they don't look like they are having fun take cooled noodles and jelloiw into a big bowl and have them find different prizes give em blind folds and everything..... make sure that your child is included.......dreesup with old cothes?
The theme has already been decreed by her Royal Majesty Princess Banana Hammock. "And it shall be a Princess Party" quoth she, "And a Princess Party it shall be!"

My kids are the bossy kids. Free play time for that age set is a recipe for disaster:)
you could get a big peice of butcher block paper, and let them have at it with crayons. just tape it down and let them crawl all over it and color everywhere.

I've been wanting to incorporate music, but thought that Simon Says (actually, the Queen Says) might be too complicated, seeing as some of the kids are only two. The musical freeze (or statue, or something to do with the Princess theme) game sounds perfect! I don't have much room for running around, but that shouldn't take up too much space. I just need one more activity, just in case, as a back up...something that hasn't been covered. We have music, we have smashing of objects, we have construction of objects and we have a bit of story telling...what is missing?


Teach them rude tricks- they're at the right age:

Maybe a spitting contest?

Or lighting farts? Be careful-use the long automatic matches. And the one doing the lighting ought to wear gloves and goggles. You dont want any tikes getting a fart burn.

Teach them rude tricks- they're at the right age:

Maybe a spitting contest?

Or lighting farts? Be careful-use the long automatic matches. And the one doing the lighting ought to wear gloves and goggles. You dont want any tikes getting a fart burn.
I'm sure their parents would really appreciate that!

you could get a big peice of butcher block paper, and let them have at it with crayons. just tape it down and let them crawl all over it and color everywhere.
Zis is also a good idea! Or, I could let them gorge on hotdogs and cake, then play in my daughters' room for a bit before the present opening...free time, but it will be my bossy daughters' chance to show everyone their room and tell everyone what to do:)

have the guests wrap your daughter up like a mummy with TP. She gets to be the center of attention and everyone else likes to mummify people... it's a fact.

Teach them rude tricks- they're at the right age:

Maybe a spitting contest?

Or lighting farts? Be careful-use the long automatic matches. And the one doing the lighting ought to wear gloves and goggles. You dont want any tikes getting a fart burn.
LOL. I blame you.

okay story.....

last Tuesday I catch my 4 year old doing wet willies to my 2 year old, I say "Kathryn do not do that to your sister it's unacceptable behavior"
"okay mom, it's funny though."
"it's not funny it's gross and whoever taught you that knew you were going to get into trouble with me"
"okay"

ten minutes later I hear the 2 year old crying....... I walk in and she has her own finger in her ear

"do it again" <--- 4 year old
*2 year old sticks finger in her mouth, re-inserts it into her ear*
"quit doing that to her!"
"she is doing it"
"you made her do it"
"no......mom, she chose to......I can't be held responsible for her actions"
"yes you can. Go to your room"

I'm sure their parents would really appreciate that!

Thats the idea. Nect year, you'll have half as many annoying kids to entertain.

LOL. I blame you.

okay story.....

last Tuesday I catch my 4 year old doing wet willies to my 2 year old, I say "Kathryn do not do that to your sister it's unacceptable behavior"
"okay mom, it's funny though."
"it's not funny it's gross and whoever taught you that knew you were going to get into trouble with me"
"okay"

ten minutes later I hear the 2 year old crying....... I walk in and she has her own finger in her ear

"do it again" <--- 4 year old
*2 year old sticks finger in her mouth, re-inserts it into her ear*
"quit doing that to her!"
"she is doing it"
"you made her do it"
"no......mom, she chose to......I can't be held responsible for her actions"
"yes you can. Go to your room"

Thats great. Think of how boring it would be without these little incidents.

I dont know what I'd do with all the free time I'd have if I didnt have to clean up after them and their tricks.

"no......mom, she chose to......I can't be held responsible for her actions"
"yes you can. Go to your room"
Too freakin' funny!

Smunkee just reminded me of something.

Me and my sister used to take all of my moms scrap fabric (she sews alot) and decorate a room...we did a tropical island a few times, complete with a water fall of some light blue sparkly fabric. Maybe collect a bunch of fabric, get a small room, and let them create something that fits the princess theme? I'm not sure what you could do, but maybe a castle or something like that...It's alot of fun, lets the kids use their imagination, is easy to clean up, and lets everyone get involved.

Well, I remember one kiddie's party game that used to keep us occupied for an hour at least. And it's cheap.
You'll need:

2 Dice
1 big bar of chocolate, wrapped in gift wrap real good
1 knife and fork
1 woolly hat
1 pair of mittens
1 long scarf

The game:

Put all the kids around the table, and the bar of chocolate, the knife and fork, the hat, mittens and scarf in the middle. Then give the two dice to the birthday girl. Everybody around the table gets to throw the dice, until one of them gets a a Pash (same number on both dice, I can't find a translation for that, sorry). The kid who threw the pash then has to put on the mittens, hat and scarf, take the knife and fork and can begin to open the bar of chocolate with it. The bar (and the gift wrap) can only be touched with the knife and fork, not the hands, mittens or not.
In the meantime, the dice keep making the round until the next kid throws a pash, in which case the first kid hast to take off the hat, mittens and scarf, and hand them over to the second kid, together with the knife and fork and chocolate. The second kid now has to put on the gear and can attack the bar of chocolate... until the next kid throws a pash.

It's damn tricky to get into the bar of chocolate with mittens on your hands, using a knife and fork, and with the excitement of the other kids around cheering each other on, and you know that in 1 second, you may have to pass everything on again.... and it's great fun.

Well, I remember one kiddie's party game that used to keep us occupied for an hour at least. And it's cheap.
You'll need:

2 Dice
1 big bar of chocolate, wrapped in gift wrap real good
1 knife and fork
1 woolly hat
1 pair of mittens
1 long scarf

The game:

Put all the kids around the table, and the bar of chocolate, the knife and fork, the hat, mittens and scarf in the middle. Then give the two dice to the birthday girl. Everybody around the table gets to throw the dice, until one of them gets a a Pash (same number on both dice, I can't find a translation for that, sorry). The kid who threw the pash then has to put on the mittens, hat and scarf, take the knife and fork and can begin to open the bar of chocolate with it. The bar (and the gift wrap) can only be touched with the knife and fork, not the hands, mittens or not.
In the meantime, the dice keep making the round until the next kid throws a pash, in which case the first kid hast to take off the hat, mittens and scarf, and hand them over to the second kid, together with the knife and fork and chocolate. The second kid now has to put on the gear and can attack the bar of chocolate... until the next kid throws a pash.

It's damn tricky to get into the bar of chocolate with mittens on your hands, using a knife and fork, and with the excitement of the other kids around cheering each other on, and you know that in 1 second, you may have to pass everything on again.... and it's great fun.

Oh my God, a blast from the past! Schokolade auspacken!

That was a great game. We always wrapped the chocolate bar in many, many layers of newspaper.

Thanks for reminding me of that, Cabra :p. Oh, and I think a Pasch may be a pair (?).

Oh my God, a blast from the past! Schokolade auspacken!

That was a great game. We always wrapped the chocolate bar in many, many layers of newspaper.

Thanks for reminding me of that, Cabra :p. Oh, and I think a Pasch may be a pair (?).

I never think of the easy translations... :D Yes, that's it. A pair!

It was the greatest game ever... just cheering everybody on, whoever had the dice, really exciting.
I still know how to untie a ribbon with fork and knife :D

Oh my God, a blast from the past! Schokolade auspacken!

That was a great game. We always wrapped the chocolate bar in many, many layers of newspaper.

Thanks for reminding me of that, Cabra :p. Oh, and I think a Pasch may be a pair (?).
usually, we just call them doubles.

sounds like a fun game...I'm sad I never played it as a child haha

You could suggest on the invitations for them to bring any old magazines they might have and some safety scissors to the party, and they could make collages. You could supply the glue. You could maybe pick up some old magazines for free if you make a phone call or two to places like Dr Offices, Business offices, basically anyone who has a lobby. You could supply some mags, glue and a couple of extra pairs of safety scissors for those who may be unable to bring their own.

Theres another game and it sounds kinda silly but I've played and its fun. It is a blindfold game though. You buy a bag of 200 cotton balls for a buck and get a bowl and a large plastic kitchen spoon. Spread them out on the floor and each person takes a turn being blind folded and then uses the spoon to scoop up as many cotton balls as they can and put them in the bowl. Usually in 30-60 seconds. They are always surprised that they didnt get as many as they thought since it looks so easy. The balls are so light they cant tell if they actually scooped any up. You can make a chart and keep score and give the winners prizes if you have the cash.

edit: I just realized I said "could" about 20 times. Sorry, I'm not well.