birthday ideas

[shanniesue2]

DS turns two in about 6 weeks. I was going to book a party at a local business that has inflatable jumping toys... but then they recently closed their business... so now I'm kind of feeling stuck.

We're planning on inviting the other kids at his day care (in home so not a huge number)... the kids will range in age from 2-8. And there are 6 of them if they all come. I had thought maybe setting up painting stations in the garage with a variety of paper, paints, and painting tools. But there's not guarantee that it won't be cold...and I don't have another space for that kind of activity (carpeting throughout the house).... so I think that's a no go.

I plan on asking guests not to bring a gift. We just want to celebrate with our friends... and I want something that's going to be fairly relaxed... but I'm out of ideas.

[tumblebeee]

I love the idea of providing creative activities for young children. We are planning on doing some sort of art related activities at my son's 3 yr party next month.

Have you considered other less messy mediums than painting so that you could bring the party back into your house where it is warmer?

Stickers are easy and fun. To keep it open ended, you could offer stickers of assorted shapes, foam stickers, or eye stickers.

Drawing with crayons or colored pencils is a good alternative to drippy paint. You could even offer washable markers but I would make sure the children are in close attendance with markers to assure none stray from the table! And of course drawing can be offered in combination with stickers.

Play dough might work in a carpeted room if you lay down a plastic tablecloth or shower curtain under the table to catch the crumbs. When I do play dough with my son, I provide a variety of natural objects like acorn "hats", sea shells, rocks, and twigs that we collect on nature walks in addition to the standard rolling pins and cutters. Wikki stix and feathers are also fun with dough.

You could even put some stickers and crayons or a little pot of dough with some sea shells, etc. in a little bag to give as party favors.

You might have noticed, all my links point to Discount School Supply. I love getting all my art supplies from there. They are less expensive than what I can find locally and delivery is FAST! The beauty of art supplies is they are so versatile, you will use them with your child long after the party is over.