So how is this for a 2yo birthday party 'theme' ?

[GreenGranolaMama]

DS is turning 2 in April and I want to have a little get together- I'm not a huge fan of overly orchestrated, super spendy, character themed etc... b-day parties. His first B day was super fun and very low key, with some other children his age but it was mostly our crunchy 30something crowd who all absolutely adore him. 

This year, we have a wider circle of friends with similarly aged children, so I am even more excited about his party (which might be why I'm thinking about it 2 months in advance! : P ) 

So I'm thinking about having recycling as the theme- make the hats, invites and decorations out of cereal boxes and such... 

Good idea? 

[colsxjack]

In my opinion, it is an excellent idea!

[GreenGranolaMama]

Any other ideas? : ) I'm really hoping that if folks bring gifts, they choose to bring gently used items or handmade things since the theme is recycling : P 

[crunchy_mommy]

Originally Posted by GreenGranolaMama 

 I'm really hoping that if folks bring gifts, they choose to bring gently used items or handmade things since the theme is recycling : P 

LOL I think that's a little optimistic (though of course I don't know your friends!) -- it seems like everyone wants to give kids NEW gifts. Here's an idea -- if you don't mind your DS getting only 1 gift -- you could have it be a toy swap party. Ask everyone who wants to participate to bring a gently-used/homemade toy to swap with another guest. Same idea as a book swap party. :) I love the recycling theme, only other thought is to add another part to the theme... 'recycling dinosaurs' or whatever your DS is into -- because the recycling concept is kind of abstract for toddlers, KWIM? I think just 'recycling' alone is fine too, of course, but I am trying to do a book-theme party for DS (not a specific book, just 'books' in general) & had a hard time coming up with a fun cake etc. so it's not as... themed... as I would like it to be, more just a randomness party lol, which I guess is fine too. Sorry I'm rambling lol. You can also have the guests do a simple recycled craft, and one of my friends recycled large cardboard boxes to make toys like a big train for the kids to play in.

[GreenGranolaMama]

Originally Posted by crunchy_mommy 

LOL I think that's a little optimistic (though of course I don't know your friends!) -- it seems like everyone wants to give kids NEW gifts. Here's an idea -- if you don't mind your DS getting only 1 gift -- you could have it be a toy swap party. Ask everyone who wants to participate to bring a gently-used/homemade toy to swap with another guest. Same idea as a book swap party. :) I love the recycling theme, only other thought is to add another part to the theme... 'recycling dinosaurs' or whatever your DS is into -- because the recycling concept is kind of abstract for toddlers, KWIM? I think just 'recycling' alone is fine too, of course, but I am trying to do a book-theme party for DS (not a specific book, just 'books' in general) & had a hard time coming up with a fun cake etc. so it's not as... themed... as I would like it to be, more just a randomness party lol, which I guess is fine too. Sorry I'm rambling lol. You can also have the guests do a simple recycled craft, and one of my friends recycled large cardboard boxes to make toys like a big train for the kids to play in.

Awesome ideas! I LOVE the idea of a toy/book swap! And you are totally right about needing another 'theme' to go along- so I am thinking maybe a farm/barnyard theme- I worked part time on an organic veggie farm for the summer and he came along with me and is still REALLY into horses/tractors etc... So maybe I can come by some big boxes and make a barn and grain bin for the kiddos to play in : ) 

[SamanthaPankey]

Hey wonderful idea. I am sure other mommies would also love this.

[P.J.]

Originally Posted by crunchy_mommy 

 the recycling concept is kind of abstract for toddlers, KWIM?

This was my thought. It's an original and unusual idea and I think if you use some of the suggestions here to make it more kid-accessible then it's a good one.