I love planning parties, maybe even more than actually throwing them. Over the last few years, I’ve been working on not stressing myself out so much and just enjoying the party when it arrives, and I am making progress. One thing that I’m hoping will make it even easier for Liam’s birthday this year is to have the party somewhere other than our home. When a party is at our house, it consumes our life – cleaning before and after, fixing little things around the house, cooking, etc. By changing the location, I’m hoping we’ll all be able to relax and have fun without all the stress (or at least less of it).
Liam LOVES going to his grandparents’ ranch. They have a horse and tractors and a big vegetable garden and he has a blast every time we visit. He talks about Papa’s digger and horse constantly, so I decided that I wanted to go with a farm/cowboy theme for his birthday this year. There is a farm that isn’t too far from us that has a ton of fun activities for kids – pony rides, petting zoo, hay rides, a playground, and more – and they also host birthday parties. It’s a little pricey, but with all that they offer, I think it’s worth it and I know that everyone will have a great time.
Once I had a location, I starting pinning away! Here are some of my favorite inspirational pictures that I’m keeping in mind as we plan.
The party will be in the late afternoon, so we are planning on serving snacks instead of a big meal. I love the idea of using berry baskets for fresh fruits and veggies.
I love this bunting made from tying bandanas together. I plan on ordering a bunch from Oriental Trading Company.
Oriental Trading also has cowboy hats (I like the ones without the stars better), so those will be favors along with more bandanas. I hope the kids will want to wear them during the party!
Last year, I made a banner for Liam’s party, so I’d like to make that a tradition and make one like this for his party this year.
Inspired by these invitations from Tiny Prints, I asked my mother in law, who is a talented artist, to draw a picture of Liam with a bunch of farm animals. She sent me a sneak peak of the rough draft and it is so cute! I can’t wait to create the final product.
I still haven’t decided what to do about gifts this year. Last year I asked for donations for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and it worked out really well, but I’m not sure if it’s rude to do that again (essentially the same people are being invited). I might just say no gifts necessary instead, or just not say anything about gifts. What do you think?
GOLD / nectarine / 2884 posts
Everything looks so fun! I know as a parent I’d love to go to a birthday party with enriching activities like this!
The gift thing stresses me out so much I’m actually thinking we may skip a few years on parties to avoid this issue (next year I’m thinking zoo trip with just one or two families). Our extended family is big on gift-giving, so by the time we get gifts from them, we really don’t have room for anything else!
Last year we asked for no gifts, or if people wanted to give gifts, to give a donation to a local children’s home, and I got a wishlist from the home and passed it on to our guests. Honestly, I think it set a tone going forward that we don’t necessarily want our friends feeling that they must arrive with a gift in hand. Hopefully it will become a tradition for us. I think the first year was the hardest, but going forward I don’t think it will be an issue.
One thing I have considered is asking for art supplies. They are inexpensive, easily stored, and will eventually be used up. If you get too many items, you can always donate the excess to a children’s home.
kiwi / 511 posts
I think the gift thing is going to get a love it or hate it reaction with whatever you decide to do, but you know your invitees best so keep what you think they will appreciate in mind more than any one else’s 2¢.
That being said if you are going to invite people to a birthday party especially for a kid say nothing and let people bring him a gift. While it is certainly commendable to donate to a charity I think that coupling that with a birthday party is a bit much especially for a child. They only get to be a kid for so long and party of the fun is opening gifts. And then afterwards you can always pair down any gifts and donate to charity either the new or older toys.
grapefruit / 4903 posts
I love it! DD is just shy of 14 months, but I’m already dreaming of a cowgirl theme for her next birthday, so I’m excited to see how your plans come together. My plan is to have something along the lines of “This Ain’t My First Rodeo (It’s My Second!)” as the invite tag line.
As for gifts, I’ve always found it tricky as a guest. Even when the invite says no gifts, some people bring them and others feel bad. I wouldn’t mention it on the invite and would just tell people there’s no need to bring one when they call to RSVP. And of course if that’s the request, I wouldn’t have him open whatever he does get until after the party.
pomegranate / 3779 posts
Such a cute theme. I love the idea to use the berry cartons for veggies too!
pomegranate / 3414 posts
That is cool, what about asking folks to bring a book to donate to the Children’s hospital or some other charity.
grapefruit / 4187 posts
I love the theme!!! I know my audience, so if I tried to say ‘no gifts’ or ‘bring a book’ absolutely no one would listen. I’m already excited to throw DS’s first birthday party but picking a theme seems really daunting since the only thing he really loves so far is formula, lol!
guest
After reading your post last year we asked for unwrapped gifts for the children’s hospital instead of gifts for our little girl. It worked out great and we will be doing it again this year. She doesn’t need anymore toys so I would rather people bring something we can donate. I think people will bring gifts anyway.
blogger / kiwi / 675 posts
these ideas are SO cute! love them