Good Birthday Party for Shy Kid

I agree with AV. One of the nicest birthday parties that my SD went to when she was 5 or 6 was at the home of the birthday girl. There were J. a few girls there (around 6 of them) and they started with decorating aprons and chef's hats with quick-drying fabric markers. They then got to make their own mini pizzas (Boboli crusts, sauce, cheese), made a cookie mix in a jar (which was the party favor to take home, along with the apron and hat), and decorated cupcakes. The birthday girl was very shy (as was my SD) and all of the girls had a nice time. Maybe something crafty and low-key at home, or something at a paint-your-own pottery studio. Keep the guest list as small as possible and avoid the crazy party factories.

Why not something low-key in an environment where your DD is comfortable? Make and decorate cupcakes in your kitchen?

a group movie
a pizza party at your house
J. send in a fun snack to school!

both great suggestions so far. My daughter is shy (now in 5th grade) and in Kindergarten she would not have been able to handle a party with all the girls from her class. For her birthday we have kept it small - last year did 5 girls at sweet and sassy and that was fun and interactive. Starting in 3rd grade, on the Friday evening before Christmas break we invite all the girls over for a pizza, pajama dance party to celebrate the holiday break.

I would keep it small for a few more years with the kids she knows well or indicates she would like to get to know better.

IME places like Gymboree that have experience with doing parties for young children do a nice job of having activities where the guests interact.

I think bowling is more cohesive than Chuck E. Cheese, as they are all usually on O. or two lanes and can have their pizza, etc. right there.