"Party Planning"

I also think that it's incredibly rude and insensitive for people to not show up to a party - that has also been my experience, and that of my friends recently. I think people are just SO busy and tired, AND just way too casual about responding to invitations and actually coming - even when they RSVP that they are coming! Well, I could sound off on that for a long time, but I do have some suggestions for future parties, to avoid that problem. It seems to me that the only people who really do show up are those that you (your son in this case) are actually really involved with (and those with good manners - rarer and rarer these days). It also sounds like your son is feeling a little lonely. With those things in mind, my suggestion is that you get him involved in some extra-curricular activities - either with the school or outside of it (sports leagues, church, classes of some kind - music or art, for instance). That way he can make more friends and they are much more likely to actually show up to a party or event. Also, it does seem to help to have a more "formal" invitation. Ie - if the invitation is super-casual (like just giving a blanket invitation to the class and not sending out individual invitations), peoples' responses seem to be too. If you mail out invitations with their names on it, etc., asking for an RSVP, you are more likely to get a better response. (Many people STILL don't respond to those, but you will get a higher percentage than with a casual invitation). Most people do like to feel specifically invited and appreciate it when you go to the trouble of filling out and mailing invitations.

I hope this helps and that your son has a really great birthday! Blessings to you and your family.

If it's warm enough, boys ALWAYS enjoy a good water balloon fight, lol. Girls too for that matter. I would have sports equipment available...frisbees, footballs, basketball(especially if you have a basketball goal). With this being baseball season maybe they would enjoy some baseball...many girls enjoy some of these as well so any girls that show up will have something to choose from. They always love a pinata as well.

Hello D.,
I totally understand you wanting your child to have a great birthday and how when inviting a class still only a few show up. On that note, I was wondering if you have a theme for the party. Like what is going to be on the cake. DOes your son like cowboys, cars, or things like that. The reason I ask is because that could tie into the games you would want to play. If it is pretty outside they could play a game of dodge ball or basketball of even baseball. My childrens birthdays are during the summer so it is a little easier I think than in coolerr weather. Or maybe you could set up a carnival theme and have dart throwing at balloons, toss across, or bobbing for apples. Just a few quick ideas. Hope it helps and good luck.

This is what we always did for bday parties.We did not have alot of kids over because we couldnt afford to have a big party plus my boys are 51 weeks apart(52weeks in a year)that 2babies in 1 year so we would have both on the same day because we usually went to the city to do things.My boys were allowed to pick something to do..see a movie/dinner..Wave pool/dinner..play park/dinner..what ever they wanted with in reason with one special friend each.They enjoyed..we could afford it and we had a family outing.

That way your son doesnt have to worry about people coming and be stressed out on his day.Think about doing that instead of the 'big party'..good luck..
S. B

D.-
How funny! I am actually about to plan my son's party this week who turns 7 on tomorrow. The reason I'm just planning is because his brother will be 3 on next week and I decided to do their party together again to kill two birds with one stone! If you are doing a party at home what I have done that keeps the kids very, very busy is rent a jumper for the yard if your yard is big enough. This entertains them the entire party. Also, google 7-year old party games and you will find a lot. I see some interesting things I may do this year since he's getting older. Hope this helps.

Balloon Sandwhich

1.Begin by choosing partners and lining them up back to back at a starting line. Place a balloon (not a helium one) between their backs so that they must hold it there and not let it fall to the ground (emphasize no hands!).

2. At the sound of a whistle, the pairs must take off in this position, shuffling their way toward a finish line. If the balloon pops or drops, they must return to the starting line for a replacement.

3. The first sandwich to cross the line wins

Treasure Hunt
What I would do is get little objects and hide them for the kids to find(it can be anything) like whomever finds the red cup wins a toy water gun or whomever finds the blue glove wins a bottle of bubbles. JUST MAKE SURE YOU WILL HAVE ENOUGH PRIZES FOR EVERY KID WHO WINS CAUSE SOME ARE NOT GOOD LOSERS, SO WHOMEVER DOESN'T FIND CLUE YOU SHOULD HAVE THEM PULL A PIECE OF PAPER OUT OF A HAT OR SOMETHING THAT HAS PRIZE LISTED ON THERE OF WHAT THEYT WOULD WIN(tHIS IS ALWAYS A GOOD GAME)!!!YTou can also do old school games like simon says or red rover, freeze tag and 123 redlight, These have always still been hits at my kids parties. I am not sure what kind of budget you have or that is not an issue but goodie bags to go home with are always a good thing to make so the kids can have something to talk about when they go back to school and say how much fun they had. You can get lil cheap toys and candy from the dollar tree. Have fun and Happy Birthday to your little man!!!

Meeting at a park with play equipment is always good. A bouncehouse is great if you can afford it. A scavenger hunt is lots of fun. What you will see at this age is lots of crazy running around. For some reason, they are active, and get crazy acting when together. Don't let them into your house, it will be trashed, been there, done that.

I have twin boys, last year for their 7th bithday we had a mini carnival. we played very simple games, but winners got tickets, like at arcades. Get a high school kid or neighbor to be the TicketMaster. go online to OrientalTrading.com for ideas for the little toys (in bulk) the kids can cash in their tickets for. Games examples: tie one balloon to each kids ankle. Then everyone tries to stomp on the other kids ballon, last one with a ballon is the winner. Play musical chairs: tie a hula hoop from a tree and try to throw a basketball thur, 3 throws: Everyone gets tickets for trying, but winners get a few more. Be generous with the tickets, at 7, it's all about quantity. Whoever gets the most tickets get to be first to pick multiple prizes and redeem their tickets. The kids DID NOT WANT TO GO HOME THAT DAY.We also had them (one at a time)dig in a wagon full of sand for 30 seconds, (they love the time clock) for "plastic" gold coins. Get a ticket for each coin. Food is simple: chicken nuggets, pigs in blankets and watermelon. Win Win. Simple & fun.

I had a party for my child when she was in Kindergarden and no one show up it was the hardest thing I think. But we had one for her 8th birthday this year and we had 15 come it was great. Have a them to the party. We had a make up dress up party for my daughter. The party store has lots of ideas. I also looked on the internet and got suggestions for game and types of parties. The party store also carries diffrent type of games so that you can look and give yourself some ideas on games. If you will look up birthday partys on the internet it will also lead you to sight and suggestions for games.
I hope your child has a wonderful party, like you said every child should be happy on his or her birthday.
A. G

My son will be 8 years old next week. We've had successful backyard parties for the past two years. I definitely think they are the most fun, weather pending.

Last year, we rented a jumping castle and hired a fantastic magician. The previous year we had a carnival theme complete with cotton candy and snowcone machines (donated to me).

The kids really enjoyed themselves, but if your budget doesn't allow for alot of extras, there are some simple, cost-effective things you can do to make sure your guests have a blast and your party is memorable.

Each year I ordered two dozen or so inflatable beach balls from Oriental Trading for the kids to play with, which doubled as party favors.

I bought a pack of basic brown lunch bags, had each guest decorate one and they were able to collect the goodies they got from the pinata that I filled with tattoos, pencils, stickers and individual bags of fruit snacks.

Water balloons are a huge favorite among boys and any constructive contest you can think of to boost their competitive spirit is also good.

We did leap frog races (potato sacks purchased from Oriental Trading) and a hula hoop contest (suprisingly not too "girly" for the boys). There were plenty of bubbles on hand (also a party favor) for those who preferred to play individually.

Keep the menu simple. Food can be purchased in bulk from any mass merchandiser discount store in your area (buy finger food and you can save on utensils). You can also order pizza from vendors that offer discounts when you buy in bulk (ex. Dominoes offers pizzas at $5 each when you order at least 3).

We had cupcakes with just plain white or chocolate icing.
I got sprinkles in various colors and the kids decorated them.

Seating was sparse, so I spread out two old comforters on the ground and they ate picnic style.

The key for me is having props for activities that double as party favors so I'm not left w/ a bunch of toys I don't have space for.

Also, not going overboard with decorations from party stores is a good plan to save on cost and keep it simple. Most of our balloons ended up popping on the bushes anyway thanks to the wind (of course the kids loved that)!

Kids don't really care about themes and stringently structured agendas, they just want to be able to run around and enjoy themselves. Hope this helps. Good luck!

I hope you have good response to your party. Some old fashioned games the boys might enjoy are clothes pin drop and musical chairs. I remember these when I was a kid and I loved them. They can be enjoyed indoors or out. Also, if you go for a "boy" theme then you might have them throw a football through a hoop, have a hole in one contest. If you put your mind to it and watch what your kids enjoy doing you can incorporate that to a contest of some sort. Good Luck and have fun!!!!!

Hi D.! I get ideas for parties at birthdaypartyideas.com. I just recently had my sons 1st birthday party and got a lot of great ideas from this website. Good luck with the party!

D. H

Make sure that the invite is cool. It will be thier window into how the party will be. List games or things that u plan 2 do. @ 7 years old anything gross is cool. Make slime. U can get the recipe off the net and it is cheap 2. There is a game where u tie a string with a balloon around the ankle and have others step on them to pop them while trying to keep from getting your's popped.

good morning D.!

I'm sorry I wanted to get back to you before now. I wanted to offer free event planning for your son's birthday party. My income doesn't allow for parties outside of the home and my kids have never made any complaints that I know of. Only momentum birthdays like 1st, 16th and 18th (for my sons)I am saving to do those things. We ALWAYS have had immediate family and friends for birthdays. I am a baker so I or my mom bakes there favorite cake and whatever they maybe into that year (Sponge Bob, Mickey Mouse, Elmo etc..) We cook their favorite meal (if inexpensive we plan for a restaurant), ice cream, music and games unlimited. We are a very close family and I have more LOVE and TIME to give my children and right now working on the $$ part. I know that they want to have things outside of the home too because I was fortunate to have two parents.

If you need any party ideas or help completing arrangements feel free to give me a call. I am listed on mom-owned business A Piece of Cake.

Unmarried mother of two boys 18 & 5, and two girls 15 & 13.

With that many kids you should have enough for a good party! I know exactly what you mean, whenever my sons are invited to a party I try to bring them if at all possible because I know how important it is to the birthday child! As for games, I have found with my 3 sons that the kids really enjoy some of the old fashioned games that no one seems to play at partys anymore. Pin-the-tail on the donkey was a huge hit! Musical chairs, so a simple craft they can take home. Either go to a local crafts store like Hobby Lobby or Michaels, they have ideas and even kits or look online at craft sites. Family Circle has some good ones. Make cupcakes and let them decorate their own with sprinkles, candies, etc. Another thing we have done is set up an obstacle course. Have things they can jump over, crawl under, etc. You can also go to a dollar store or Walmart has big bags of cheap water guns, thats always fun and less messy than water balloons. Honestly, I have found the kids are burned out on all the party places and really enjoy an old-fashioned home birthday party. Its more personalized and special.

Do you have any friends who may have children his age? That is many of my children's invites. My friends come and their kids come! As far as what to do, honestly I would recommend bringing some entertainment in. If you are able, you can look in the Rutherford Parent for ideas. I am having a MAD SCIENCE party for my son. A mad scientist comes in and performs the party. He does 12 science experiments and each child gets to do one themselve. Or, you can get a magician. Or, you can rent a bouncy machine. If you are not able to do these. You can have a movie party and have them watch a popular movie with popcorn and goodies. You can have an outdoor water party if it is hot out, you can have sprinklers, water balloons, water guns, etc Or, you can have a football party, with white paint on your lawn, they can all wear one of two colors and they can play tag football and have party gifts for the winners.
Anything that they are into, try to simulate that event at your home.
Good luck, W. M. M'boro, TN

Well, the last actual party we did for my boys (b-days 3 weeks apart, so they have "together" parties) was when they were turning 7 and 9. We did a Croc Hunter theme (they are so sad now!), and my hubby dressed up as Steve, and we have pet snakes, so the kids got to do a "show" with their pets, and we also had a hunt for other critters - we knew where a big fat frog stayed, and where to find salamanders, etc... plus using stuffed and rubber animals...It was great fun! We never had trouble with anyone showing up b/c they knew the theme ahead of time and were very excited to come. Out of my two boys' friends, more GIRLS from their classes showed up that year than boys! It was great!

Also, one year, when they were very young, we had a Pirate Treasure hunt (this was pre-Pirates of the Carribean, too), and we had a treasure map made out of a paper grocery bag, and burned at the edges. My husband had fortunately been digging up an old stump, so we had a big hole in our backyard anyway. So he made a treasure chest out of plywood and we filled it with junk from the dollar stores and party stores - fake necklaces, gems, gold coins (chocolate with gold wrappers, too), all kinds of treasure. The kids LOVED following the map - around the house, down the slide, over the fence, that sort of thing. I have also heard of people using a mound of sand, to make a little island...if you don't have a convenient huge hole in your yard!!!!

It takes alot of work to plan something like that, and if you don't have a yard, it limits you. But there are TONS of idea for indoor stuff too - water games in the garage is always a big hit, just be careful of kids slipping, but it is just water, so easy to clean up! Water guns, bubble guns, since they are boys - guns of any kind usually go over well! Popping balloon games, pinatas, anything that makes noise or they can hit, right?!

It is sad that people don't go anymore, but I guess as they get older, and the parents don't really know them well from school, and to have to go buy a gift for every kid having a party - spending $10 on a child you barely know is hard to do. Maybe try putting "no gifts" on the invites, or "nothing over $5" or just "small money donations will be appreciated", if your son wants to save money for something special.

I have a friend whose daughter, the last several parties she had, she wanted to donate pet food to the local animal shelter, so all the kids brought cans or bags of cat or dog food, or other items like brushes, toys, collars, etc...to put into a big basket or bucket. Everyone had fun, and her dtr really felt good about GIVING to someone (even furry friends need gifts!) instead of GETTING a bunch of stuff she knew she probably wouldn't use for long anyway.

Just a few ideas for you! Best of luck with the party!

A.
PS - Let us know how it turns out!!!

I saw a few games that looked easy and fun on http://holidays.kaboose.com/birthday-party.html.
Good luck and have fun. Don't worry, kids will come.

D.,

We have never had a problem with kids coming to parties. The key is a few different things. First, our kids would invite friends from school, church and their various sports as well as cousins and so on. So years when they wasn't involved at young ages we never had parties. Usually their double digit was the first party. We averaged 30 kids from different groups of friends. Second, they helped make the invitations which made it very personal, never asked for RSVP and always gave them something to bring. All their friends was bringing different things which made them wonder what would be going on. We kept a nurse on hand because there was so many running around being crazy. For what to bring it would be things like bunch of bananas or mashmallows or a dozen eggs or 6 pack of jello. Lots of eating contests filled them up and had gifts for whoever won each event. Whoever won the banana eating contest got a bag of bananas for the prize. That was always funny after eating 12 bananas to be handed a bag more. Anyway, pass the present was a favorite game. Wrap a box and have it filled with gifts for everyone. Older boys fireworks work great. But oriental has tons of stuff for 7 year olds. They don't know what is in the gift and that there is enough for everyone. When the music stops whoever is holding the present is out and it continues until one is left. I could go on forever with ideas. Let me know if I can help further. ____@____.com

http://www.brightideas.com has some terrific ideas for parties of all kinds. At the top, click on Parties, Themes, for a big list of cake, decoration, games and treats by theme. There are a lot of great ideas there.

Hi! You could try http://www.parents.com/parents/
and go to the birthday party planner. I hope that helps! Good luck!

Go to www.birthdaypartyideas.com. It is a great Website with a ton of party ideas. Goodluck!

Hi D.,
What about a pinata? I remember having these at my birthday parties with I was little...they are so fun!!! Also, you could make a bunch of water balloons that the kids could throw at eachother.
Have fun!!!!

What is the theme of your party? Boys like gross messy things. Or better yet, set up game tables-Like a Casino- but have age appropriate games at each table and the kids can pick which games they want to play. Or you could do a movie theme and show an age appropriate movie with popcorn and drinks! Bounce U would be a great place, but I don't know if they are available on short notice.