Any ideas for a 2 year old's birthday party? What did you do?

[chickenrice]

My DS will be two very soon and I have still not got around to organising something for his birthday. Am thinking of a party for him and his toddler friends and would appreciate any ideas of what would be quick to organise and good fun and has worked for others. We have a decent sized garden which could be used if the weather permits. What games or entertainment would be suitable given their ages (18mths-21/2)? Thanks.

[lexiemum]

every ride on toy you have or can borrow

you could attempt pass the parcel but that'll be enough.

just let them play; have food; sing HB and cut the cake.

[singyswife]

Hi I did a party in the house. We went to a local singing group at the time and all I did was feed them and then get them in a circle and sing some baby type songs from the group. Later I had family round to spoil the wee one for the afternoon. It was good, she enjoyed it. I only had 5 friends round though cause I wasnt brave enough for any more.

[Clary]

ahh, parties, my fave.

DS1 was 2 the day after DD's due date, so I did very little! Just a few family members and a couple of friends. (DD was 5 days late btw).

DD was 2 as DS1 was 4 (as you'll have spotted) so it was a joint party.

But ds2 had a little party at home. His b/day is in April, I invited about 8 little pals. We were lucky with the weather and they mostly played outside in the sandpit/football/ride-on toys etc.

We had the usual picnic, pass the parcel and a pulina (like a pinata but a lot easier) as the finale.

Other 2yo parties I have been to have been similar. I think pass the parcel is just about OK (DS2 was used to it as he had been to many parties with his siblings) but anything more complex will just go over their heads at this age.

Even when DS2 was 3 this year we didn't do anything much more complex than a bit of disorganised musical statues.

[Sparkler1]

Hire a bouncy castle - they love 'em.

[Tommy]

agree with lexiemum. I think that the second birthdays were when we attempted pass the parcel but that's it. They have no idea of games really.
A sing somg might be a good idea if you feel up to that (or, like me, have a music teacher friend who loves doing it )

[tassis]

we did free play at home from about 3pm with lots of outside garden play.

pass the parcel and maybe a song or two. the pass the parcel prize was a bubble machine that they all enjoyed playing with in the garden.

the ball pit was popular as was "dancing" to music and messing about with balloons.

lots of drinks and nibbles for grown ups.

did a pasta and bolognese tea followed by fruit and cake. then some close friends stayed on for baths.

we had a lovely time.

[Clary]

Yes singing is good actually, we did that for DS2 now I think of it. Make sure you have a good list of songs tho

Most toddlers know the actions to:
dingle dangle scarecrow
sleeping bunnies
incy wincy spider
bouncing up and down on th big red tractor
five little men in a flying saucer
tommy thumb
twinkle twinkle little star

[tassis]

if you have space you could set up a "craft" table with something very simple like gluing or playdoh or making party hats...

I love children's parties!!

[singyswife]

Hi, Sleeping Bunnies is a good one to have cause for that few seconds you have them all calm and lying down. Another thing that we found they likes was to record them on video during the party and put it through the telly. They love being able to see themselves while they are playing.

[vouge]

had my kittle dd first bday yesterday.... great fun bouncy castle ball pool,pinata,bubble machines,pass the parcel,face paints and hairspraying for the older kids.....musical bumps,treasure hunt,pin tail on donkey....it was grand !!!

[chickenrice]

Thanks everyone for your ideas. Had thought of doing passing the parcel but not some of the other games. How did you make/get a pulina/pinata, may I ask?