What do you guys think of this idea for my sons 4th bday party? Any suggestions?

[Desert Debbi]

So we have decided to have a small party for my son's 4th birthday. I do NOT plan to get sucked into the clown/ bouncy castle/ pizza parlor party mode as thats just not FRUGAL, especially for a 4 year old!

So we (meaning my son) decided on a theme of TRAINS tonight. Here are some of the things I am thinking of doing. Feedback would be appreciated on additional game ideas or any advice from others who have weathered a 4yos birthday LOL.

Cake: Train with caboose cake. I will make it myself. Easy peasy right?? =p

Games: Pin the tail on the donkey will be translated to pin the caboose on the train!
Bean bag tosss: going to take shoe boxes and make them into a train.. make some homemade bean bags (with real beans no less) to toss into them. Get a box get the prize in it
The great cardboard train race! We will make cardboard "trains" out of boxes for them to wear and pretend to be engines. Have a "race" with them once they are done decorating them.

Party Favors: train based of course, though I will have some bling for little girls in attendance too =D I am thinking some inexpensive stickers, maybe a model train car and the like

Other food: hamburgers, hotdogs off the grill, peanut butter n jelly sandwiches, veggie platter, icecream to go with the cake, milk, juice, soda and iced tea for the adults. Probably chips and salsa and potato chips and dip too.


Going to make invitations on my printer and suggest they come dressed up as "engineers" =D

So.. what do you think? Too much or anything else I am maybe forgetting about?

[shallen3]

Sounds like you have it covered and God am I glad those days are over.

[dp38587]

Don't expect too many structured activities for little kids..........it's like herding cats at best. I love the train box idea..........you'll get plenty of mileage out of that alone.

Deb

[mnm'z]

Sounds like you've got a great plan, but I'll second Deb ~ 4 year olds have the attention span of about 4 minutes each, LOL! Lucky you if their brains switch 'gears' at different times, LOL!

[lisabr]

Sounds great! Great ideas! That's half your battle right there, being able to have a creative mind and the "I can do this, I can make that" attitude!!! And remember with the kids so young they will love any thing you do for them, as long as they are laughing and having fun, they are good!!!

My DS is turning 21 next month!
He hasn't wanted b-day parties with friends since he was like 10 or something! So, it's been awhile since having to come up with boys party ideas! LOL!
We are wondering what to do for him, thinking it's kinda a big deal b-day turning 21 and all!

Good Luck and have fun with it!!!

[Sharkie1995]

Sounds very fun! CAn I come? In my house it is ships, trains, and planes. And I don't have a little kid, just the hubby I bet your son will be so
happy with that theme. Sounds like you have things covered very well. Have fun planning as I think the planning is just as fun for you as the party is
for the kids

[Desert Debbi]

Lisabr the day my son was born (St Patricks daay) I turned to the hubby WHILE GIVING BIRTH and told him.. we are renting him a limmo on his 21st bday for him and his friends to go have fun SAFELY and WITHOUT us. Maybe you could try that if its in the budget??

Sharkie some on down!

[SleeplessBaker]

For the cake use a 40% coupon and get the 3-d Train pan at Joann's or other craft store.

[Desert Debbi]

Thank you for the suggestion Sleepless baker! I had planned to make the cake without forms, following the type of stuff I see them do on the bake off shows. MUCH MUCH saner idea!

[Marie5656]

Check the library, see if there are any DVDs of Thomas the Tank Engine or something. This may serve as a quiet, end of party, wind down activity