Comments on: Birthday Party Season – A Simple Guide on How to Throw a Good Children’s Birthday Party

By: christmas crackers

christmas crackers — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 13:23:20 +0000

xmas crackers…

[...]Childrens Birthday Party Season – Tips for Throwing Great Kids Birthday Parties | Straight Dope Dad | A Father's View on Parenting[...]…

By: Straight Dope Dad

Straight Dope Dad — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 22:58:42 +0000

Well, perhaps you have a well earned pass coming due. Your parties sound amazing! I still wouldn’t do Costco but maybe you could skip the pig and the elaborate activities but still keep it real. We just had our third “Halloween Birthday Party” for my daughter this past May and we swore that this one would be the last. I’m going to post the highlights soon. Yes, the haunted house was amazing, the dry ice was a huge hit, and the zombie in the coffin was groovy, but we can’t sustain that elaborate of a production again. However, we will never serve shitty food, even if we had a party in an alley with folding chairs. That’s a non-negotiable demand.

By: jennie

jennie — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 07:22:03 +0000

Oh I wish i hadn’t just read this! I have two kids 16 mos apart and as the littlest one turns two in two weeks I was going to break down and…buy costco sandwhiches, fruit plate, cake, etc. to my husband”s dismay! But wait! Why? because we for the last 4 birthday events we have…roasted a whole pig, bbq a ton of various meats and vegetables, bought ridiculous cakes from vegan bakeries (allergies), planned unstructured activities (last event kids potted plants for favors and activity…imagine a gang of 3 and unders with shovels and clay pots, two flats of flowers, buckets of rocks, soil, water…)and I was just about to stop the madness and planning to go generic…but darnit saw this post and back to the drawing board roasted pig here we come again!

By: Straight Dope Dad

Straight Dope Dad — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 01:43:33 +0000

All I’ve got to say is WOW! It’s a shame that in three years she won’t remember how awesome it was…you will though!

By: Michal Levison

Michal Levison — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 01:01:15 +0000

HILARIOUS!!! Great post…We just threw our daughter’s second birthday party and I think I abided by most of your guidelines – local pizzeria pizza, local gourmet deli wraps, and all the sweets were homemade (except the Costco rainbow cookies). Cupcakes, birthday cake, cookies, etc. were made by mom! As were the tutus, halos, party hats, etc. that the kids wore throughout the party.

It’s more work and planning, but SOOOOOOO worth it.If you’re interested in seeing the results:

http://www.bumptobean.com/?p=1716

By: Straight Dope Dad

Straight Dope Dad — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:03:58 +0000

Yeah, i figured the presents one was not going to be widely supported. I just think it really drags down a party and makes a huge mess. Of course if you do it later, you must follow up with a hand written thank you card.

I’ll take good food as well. Serve some killer sushi or Thai and I’ll go to party in an alley and sit on garbage cans if need be.

By: Nick

Nick — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 20:21:14 +0000

I agree with you on 99% of everything you said. That is with the acception of opening presents. I fully understand the point you make and it is valid. But if you’re having people over I would almost consider it rude to take a present from them and not take the time to open and thank them personally.

I love your comments about food! You are absolutely dead on. Food will make or break the entire event. I too can’t stand the cheap pizza but pizza from a local restaurant can be fantastic. If I had to choose between good food or a good location I would go with food first. However, that’s just my opinion.
.-= Nick´s lastest blog ..School Break Activities for Kids =-.

By: Jamie

Jamie — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 06:31:51 +0000

What an absolutely delightful and refreshing blog. Not the usual syrupy stuff. You’re so right about the store bought cake it’s…
I will most certainly be returning.
.-= Jamie´s lastest blog ..Magic Genie Jasmine Child Costume =-.

By: Brenda

Brenda — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 08:53:37 +0000

Too true about those hideous store bought cakes. The ‘ingredients’ lists scare me to death. And as you say the cake is the highlight of the party so every parent should have a go at making one.

By: Straight Dope Dad

Straight Dope Dad — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 02:09:45 +0000

Hello Sarah, thanks for your comment. Good going on making a real cake. I refuse to eat store bought cake. Just…can’t…do…it. I’d like to start a movement to banish the cheap and easy catering. All the parties just start blending together. No variety. Used to be when you went to a party it had a special vibe that was unique to that family’s viewpoint. You may not like everything, but there was no mistaking they put some thought into it and had distinct preferences. Now kids parties are mostly clones of each other. How sad.

By: Sarah Tena

Sarah Tena — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 01:39:37 +0000

Hi, mother of 2 here, I have a 1 year party and 4 year party coming up. This was great, hilarious, and so true! I’m sending this to my mom. As a matter a fact, I just volunteered to bake for a friend’s child so we didn’t have to eat store bought cake. Hope I can deliver!