2ND Birthday Ideas

We went camping as a family(all my sisters & there kids, my parents etc.) for my sons 2nd birthday. SO we had ice cream at a local ice cream parlor.

But my son has 2 cousins on my husbands side that live close and didn't go camping with us and 3 friends form the neighborhood, that kinda bugged me into having a party too.

So I got some construction paper and made little invites to give to them. Since it was July I set of the sprinkler, and the little kids pool (the one that is like a foot or two deep. They all had fun playing in the water and then cupcakes and the bubble machine.

As party favors I gave each kid a silly cup with the handle that is a straw and put stickers, temporary tattoos, bubbles and a few pieces of candy in it. His friends still use the cup.

This is a question I could have written myself! My first daughter (the only one at the time), had a huge 1st birthday party, not because I love giant parties, but because we have so many friends with kids, and it would have been rude to keep anyone out, so we went to the park and just let it rip. There were 75 people and it was a ton of fun. Little did I know I was pregnant with my 2nd at the time! So by the time we got to the big "2" there was a new guest on the list- Little Sister. The 2nd birthday party was a whole different story. We invited two of her little friends and their families, and barbequed in the backyard. Hot dogs, beer for the parents, and endless games of Elefun (if you don't have this game, it is worth the $20 and even parents love to play it). It worked out great. And because I am a planner, too, it was great for me because I got to put my energy into something controllable (unlike the 1st big hurrah). I handmade the invitations (when you only need to make 3- one for each guest and one for the scrapbook- you can do a lot more) and made an elaborate cake in the shape of a turtle. I got to spend more on decorations and spend more time having fun with the kiddies. The other good thing was, only two gifts (one from each guest). We are sticking to this model for all her future parties. But of course now we have to figure out what to do for Little Sister, who does not have the luxury of a summer birthday that can be outdoors!

Good luck!

Simply invite those close friends and family over for a simple dinner (maybe potluck - or order a pizza) make a special cake or get one from the local store with her favorite characters on it - and have a cozy little get-together.

You will at least be doing something special... she may not remember it..but take pictures and she will look at them when she is older and then appreciate what you did for her as a toddler.

When my twins turned 2 we had cupcakes with a candle for each child there. This saves the battle over who gets to blow out the candle. Two-year-olds are not real good at the taking turns thing. We also gave the guest their goody bags to open at the same time my guys were opening presents. It's too hard (at two) to watch someone else get all the goodies :)

Have fun!

we did a picnic in the park. It was great because only family came, and after the presents and cake (I recommend skipping the icecream or buying idividual servings like premade cones or icecream sandwiches because the icecream melted on us and made a huge mess despite the cooler of ice) the little ones had a blast on the playground and the adults all got a nice visit. It was probubly the most fun for everyone and the least stressful as all the trash (paper products to eat off)went into a bag, all the gifts in another and off we went.

Since we had both boys and girls coming for our daughter's 2nd birthday party and she loves horses, we did a western themed party (BYOB..bring yer own boots!) everyone loved it and there's so many games, decorations, favors, available online. Have fun!

My sister had a great idea to teach her kids about sharing, and to keep the whole greed factor out of birthdays. She has a book-exchange party. Instead of bringing a gift for the birthday child, each guest brings a new, wrapped, age-appropriate book. Each child then gets to open a present and leave with something they'll love. I'll probably do this when my little one turns 2. She'll get plenty of toys, etc. from grandparents and other loved ones, she doesn't need to burden my friends and their families. Besides, the fun part is the party, right? I like the ideas about themes like balls, meet at the park, waterplay...what is your child into? Make the party about that. You could wait to decide until the date is almost upon you to make sure you hit their "new favorite" on the head. It doesn't need to cost money, either, especially with guests bringing their own party favors! As the kids get older, let them pick their own "theme" and help plan, decorate, etc. The books can match the theme if you like.
All the other moms had great ideas, too!

We did the zoo for my first daughter's second b-day. People can bring their own picnic, or you can bring your own food to serve, or have it catered. OrientaI Trading Company has some great party favor packages that are zoo themed.

Going with the zoo is nice because you can keep it incredibly simple or go all out and it's good no matter what!

J.

Yep, the first birthday is mostly about us seeing them eat cake. But my son's 2nd birthday is coming up in 2 weeks and want it to be about him and what he likes. Playing with his family and balls, bubbles and balloons.

The weather won't be nice for outside activities for him but I am sure a nice park with HER favorite people and things would be a hit. Good luck!

Try a small in home party. My daughters second birthday was at home. She had a great time picking out the decorations and helping mommy put them up. We also did a pot-luck which took alot of the stress off! GOOD LUCK and have fun with it!

My Mom -- who raised 5 kids, was everybody's favorite Girl Scout Leader, and who especially *loved* the birth through elementary school years -- told me this: invite the same number of birthday party guests as the age the child is. If she's 2 -- invite two guests. If he's 3 -- invite three. The parties were usually no longer than 2 or 2-1/2 hours, and always had cool (when we were older) or fun (same thing, just the younger word) games or crafts planned. She actually gave it some thought, like, "The kids are going to need to run around about now," or "This would be the easiest time for them to focus on gift-giving."

My daughter is 12. The years that I've followed that advice have been the most gratifying, stress-free -- actually FUN -- parties ever. (Now we've been into sleep-overs for a good three years. That's a whole different dynamic...) One more thing: when the kids are so young (2, 3), it's nice to have the parents be at the party, as well. Focusing on the children, to be sure, but also helping to "hold the space" for the little ones. Enjoy!!

We had a friend who had a "ball party"...for 2 year olds, it's a great, easy and fun theme! She collected all of the balls she could find and just put them everywhere...the kids had a blast!

Parents magazine has some great ideas that are age appropriate. Finding an animal your child likes and theming it around that can be a lot of fun. ex. dog-oriental trading or birthday express has some dog bowls for your treats, you can make ears for you and your guests,bone shaped invitation and cookies. It can be easy and fun.
S.
mother of three girls,12,8 1/2 and 4.