[NorthBay04]

My dd is going to turn 2 soon. I've been going to the party store to check out the goods but was wondering if children wear party hats any more? I haven't been to many children's parties lately. How much do people spend on the little favor bags for the other children? It looks like things could really add up. Thanks for any advice.

[SanInUtah]

They never wore them, not for long. LOL I wouldn't get them.

If you go through the Oriental Trading company or the .99Cent stores it's easier. I typically spend about $1 per kid overall. Two year olds are going to be tricky...maybe the little stuffed animals at OTC, all stuck in paper bags or if there's a theme try; flip-flop sandals, a beach ball, a travel pack of cookies. All those things are at the dollar store. So are decorations.

We did a party in February for 28 kids, age 11, and I got away with about $75.00 in expenses, total!

[Howdy]

My daughter had party hats at her 8th and 9th birthdays and the kids seemed happy to wear them.

[NJNative]

Kids -- heck, I will wear a party hat. I'd like the tiara ones with the fluffy stuff, thank you.

[missw005]

My boys are 4 and 7, and they wear party hats every birthday! True, they don't keep them on long..........we usually just put them on when we're doing cake at the table (makes for really cute pictures), and some kids will keep them on after that.

I bought a nicer set of general party hats and use them over and over again as the kids don't wear them for very long.

As for goody bags, I'm a big clearance shopper, so I buy stuff year-round and then keep it until the next party. I watch Target's clearance shelves for party stuff, also dollar stores and whatnot.........so I'm always ready for birthdays. I'm also a foster parent, so sometimes I have parties with very little notice, so I like to be prepared.

I probably spend a bit more on goody bags - as your kids get older, it gets more expensive. Some families are very competitive - buying fancy matching stuff from those party-in-a-box companies. Plus they rent out places to have them - hotel swimming pools, bowling alley, etc. It can get out of control pretty quickly!
I do simple games - pin the tail on the donkey/S on Superman/spots on the dalmatian/etc.; clothespins in the jar; obstacle course; etc. So I do spend a bit more on the goody bags. But like I said, I watch for sales (4 bubble jars for a $1) and clearance stuff to help cut costs.

Family Fun magazine/website has some great inexpensive party themes/ideas as well.

Sandy

[momraine]

Two year olds may not want hats, but if you like them get them for the picture, or there are cloth ones you can get from Lillian Vernon or someplace that have the child's name and he can wear it each year.
For goodie bags, you don't have to have lots of stuff, for two year olds you can get somethign like small stuffed animals - fake beanies, or something from the dollar store, or a bag of animal crackers.

[HappyTwinsMom]

My daughters just turned 5 and I did party-favor bags for the first time. Spent about $5 per child, I think, on dollar store stuff. I actually used these boxes that look like Chinese takeout boxes, only in bold, primary colors (red, blue, green, yellow) and used foam, stick-on, balloon-shaped letters to spell each guest's name on the box. Very cute!

As for party hats, all the kids seem to like them...just don't wear 'em long!

Have a fun party!

[intladoptionblog]

Sorry about this, but the topic really grabbed my attention, but not for the reasons discussed.
"Party hat" was shorthand between me and my bio son when he was almost grown and dating. As he'd be getting ready to go out, I'd say, "Remember...if it's a party, wear a party hat."
To which he'd reply, tapping his back pocket, "Don't worry, Mom. I have some in my wallet."
It must have worked, as even though he was Mr. Popular and had loads of girlfriends in college and beyond, there were never any surprises.

[missw005]

OMG, Sandra!!!!!! That is too funny. At first I read your post and thought, huh? Then I re-read and burst out laughing.

Party hat indeed.

Sandy

[Lovebug]

LOLOLOLOLOLOL Sandra!!!!!!!

[mom2justynsarah]

Originally Posted by NorthBay04

My dd is going to turn 2 soon. I've been going to the party store to check out the goods but was wondering if children wear party hats any more? I haven't been to many children's parties lately. How much do people spend on the little favor bags for the other children? It looks like things could really add up. Thanks for any advice.

Sure they do! My kids (7 and 19 months) love wearing party hats! It's part of the fun of having a party or going to one.

As far as goody bags go, we always go to the dollar store. You can pick up a bunch of items for very little cost.

If your looking to save money, you can turn it into a fun craft. You can be creative by taking paper plates and poking holes on the sides (for putting string through them).

Then the children can draw/add sparkles, ribbons, yarn, etc on their "hats". Of course parents would have to help out. But once done, they could wear their own creations.

In terms of goody bags, what do two year old's really need anyway? I personally don't think it's necessary to give goody bags out to the little ones.

Sorry, but they end up losing it, destroying it, breaking it, etc, etc. Plus they don't need candy either.

[BlessedBe]

I will never look at a party hat the same way again.

[intladoptionblog]

Should mention that my daughter was also familiar with the term, although she chose to have no use for them.

Now that she's been married 10 years, and is mother to my beautiful granddaughter, party hats finally have a different meaning for her. She still gets a giggle when she hears parents talking about them, though.

Oh, the things we saddle our kids with!