Birthday party for two....??

Question

I posted this Q a few days ago but I wanted to get some more answers.

I know I'm a little early but I like to plan WAY ahead or I will never remember everything. I have 2 little boys whose birthdays are 3 weeks apart from each other. I ALWAYS said I would never share their parties but times are hard & money is tight right now and I just don't have the money for 2 parties AND Christmas in a 4 week time frame. The only part that bums me the most is that this year is my youngest's 1st birthday. Riley's 1st birthday is November 26th & Tyler's 4th birthday is December 17th. I, unfortunately, have to have ONE party and I was just looking for some suggestions on ideas on where to have the party. I want it to be really nice since Tyler didn't get a real party last year because his baby brother was in the NICU (he was 8 weeks early). I did Chuck E Cheese for his 2nd birthday but it was so crowded and loud that I don't really want to do that again. I live in a mobile home so we can't have it at my house and outside isn't an option either because its *supposed* to be winter (in PA it will be 40 degrees one day and 65 degrees the next through Nov - Jan. )

Any ideas?? Also, what are some things I can do to cut down the cost of the overall party. Having food has to be an option, but any cheap ways to do it? Also, I think I should have them each have their own small cake and 1 sheet cake for the guests. Tyler is allergic to eggs so I have to make my own cake for him without eggs.

Also, I never had any games played at Tyler's party (he & all the other kids were too little) but they have grown up!! What kind of games could we play? Or maybe a craft to make or something?

Sorry this is soo long...any advice is greatly appreciated!!

Answer 1

I shared parties with my brother because are birthdays were also 3 weeks apart.  I still had a great time and so did my brother so I wouldn't worry about it.  For a location I would ask a family member or a friend if it would be ok if you had the party at there house so you don't have to spend money on a place.  If that isn't possible see about renting a hall for a few hours.  For the food I would make it yourself.  You could have a make your own taco bar and have a crock pot full of the meat and all the toppings in bowls and chips or pretzels.  You could also do hot dogs or pizza.    For the cakes I would make all three yourself because you will save a lot of money if you don't buy them already made.  I would just make the boys cakes different so you don't get them mixed up.   For games you could do pin the tail on the donkey, bean bag toss, and hot potato.(have the kids sit in a circle and have them pass a ball to music and when the music stops whoever is holding the ball is out.)  You could also have them make party hats out of construction paper, crayons, stickers, etc.    

Answer 2

My sister and I had parties together growing up, we are two years 13 hours and 45 minutes apart. I always say I was the best birthday present she ever got. We were born in Nov, the week before Thanksgiving, and Christmas is but a month away. We always had small family gatherings at my grandparents farm when we were your boys ages. Till this day the only presents we get from our parents on our birthday is flowers. My mother always made our cakes, she is an excellent decorator/baker. We had our own. My favorite cake was Cookie Monster. I believe that year my sister had Strawberry Shortcake. Later when we were in school we had separate birthday parties because that many kids in a house and the two age groups didn't get along. As for my son now, this year I opted to go to a local Pizza Buffet, that way I didn't have to cook, didn't have to clean. It was actually cheaper than cooking for that many people. Games, dropping the cloths pin in a jar, pinata. I would check with your local school system. Ours rents out the gym and cafeteria for $25.

Answer 3

Wherever you have it I think you should decorate a "throne" for each boy....just cover a chair in balloons and streamers for each one and put their names on....then they'll both feel extra speciual...my sis does that for her twins.