Feb 01 2012

Birthday Party for a Two Year old: Yay or Nay?

Posted in All Posts, Baby, Everyday Life, Misc., Special Events

I think as a new parent, the first birthday of your first child is a pretty big deal.  Some would say that it’s a given, nay even expected.  So last year we had us a little shin dig complete with decorations, balloons and cupcakes.  My mom even flew up from Georgia for the occasion.

But this year has gone so quickly that it suddenly dawned on me that my son’s second birthday is only seven days away and I have nothing planned.  Nada.  Zip.  I haven’t even bought him a birthday card.  (I do, however, have a slew of birthday presents which were left over from Christmas that we ended up not giving to him because he had more than enough to keep him happy.)

By this time last year, I had already ordered pre-made invitations that were mailed out to invitees and I had bought a book on how to make speciality cupcakes.  I had cleaned the house so it was spotless and I had purchased little birthday hats for people to wear.  In other words, I was prepared.

This year, not so much.

I want to do something though. It’s not like the second year birthday is any less special than the first, right?  But I’m not sure what to do.  Henry’s not quite at the age where he gets the whole birthday celebration.  Heck, he isn’t even at the age where he really likes playing with other kids yet.

So my question is: birthday party for a two-year old, yay or nay?

 

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Audrey @ Mom Drop Box - February 1, 2012 - 5:42 am

I have a 4 year old boy and a little girl that’ll be 2 in April. The 2 & 3 year old parties felt like a much bigger deal with my son than they do now with my daughter. We may have something simple for her, but I would say don’t sweat it and maybe consider something easy like a special dinner & cupcakes. At that age, they don’t get it anyway, and it won’t be long before they do know what’s going on. This past year- age 4- was the 1st time my son got really excited about his b-day.
Audrey @ Mom Drop Box´s last [type] ..How to make a free blog header that’s graphics-based

Kristy - February 1, 2012 - 6:56 am

We don’t do great big parties for our littles. It started when we moved a month before our daughter’s second birthday (no family or friends around to celebrate with!), and we’ve just kept them small ever since. We have a nice family dinner and cake. If someone happens to be available to come, the more the merrier, but we don’t invite 10 kids to come party.

Happy early Birthday to Henry!
Kristy´s last [type] ..Obedience

Shannon - February 1, 2012 - 7:38 am

What a cutie! I say go ahead and have a party even if it’s just you, your son, and husband there. You will be glad you have pictures of him in a birthday hat eating cake for his 2nd birthday :)

Cristina - February 1, 2012 - 8:38 am

I say YAY. Why not? I know it’s something they won’t remember, but you will. PLUS, every year that goes by the child will be pickier and pickier as to what they want their party to look like. This might be the last time you truly get a say in it all! : )
Cristina´s last [type] ..Is it a Boy or a Girl?

Nicole - February 1, 2012 - 10:01 am

I think it just comes down to whether or not you want a party this year. No matter what you chose I’m sure you’ll have a great celebration. But can I just say, WASN’T HENRY JUST BORN?!? How can he be 2 already!

RJ (Kids and Cast Iron) - February 1, 2012 - 10:03 am

Yes…. Always. Even if it is just you three.
RJ (Kids and Cast Iron)´s last [type] ..Fruit Roll Up

Cathi - February 1, 2012 - 11:00 am

Since you are seven days out from the actual day, I’m thinking you were not up for a big party. Similarly, we had a big(-ish) party the first year, and then we had smaller, family parties for subsequent years. Whatever you do, take it easy on yourself and do what feels right to you and what you can manage and still enjoy the day. I look forward to seeing what you decide, and happy birthday to that sweet boy!

Urban Wife - February 1, 2012 - 12:37 pm

I agree with RJ: yes!
Urban Wife´s last [type] ..February {and other randomness}

Marie@feedingfive - February 1, 2012 - 4:22 pm

I think if you enjoy doing it go for it. We always did something small like a family dinner in and cake. The first party I did was when my oldest daughter turned 5. Now that she’s 11 I give them a choice of a party (that she plans) or dinner and a movie with friends. Sometimes our idea of what’s fun for them and their ideas are completely different.

HeatherM - February 1, 2012 - 5:23 pm

Definitely do something, even if it just means combining it with a Super Bowl party& inviting friends & family over for the mixed occasion (pick up a store bought cake, etc)

Monisha - February 1, 2012 - 6:36 pm

I heard the rule of thumb is that kids can only handle the number of other playmates that represents their age. So a 1 year old should have 1 friend, a 2 year old should have 2 friends, etc. and then a 16 year old could have 16 friends. I thought that is a good way to think about it from the kids perspective. Even if you want to do an intimate dinner, we would like to come over one day for a special birthday playdate :) .

Rose - February 1, 2012 - 11:40 pm

Yay!!!

You should do something special, memorable..need not be elaborate..but something sweet and simple may be….the kid will not be having the memory but you will have…and that will be a sweet and proud memory for you…something which you will cherish!!

carolina - February 2, 2012 - 3:34 am

I would say it’s up to whatever you feel like doing :o ) If you want to celebrate the day calmly or make a bigger deal out of it, whatever way feels right for you and the CPA, henry will appreciate. Always remember the saying, “happy mommy, happy household,” or something of the sort :o )
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Mom of 5 - February 2, 2012 - 5:31 am

Hard to believe he’s going to be 2….yipes the time is going by way to quickly. I’d say celebrate with the three of you as much as you feel like: cake/cupcakes, balloon or too that you and the CPA blow up, make him a hat yourself and take lots of pictures using your timer of the happy family. He’ll love it, it’ll be stress free for you and a relaxing time together as a family for this special occassion.

Sidebar, you and the CPA need to discuss your plans for the future. Do you have a party each year for your little guy or set a family routine and do every other year party with family and alternating year party with friends or something similar? Having big parties with friends each year is something that can easily get out of hand and I feel takes away from the real celebration of the life of the birthday person.

Birthdays to me mean celebrating how special that person is to you and family members and just how glad you are they’re a part of your family and the love your all share.

Enjoy Henry’s 2nd birthday – have a great time. Sure wish I could be there for this one too. You have our gifts already in the closet for him and a little something else is on its way…what can I say, it’s just a Nana thing. We look forward to Skyping on his birthday to see his smiling face and watch his eyes lightup.

Happy Birthday Henry!!!

Mindee@ourfrontdoor - February 2, 2012 - 1:51 pm

A more experience mother gave me the idea when my kids were young to only have a party every other year. I’ve never regretted taking that advice. For the “on” years I do it up big with friends and a big party. For the “off” years we just have family and maybe one friend over for cake and we’ll just go do something fun like go to a movie together.

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