[nanamom]

Our rule is one friend for every year old you are when they are small enough that we are doing the majority of the planning. When they turn six or seven that changes. We talk about choices for the party and offer two of three based on their interests (this year, age 3, was Veggie Tales) and let them pick but they have to stay with that choice. We found the danger in a blanket what do you want is that they may pick as my grandson did an "orange" party. It was interesting to plan. We do the party as inexpensviely as possible. I made a pinata, the kids made a craft from free stuff for the favor and I bought treats at the dollar store. We play age appropriate games and sometimes (ok usually) get messy. We don't allow people to bring birthday gifts to our son at his party. We let him pick out a small gift for each guest (dollar store) and make sure there is one for him. That way no guest is in tears as they watch a child open stuff and our son doesn't expect everyone to bring him something. It also insures that toys we don't approve up do not show up in our home. I've been told I am cruel because of that but I think it helps a child see what is important (friends) and what isn't (stuff). This year his party cost us about 20 to 25 dollars.