What even is birthday party requirements? Balloons, cake, lots of other food options, presents, goodie bags for the guests, matching decor, matching plates, matching cups….
As it got close to my son’s second birthday, I started to research different ideas. I came across the idea that challenged me.
Does a two year old really NEED a birthday party?
When our children are two, they most likely will not remember the party. They don’t really understand choices or have favorites they can tell you about.
This really got me thinking into what is IMPORTANT to have at a birthday party. And the truth is really all that is needed at a party is fun, love, and maybe some cake. 😉
So I planned to have a small get together with just a few family members for a cost of $150 dollars. That included decor, pizza, a snack, and some very expensive cupcakes that I will never buy again. 😉
Click here to watch my video review!
I chose my theme: Thomas the Train.
I found this adorable Pinterest idea with a shirt that said “Choo, Choo, I’m Two!” I loved that saying, so I decided to do a train themed b-day. I was able to download a file to use with my Cricut to create the shirt. I’ll leave a link to the Etsy shop I got the link from here.
I then went to a store called Party City and bought some Thomas the Train Decor. I got a huge backdrop that had two large trains and a Happy Birthday saying at the top. I liked this option to take some birthday pictures with. I also got an adorable train engineer hat that we used to take pictures with.
I also got some Thomas the Train themed – plates, napkins, hats, and blowouts. They had lots of other options as well.
I almost got a balloon, but my two year really doesn’t seem to care for balloons. I spent $28 at Party City for decor.
Food: Pizza, Pretzels, Strawberry Lemonade, and Expensive Cupcakes.
We chose to do pizzas, it’s one of mine and my son’s favorite foods. We ordered two pizzas. One was gluten free. Next, I bought some pretzels to put in a bowl as just- an -extra- you -need -to -get -the- cupcake- taste -out -of- your- mouth -snack. We had I believe it was “Sunkist Strawberry Lemonade.” It was carbonated and my son loved it. Don’t worry it was caffeine free. 😉
Last, we had expensive cupcakes. I am gluten free and my son eats mostly gluten free. I decided to order some gluten free cupcakes from a local bakery. I was expecting 30-40 which is still expensive but I thought semi reasonable for a dozen gluten free cupcakes. However, the cupcakes I ordered was $62! While they were delicious, I will never again order them. 😉
My son had fun playing with the family that came over, he enjoyed his birthday gifts, he was given lots of love and kisses, AND he had cake. I believe he had a wonderful birthday for a two year old.
Looking back now, I could have went even cheaper with this small party. I am very pleased with my decor purchase and I am actually going to use my banner again at another small party.
I hope my thoughts and ideas have been helpful to any of you planning a party for a toddler. It can be stressful when you look at Pinterest ideas or other friends ideas.
Just remember what is important while planning the party for a two year old who probably won’t remember it – fun, love, and cake. 🙂
~Gracefully Fashionable Britt