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We will be planning a birthday party for our daughter (4). Any tips/recommendations - Did you invite the whole preschool class, siblings? Do people prefer morning or afternoon parties? What about food - seems there are a lot of allergies out there these days, any recommendations for food everyone can eat? Do parents stay/eat at these parties?
We're new to the area so any venue recommendations would be great, thanks!
I had all the same questions when I planned my eldest daughter's first party (at 3yo). My overall recommendation is don't overthink it. Keep it easy for your family and the rest falls into place. We did invite the whole pre school class. I've been to parties that are way over the top, lots of food, gift bags, activities and parties where there were no goodie bags and no food other than the cake - the kids met and played at the local playground. At every party, the kids were happy. The rest doesn't really matter.
Venues - playgrounds, jump on in, my gym, little gym, launch, museums, ice rinks, gyms like life time.... the list is endless. It depends on what your birthday girl wants, your budget and time of year. Good luck!!
At most of the parties our kids have attended there has been pizza and most of the time the adults will have a slice, probably out of boredom more than hunger.