I have two kids with winter birthdays. For me - last year - I planned their parties at the last minute. I looked at the forecast and waited for a day that was 50° or warmer and planned outdoor parties for that day.

Just have the party outdoors. Wear warm clothes. The kids will be fine.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just make it short. One hour, 90 minutes tops. Meet at a playground, they can dress how they want. Cocoa and cupcakes. Easy!

That sounds right up our alley but inclement weather plan? I would attend a party like this (we try to say yes to all to be kind) but would other people be put off?

We went to several parties just like this last winter. They were great! Honestly, who sits inside with their kids all winter? Most parents of 4 year olds want to have them tiring themselves out at a park anyway.

I think I'd invite a few family friends over. My DS just turned 5 and requested a "party". I managed to convince him that having my best friend and her 2 sons over, plus his favorite grandma, was A Big Party. I decorated, made a big deal about his from-a-mix-cake, wrapped his presents nicely, and let him choose the menu. He LOVED IT.

Kids are still pretty easy at that age. So if you have some family friends, or local cousins, or something like that, see if you can make a normal "friends coming over" thing into A PARTY for the 4 year old. Decorations and balloons go a long way to making little kids freak out with excitement. Plus cake.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just make it short. One hour, 90 minutes tops. Meet at a playground, they can dress how they want. Cocoa and cupcakes. Easy!

That sounds right up our alley but inclement weather plan? I would attend a party like this (we try to say yes to all to be kind) but would other people be put off?

DP, but I agree. Set a back-up date in case of inclement weather. Most kids that young won't mind the cold and will be happy to run around with their friends. Their parents might complain, so I'd either have it in the morning and provide coffee for them, or afternoon and make sure there's enough cocoa for parents, too.

Embrace the weather - go outdoor skating somewhere, smores around a fire (if you have access) - something like that. Then as a PP said, cupcakes, cocoa and keep it short and simple.

And hard as it might be to manage expectations with a 4 year old, I'd have a rain date, rather than looking for an undercover option. Plenty of parks have pavilions you can rent, but it'll feel cramped with any number of 4 year olds.

I’d be too concerned about potential liability if someone gets covid. Maybe require test results and proof of vaccination for age eligible folks. No masks, no party. Don’t forget to Have fun!!

I would be comfortable with a small indoor birthday party. I assume she is in preschool. So invite a handful of friends from you class where you know the parents. Again, everyone has a different risk tolerance. But we have been going to indoor birthday parties at friends' houses.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your 3 year old is "dying" to have a birthday party? You mean...you are.

Actually no. I have zero interest in hosting one and was happy that we were able to skip friend parties up to the 4th birthday. I would prefer not dealing with the expense or hassle. She has been to a handful of parties recently, sees her brother being invited to parties and has been asking for one of her own for a good 6 months. Not sure why that is hard to believe….

Ignore that poster. All 4 year olds want to have a bday party. If your child was one or two, than it would be for you but at 4, of course she wants a party.

Anonymous wrote:Your 3 year old is "dying" to have a birthday party? You mean...you are.

NP, but don’t be so nasty. It is entirely possible that her DD is wanting a party at this age, especially if she has been to birthday parties for friends recently. My nearly 6yo’s last pre-pandemic birthday party was her 4th, and she was quite aware of parties and most certainly wanted one with her friends at that age.

OP, you can do a short party outside. It usually isn’t bitterly cold in this area in December.

Anonymous wrote:Just make it short. One hour, 90 minutes tops. Meet at a playground, they can dress how they want. Cocoa and cupcakes. Easy!

That sounds right up our alley but inclement weather plan? I would attend a party like this (we try to say yes to all to be kind) but would other people be put off?

Anonymous wrote:Your 3 year old is "dying" to have a birthday party? You mean...you are.

Actually no. I have zero interest in hosting one and was happy that we were able to skip friend parties up to the 4th birthday. I would prefer not dealing with the expense or hassle. She has been to a handful of parties recently, sees her brother being invited to parties and has been asking for one of her own for a good 6 months. Not sure why that is hard to believe….

Just make it short. One hour, 90 minutes tops. Meet at a playground, they can dress how they want. Cocoa and cupcakes. Easy!

Your 3 year old is "dying" to have a birthday party? You mean...you are.

My daughter will be turning 4 this December and she is dying to have a birthday party so we want to try to figure something out for her but also keep it as Covid safe as feasible. That’s just what makes our family comfortable. If her birthday was in any other season but winter we would do an outdoor playground party as that is something we are comfortable with. Has anyone hosted or been to a winter kids party that you can recommend?