For my 4 year old's birthday we invited 3 kids over, because we live in a NYC apartment and can't host too many people. My kid is introverted and honestly wouldn't appreciate a party with the entire class. It was perfect.

What does your daughter want? At that age she’s old enough to tell you who she wants to invite to her birthday party.

Thanks everyone! Luckily these friends are not friends from school or the neighborhood- just girls she met back in the mommy-and-me class days that we’ve kept up with, so no one should feel excluded.

That sounds lovely.

I think the one thing to be aware of is if there are families who might feel excluded. So, if you are just inviting neighbors about the same age, that's fine, but if there are 4 preschoolers on the street who regularly play together and you invite 3 that's potentially problematic.

Anonymous wrote:Yes. Totally fine! We went to a few 5th birthday where it was like 4-5 kids (girls usually) and either they played soon, or tea party and crafts etc. very sweet and fun.

Played "salon"

Yes. Totally fine! We went to a few 5th birthday where it was like 4-5 kids (girls usually) and either they played soon, or tea party and crafts etc. very sweet and fun.

That sounds lovely! All your kid cares about is a “party” likely and has no concept of a small or big one.

DD is turning 5 in a few months and really only has 2 or 3 “friends” (aside from preschool/ neighborhood acquaintances and cousins). Would it be okay to host a party just with these 3 other girls at my house (I’m thinking a craft, a game & lunch/cupcakes), or will it seem strange to host such a small party? In the past we’ve done bigger parties, but I had a baby this year and I’m not sure I’m up for it this time around. I guess I’m just wondering if such a small party is okay!