Double Up on the Birthday Fun

Let’s face it: Birthday parties are fun, but the stress and cost of planning and throwing them can be overwhelming for parents. One solution is to have a joint birthday party for children who have close birthdays.

Here are a few things to consider when planning a joint party:

Ages

Kids who are several years apart might not fare well with a combined party; separate interests and friends might hinder planning a party that pleases everyone. Keep in mind that the older the children, the more guests they can handle. Young kids tend to get overwhelmed easily, so having a joint party for 4-year-olds and inviting 30 guests will probably result in overstimulation for the kids (and parents, too!)

Budget

If you are collaborating with another parent, make sure you have a similar budget in mind. Planning a simple party with a couple of games and cake, while the other parent wants to bring in ponies and clowns, will invite trouble. Make a budget and stick with it, regardless of whether you are the sole party planner for your own kids or teaming up with another family.

Location

A neutral location, such as a bowling alley, petting zoo or park will ensure that one family is not doing all the prep work and cleanup. Throwing a bash somewhere besides your own home also eliminates the stress of feeling that everything must be spotless before guests arrive. Of course, if the birthday kids are siblings and you have the space and patience to host a party in your home, go for it!

Cake

Most parents who have planned double birthday celebrations recommend separate smaller cakes. That way, each child can have a hand in choosing the design and flavor and can have his or her own candles to blow out. Singing Happy Birthday to each birthday kid will also make everyone feel special.

Gifts

Some parents are hesitant to throw joint birthday parties because they don’t want guests to feel obligated to buy gifts for both kids, particularly if the kids have separate friends who may know only the child who invited them. Giving a gift only to the child who invited you is appropriate.