3rd Birthday Party

would she understand? Kids that young don’t understand money but may understand gifts. To be totally honest my kid just likes opening presents and would be satisfied opening a present that’s a box of fruit snacks or a bunch of bananas. If you feel like she won’t notice, you’ve put the effort/love money into the party and you needn’t feel guilty. If you think she will or you feel guilty, wrap something you already have to buy that she loves.

my mentality about this is that as parents we technically get ‘presents’ throughout the year anyway, and everyone invited will be bringing presents the kids won’t care about what present they got from their parents because they will be opening the others. Especially at that age.

You threw the event… that’s already a present.

I didn’t get my daughter anything for her 2nd or 3rd birthday technically. Every year PaPa and MiMi visit which I think is gift enough. Year 2 we went to lunch the a children’s s museum. This year we just hung out at home and had cake. My kids get “gifts” all year round so they’re not going to miss getting gifts on a birthday. Plus, they’re too young to even realize people get gifts on a birthday. Your party was good enough. The amount of effort I know you put into it was enough and shows how much you love her and how much you would do for her.

To each their own girl. Mom guilt is bad enough.. don’t feel guilty about this. Unless she says something I’m sure you’re fine!

Has she asked for a toy or an outfit ? You could get her something small & she can open at home if you like .

I threw a party but kept it simple. I got my son a bunch of things for his birthday too. We celebrated before everyone else came over. It was really special and nice 😊

We bought him a train table, a few new monster trucks for his collection, and bubbles 🫧

I actually just threw a party for me son last weekend and spent around the same amount, and it didn’t even dawn on me that I didn’t get him a gift 😂 he was so excited about the party and the Dino theme I had for him, plus he got so many gifts from other people. We’re still taking our time opening them honestly to help influence good behavior 🫠 I say at this age (and in this economy!), just doing anything with your child in mind will make them happy! It’s more about the context than the amount. I also like the idea above about just wrapping their favorite snack or making their favorite meal.

Don't let the mom guilt get to you. Our kiddo already had her birthday, and she paid zero attention to which present came from who, or how many she got. Honestly if you want to do something small, just a pack of stickers is a top shelf present at this age ✨

My favorite part of parenting, they will love you regardless!!! Personally with my youngest being so close to Christmas I don't go all out for both. For her firsts on Christmas morning I took her ice skating as her "gift" but still wrapped up things she needed diapers, wipes, clothes, toys & a new toy box just because she was 1 barely & still got excited over the same paw patrol diaper box she's seen a million times... Her birthday since I had already spent so much on the party alone I just got her a ball pit & she still loves it today. My oldest just turned 10 & although she loves to make a list of a million things she thinks she needs she also loves the few things I can get her some years it's as simple as a spa day at home facemask, nail polish all the stuff but beyond that we had fun & sometimes we get tickets to a concert or the zoo & overall the fan favorite is when they get to spend time with you over the toys they could play with any day just don't stress it gets easier as they get older🫶