E.J. asks from Dublin, CA on March 25, 2008
February Birthday Ideas for a 3 Year Old.
I know this seems very early, but I'd like to hear some ideas from my fellow super moms.
My daughter's birthday is in the middle of winter, February. Any ideas on what I can do? I would love the park thing & have a jumper but I know it's cold..no one's going to show up :o)
I've had them at Tumble & Tea in Oakland and also Picture Perfect Party place in Dublin. Both were great but costly. Any ideas would be great. She'll be turning 3 in Feb.09.
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More Answers
B.Z. answers from San Francisco on March 26, 2008
There is a great place in San Ramon called Just Your Party.
I have been having my 4 year old twins' birthday parties there for the last 3 years.
They have great jumpy houses, a huge blow up slide.
You don't have to lift a finger.
They decorate for you, they serve the pizza, they serve the cake.
They are fabulous!!!
Their number is ###-###-####
Their website is www.justyourparty.com
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J.M. answers from San Francisco on March 25, 2008
I had an art party for my 3 year old that went over so well, we did the same "theme" for her 4th birthday. (Her birthday is in Jan. so I know what you mean about the cold weather.) We rented a spin art machine and had one of the grandparents run the machine for the kids to make pictures -- we did this in the garage. The grandparent wrote the kids name on the back of the paper before they did the spinart, so they would know whose photo was whose. (I can't remember the name of the company we rented the machine from, but if you google bouncy houses in pleasanton, it should come up...the bouncy house company also rents the spin art machines.) I bought some "frames" at Michael's that were really matting squares for pictures that the kids decorated with crayons/markers/pom pom balls that became the frame for the spinart. I also downloaded free pictures from keithharing.org that kids could color. If you are brave, you can set up a computer to jacksonpollock.org and the kids can use the cursor to make drip paintings like Pollock's.
Do the spin art in the garage (a portable heater will help the grandparent stay warm), and set up drawing and decorating stations inside. It worked really well, but was a bit messy, it's true (just use washable/non-toxic paint.)
For the adult refreshment, I had some Starbucks coffee (one of their 10-cup containers) and Hansen's natural soda. (And enough cupcakes for the adults, too, of course!) I also made sure the parents knew what was going on at each station so they could make sure their kids got to do each activity.
Hope that helps! You are certainly a planner if you are thinking about all this already!
J.
1 mom found this helpful
J.V. answers from San Francisco on March 26, 2008
I don't have very many ideas since my son and I are in the same predicament - His 2nd birthday is next Feb. 4 and I also need ideas! I'm thinking for his 3rd birthday we'll do it at Pump it Up... I don't know what to do for the 2nd though.
This year we're had it at a hall to cater to our hundreds of family members...
Maybe you can do one of those princess parties? Isn't there a place in Pleasanton?
Sorry I'm not much of help. :(
J.F. answers from San Francisco on March 26, 2008
You should also look into Gymboree Play and Music. Our parties are perfect for 3 year olds. Lots of play equipment in the room and the party is led by a Gymboree teacher. Food is limited so you don't have to prepare much.
If you haven't been to a Gymboree, you can schedule a free class on their website which is www.gymboreeclasses.com. By coming to a free class, you can see the kinds of activities that we do and see if you think it would be a good fit for you and your daughter. February is the high season for birthday parties indoors so if you do decide to do that kind of a party, book early in the Fall.
Feel free to email me if you have other questions.
J. F.
____@____.com
C.S. answers from San Francisco on March 26, 2008
My daughter will be 3 at the end of January 09, so I hear you on the winter thing. I am thinking maybe a party with dress up costumes of both genders (for her brother and male friends, too). Since you like photography, you could get photos of them in their costumes. If you have a fast printer, you could even try printing the photos as part of their take home favor or just send the photos out with the thank yous. Frankly when I had my son's 3rd birthday party around Halloween, the kids were more interested in playing with all of the toys than any crafts or organized activities.
Good luck,
C.
G.B. answers from San Francisco on March 27, 2008
The Children's Party Handbook by Allison Boteler has a Pooh Bear Picnic in it that is adorable. You could throw a picnic blanket on the floor or have it outside under a tree filled with open umbrellas. It could be a "blustery day " theme if the weather is cold, decorating cloud shaped sugar cookies, and reading a Winnie The Pooh story. She shows cute little paper "hats" made out of brown construction paper to look like bear ears. She has Roo kangaroo sack races, pin the tail on eyore, and other cute games.You could play pass the bee hive (hot potatoe) and tag for simple games. She made a tigger cake by cutting a 9" round in half and standing both ends together as the hump for his back. Use the other 9" round, cutting it in pieces for a tail, head, and paws. You might find this book in a bookstore and see the diagram if you wanted to do this cake. If you don't have a party room the Robert Livermore community center rents out party rooms.
There is a place in Pleasanton called 'Super Franks' that does princess themed tea parties. They have a castle that the girls get to go in and change into dress up gowns before the tea begins. You'd have to ask them about the size of the gowns.
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