Are homemade birthday parties for children going out of fashion in NJ?

I’ve had a homemade birthday party for my daughter her past three birthdays. The first birthday I can admit is really for the parents so it makes sense to have at home and I certainly saved money. I don’t think I saved any money on her third birthday - at best I broke even - but it was a unique princess party that I enjoyed planning and the kids loved attending. One friend hosted her kid's party at a farm and another at a park, which were creative party locations, but the majority of my daughter's invitations have been to play gyms and similar venues. I can see the appeal some of these places have for parents including the hassle-free planning process particularly if a child’s birthday falls in winter. And not everyone is as lucky as I am to have a creative and handy mom to help with the party décor.

However, I’m feeling nostalgia for the homemade birthday party especially since it seems to be going out of style, at least among my circle of friends. Some of my fondest childhood memories have been my birthday parties at home and I wanted to share that with my daughter. I remember the cakes my mom made - all in keeping with each party's unique theme, friends gathering at my parents' house for a casual and an intimate sweet 16 with my close friends. A few pool parties at their house were also popular. 

I still haven't decided what to do. The idea of a pony party is something different that would make me re-consider a home party but the expensive fees and lack of an inclement-weather option are discouraging. Maybe I can get my my mom to agree to host it at her house. Then I can still have a creative, homemade party without cramming people into my small home if it rains.

Well, I have a few months to decide - and possibly convince Grandma.

Originally Published By Sandra K. Lee on February 3, 2010 on the New Jersey Mom's Blog.

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