It’s hard to believe my oldest son is now 8 years old. Gone are the days of me planning big parties where I invite all my friends and their kids to my son’s birthday. This year, my son wanted to just invite his closest friends from school. I put a cap on just 8 friends, since he was turning 8 years old. And it was a blast. We just did a low-key party at home because I’m so done with the crazy parties with over-the-top games, themes, goody bags. I just wanted something simple, while my son just wanted a few hours to play with his friends. It was like a playdate with a birthday cake.
And it was probably one of the most relaxing parties we’ve ever done. But we had a few kids keep asking us what else we were going to do. When I replied with, “Well, you can play outside or build Legos,” one of the kids said, “That’s so boring!” He said it over and over throughout the day – and I admit I was happy to send him home when his parents picked him up. Luckily, my kids were content just playing with their friends.
The only thing I did splurge on was the cake from Whole Foods. It was $38 for a 1/4 sheet cake with a custom ninja design (he loves Lego Ninjago). I think it was well worth it because they don’t use artificial dyes, sweeteners or ingredients. And really, if I went to the neighborhood grocery store, I’d still be spending at least $25 on a cake like this. So for a few bucks we got this amazing work of art. This was a chocolate mousse – and the kids loved it. I’m not a chocolate fan. But we have ordered a white cake with fruit filling and that was delicious.
Anyone else going low key for birthdays this year? I’d love to hear your plans.
This post was written by
Tracey Black is the founder and editor-in-chief for Don't Mess with Mama, the sassy mom's guide to parenting, green living and travel. She is a regular contributor to Redbook's Mamarama blog, and a social media strategist working with eco-friendly brands such as Stonyfield, Juice Beauty and others. She has three boys and lives in San Diego, Calif.
Is it ridiculous that I didn’t even know you *could* get cakes from Whole Foods? That’s awesome!
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No, I’m afraid our birthdays are always over-the-top, lol! But that cake looks amazing! Happy birthday to your “little one”.
We did low key here too & actually celebrated the day and not the presents. It’s nice to see similar thinking. I made a healthy cake for my son with endless food allergies & decorated the top with a skull & crossbones design.
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I’m getting ready for my son’s 10th birthday. It’ll be a low key one as well. This year he wants to play capture the flag in a green space by our house. perfect!
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We’ve seriously cut down on the party craziness. We only allowed a limited amount of friends and planned simpler foods fit for kids and the family (although my dad would have none of that and brought trays of stuff he cooked). We still did goody bags, but with more useful stuff : The little one’s camp theme party we gave away flashlights and a bag of make-your-own s’mores. The older one’s craft party we just let the kids leave with the crafts they made (painted cupcake banks and pony bead bracelets).
Cleaning up is easier, there’s less stress, and the kids enjoy each other’s company more than anything. You’re on the right track mama!
Now I am craving a cake from Whole Foods! Glad to hear that the low key party was a success. I feel like birthday parties have gotten out of control and kids are missing out on just enjoying each other. Happy to hear that they had a good time at your son’s party.
Becky recently posted..Let’s Talk Turkey ebook Review
Yes, this year we’re going to cut down on the craziness, too. My daughter will be 11 in January, and it’s definitely time.
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