80s look at Children’s Birthday Parties

I am lucky I was an 80s child!  Well, I feel lucky as I remember childhood being like an episode of Stranger Things – well obviously without The Upside Down and the Demogorgon’s!!  We played outside with our friends all day on our bikes – We knocked on doors to say, ‘Is Michelle coming out to play?’ Do not even get me started on the fun we had playing skipping, kirby, marbles, red rover…...

Then when it came to birthday parties, I have a Spring birthday so my party was usually friends around to play in the garden. There were the usual party games! Pass the parcel, musical statues maybe Simon Says! Then a buffet and some ice cream and jelly!!! Always followed by a birthday cake (my gran always made) and the obligatory rendition of Happy Birthday to you, you live in a zoo……  Then the goodie bag was a piece of cake and a balloon!!

Now as a parent of two myself I start to panic when birthdays approach!!  Not only do I need to think of a venue, but there is also the theme to consider, then the games, food, party bags…… aaaaarghhhhhh!! Hands up all the bad mums like me who last year gave a silent whoop when I didn’t have to organise birthday parties!! 

So, when birthdays came around again this Spring, I decided to keep it simple.  I would go old school and have them in the garden!  I realised it doesn’t have to be expensive and it can be good to keep it simple!  Maybe if this last year has taught me anything it is that ‘it is not about all of the stuff but about the people in our lives!’  I am glad to say my children were so happy just to get to share their special day with some friends this year! 

I did want to add some extra treats/surprises, so I did my usual research online and especially Pinterest on some ways to have a party and keep the price down!  I have now created this Birthday Party ideas checklist to share this information with you.  As a business owner and a mum, I have always kept in mind quality and price when designing my children’s afternoon tea.  So, if you need any help with the food side, please check out what I offer and the amazing reviews I have received so far….

Above everything enjoy the parties this year and take a minute to think back on what you remember from your birthdays when you were little – What do you remember?  I bet you it is the small things!!

My eldest has now reached double digits so do I have sleepovers to look forward to now!!!  Is it still pizza takeway, talking all night, double dare and watching a Nightmare on Elm Street movie??!!!!