My daughter went to two birthday parties last weekend, that she had an absolute blast at….one at the SPCA and one at Richmond Olympiad. The one at SPCA had arts and crafts, a scavenger hunt, play with puppies, food and cake. The one at the Olympiad was based around learning gymnastics techniques and jumping on a trampoline. As an observer of these parties I was watching the young workers at these parties whose job was to corral the children and take them through the activities of the party without getting walloped or lost. I began to daydream about my birthday party memories…….
This harkened me back to my first job….yes at McDonald’s. My job on Saturdays and Sundays was the “Birthday Party Coordinator”. Remember these were the days when McDonalds was still a novelty. Kids WANTED to have their birthday at McDonalds. The party consisted of a happy meal per child, milk or a soda, some lame party games and favors and they had to supply the cake. We sang happy birthday to the child and they ate their lunch and cake. All of this for about $25! Cheap – but pretty lame……and believe me as a 16 year old (probably hung-over too) this was like being in hell!! The children screamed and spilled soda – you had to keep them contained to the corner of the restaurant. And I think I was paid top dollar $3.30 and hour!
I was curious if they still offered this service – and sure enough they do! Here is a link that describes it if you have any interest…http://birthday-party-locations.com/index.php/birthday-articles/birthday-parties-at-mcdonalds/
Now they supply the cake, the ice cream, favors, and balloons. You still get happy meals – but your cost is now between $60-$100. Cheap by today’s standards.
Then I think back to my childhood – 40 some years ago…..I don’t think we have even had birthday parties anywhere except at our own house and then, it was probably one or two friends and family…….hmmm….makes me wonder how we got to this point where there are actually businesses that survive due to these $200 - $400 children’s parties.
But I have to say for my daughters last birthday, I forked out $250 or so to have her party at the Little Gym. No fuss, no muss, and I could sit back and smile and take pictures. Pretty darn convenient….and we won’t even discuss the time I ended up paying $75 for a freaking Dora cake from the Mixing Bowl….long story and another blog topic!
Anyway – the Pea’s birthday is in June and I am already looking for the spot to have her party…..maybe we will old school it this year and do it at our pool…..the nice thing about a summer birthday…..but then again I may end up splurging and do a bowling alley……makes me wonder though….Your thoughts?
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In our family we have traditionally never done a big party at a place like LittleGym. Anna's birthday last August I splurged a little and took her and 5 friends to the Build-A-Bear Workshop. We opted for the $10 bear and $5 outfit. Each child got to design their bear and take it home. After the party we hiked up to the Food Court at the Short Pump Mall (we were quite a sight all holding hands in a big line!) for Uncrustables and Juice Boxes. I brought the cake and after that the kids all played on the playground in the food court. Our party cost about $120 for the bears and food that I brought for 6 children and adults.
ReplyDeleteShe is dying for a sleepover, so I think I may brave that idea for her next birthday.