birthday party activities?

[theamazingtrace]

when is it appropriate/necessary to have organized activities at birthday parties?

[SnuggleBuggles]

organized meaning you expect the kids to wait their turn and do some activity? Not till 4-5yo, imo. Organized meaning a decorate a cupcake table or do some other go at your own pace thing? 2yo. Something like freeze dance could be at any age.

No single winners till school age.

I have read a ton of b-day party planning books and this one is my favorite:
Birthday Parties: Best Party Tips and Ideas (Lansky, Vicki) (Paperback)
by Vicki Lansky

I like it because it breaks tips and ideas down by age. I think that is very helpful. No fancy pictures or anything but solid info. HTH,

Beth

[egoldber]

I think its helpful if you have a large number of kids at the party. More than 3 or 4 kids don't really do well with open free play, at least not in my house. :)