I want to throw a small party for DS's bday. I'm thinking about doing something like inviting a few kids to go bowling (not an official bowling party- just as something fun to do), then doing food/cake, possibly back at home. We still don't know a ton of people here, but DS does occasionally play with some of the neighbor kids when we see them outside- so we know them, just not really well yet. Would it be obnoxious to invite those kids? What if I put "No gifts" on the invite? I just don't want anyone to think it's a gift grab, or to feel like they are obligated to attend, kwim? Would it be bad if I invited some of the neighborhood kids, but not everyone?

My other dilema is DS's other friend. I would consider his mom a friend of mine, and she has 4 kids total (2 much older- like more than 5 yrs older). Should I invite all 4 kids? I'd hate for the older ones to feel left out, but I also don't want them to feel like they have to go hang out with the little kids.