Ah, the age-old dilemma: should you throw your child an extravagant birthday party with a cake that’s more glitter than frosting or whisk them away on an adventurous trip they’ll vaguely remember but you will undoubtedly talk about for years? The pressure is real.
My girls will be turning four and two this year. They share a birthday, like the actual date, not just the celebration. Last year, I booked a play gym and invited all their cousins. There were cupcakes, themed T-shirts, and lots of trinkets. This year, I’m debating whether to invest in a whole to-do or take them on a fun little adventure! I’ll admit, the idea of creating magical memories somewhere beyond our own four walls sounds dreamy.
My girls will be thrilled no matter how we celebrate them this year. I plan to make their actual birthday fun by reflecting on their lives so far, enjoying their favorite foods, and sticking to our tradition of a want, wear, need, and read!
But, of course, the big question is how to celebrate.
Great Wolf Lodge sounds like a blast (and an inevitable illness), or maybe a trip to an Airbnb with an indoor pool and a town with both a zoo and an aquarium (talk about living the dream). Then again, maybe I’ll hold off and plan an epic summer vacation, just our little family, or maybe—just maybe—I’ll cave and throw hundreds of dollars toward an hour and a half of cake, chaos, and toddler-level screaming at some party place AND book a trip. I just don’t know!
I know my girls are going to feel super loved and celebrated on their special day (and every day because, let’s be honest, I’m a bit obsessed). That’s all that matters, right?
But wow, I am not sure I can imagine making this decision every year, forever! So, yes, I’m party planning and can cry if I want to! And I will, undoubtedly, cry at some point.
Does anyone have any travel suggestions? Something perfect for little ones but doesn’t involve a plane ride? Maybe within a 3-4 hour drive? Or have you had a fantastic party experience locally? Spill the details! What do you do to celebrate your children’s birthdays? Help a mama out.
