This summer my ds will turn 6 and the next day my dd will be 5. This is the first year they both will have school friends to invite. I'm not sure if I should have each child their own party with friends, then the usual combined party with family or a big party with friends and the family party. I wish there was a good way to make the birthdays special for each child individually since they are so close together and they are so close in age, but after almost 5 years I haven't come up with anything yet. Any suggestions?

By Bellajoe on Thursday, April 28, 2005 - 07:35 am:

I would say, have a party with both kids and their friends, but two separate cakes. That at least makes it a bit individualized. And then have the family party another day.

My sister has twins that are boy/girl. I don't think she has come up with a solution either. I think she usually has the combined party with both kids and their friends. The kids go to separate schools, so they don't have the same friends.

By Kaye on Thursday, April 28, 2005 - 07:58 am:

My kids are 5 days apart (and 4 years). What I do is have one on weekend, and one on the next weekend. We have done joint parties before. They both prefer not too. What I have found is that big parties start at about age 4- or 5, but then they stop at around 9 or 10. So in my opinion it is only a few years, I would try to be seperate. We also go out to eat on their birthday.

By Conni on Thursday, April 28, 2005 - 08:09 am:

I think it depends on what they want to do for their party. Is one hoping for a swimming party and the other hoping for a bowling party? If so I would do them seperately.

We have been to parties that were for 2 siblings before. It was nice. I remember one inparticular that we went to last fall for a Brother and Sister... Mom had a Magic Show and a big bouncy house in the backyard. They did cake and ice cream at the end and opened gifts. Each child only invited a few friends and no one seemed overwhelmed. Well, except for my 4 yr old who was attached to my hip the whole ad wouldnt play with any of his classmates and was too scared to jump in the bouncey house. (however- he LOVED the magic show and still talks about that girl named Mia who did the magic. lol)

Whatever you decide have a great time!!

By Rayelle on Thursday, April 28, 2005 - 09:46 pm:

Thanks! I've been asking them for ideas about themes etc, but surprisingly haven't gotten anything. They have a few friends in common, since they go to the same school and generally play together if friends come over. I've always done separate themes, one party when it was just family. I like the magician idea, that would hit both ages. Thanks again!