Preschool birthday 'party' etiquette?

My kids are not going to get a party this year... but kids usually have a little party at school, so we'll do that (it's a co-op too so I'll be the helping mom that day). I'm not sure what the other moms have done so far, usually they get out with a small goody bag though (with cookies, candy, little toys, whatever). I've seen some bring cupcakes.

Quite frankly, I don't want to make cupcakes LOL. Would it be bad form to just order a cake (or a cupcake cake I guess) from a bakery and bring that? There's no food allergies in their class thankfully. Also, what would you like in a goody bag for your 3-4yo? I don't really want to overdo it but I want my kids to enjoy it.

 

My boys are turning 3 and will be taking homemade cupcakes. Unfortunately one of them does have a severe nut allergy so I can't order anything. And they are in seperate classes so I have to make two boxes of cupcakes. I am not doing a goody bag since we are doing cupcakes and I think that is more then enough at this age. It was either or and the boys wanted cupcakes since that is what lots of kids do. If I could find a place I trusted to be completely nut free I would definitaly order cakes or cupcakes.

 

I've also seen parents bring in popsicles, hoodsies (ice cream cups), etc. for parties. As for treat bags, I don't do that the school party. I wouldn't do too much in the way of plastic party favors. They end up in the trash. Pencils and erasers, an ice cream cone coupon, crayons/coloring book are something that might be more appreciated.

 

I don't see anything wrong with bringing cupcakes from a bakery. The way I feel about goody bags is that I would prefer not to get them. My kids have enough stuff and believe me, they like goody bags if they get them but if they are not option, my kids don't care. My kids just had a birthday over the holiday and I did not bring in any goodies for their class.

 

Parents bring in a snack at my kids school, but they encourage somewhat healthy ones, so maybe fruit skewers with cheese cubes or pumpkin muffins. But if your school is OK with cupcakes, I think buying a sheet cake (or store made cupcakes) is great. Just make sure you have something to cut it with and small paper plates to put the pieces on.

As for goodie bags... they're awful. It's been two years of kid birthday parties here and you can't believe how much throw away junk my girls have come home with. And yes, I toss it all within a day or two. Not sure how much you were going to spend on each book, but how about going to Target and getting a pack of the $1 animal flashcards they have? Or buying small books for each child instead? That way the parents don't immediately throw everything out. Even pencils have gotten a bit old here - we've received so many from birthday parties that they just go in a drawer.

 

I always took a cupcake cake for preschool parties with no trinkets.

 

I agree, take some cupcakes if that's what the kids requested and dont waste your money on the goodie bags. Happy Birthday to your kids!!

 

I think bakery cupcakes would be fine. I always take a bakery cake for the kids birthday at daycare. I also have veto'd goody bags. Can't stand them and therefore don't give them.

 

I always send bakery cupcakes or cookies for my kids. I remember being told once that schools like cookies because they are less messy then cupcakes for the younger kids.