Classroom Party for 4 Year Old Class

First - you did clear this with the school, correct? I've never heard of anyone full blown celebrating a birthday at school.

If its ok with them -
mini cupcakes - just the right size and easy to server.
Bounce House - they have special rates during the week.
Target dollar spot or dollar store for favors. I did little trucks and boats from the Dollar Spot at Target for my son's b-day this weekend and his friends seemed very excited.

Hi! We preform cake decorating P. where everyone decorates their own cake and travel to day-cares, etc. Unfortunately we may be out of your price range too but feel free to contact me to discuss. I have a few ideas other than using S. if you do find we are over your budget. Let us know if we can help.

Kim
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Hi! If you have enough time, I'd suggest ordering some craft sets from Oriental Trading Company. They have some awesome themed packaged sets. The kids would keep the crafts so you wouldn't have to purchase goody bags. Then I'd bring cupcakes or cookies and juice.

I agree with the other moms and say keep it simple. I'm sure your son and his classmates will enjoy just about anything you plan. Luckily, they are at that age where anything fun is a hit! Good luck! =:o)

I would bring cupcakes with white frosting and let the kids decorate them with candies, sprinkles and other treats. This is your treat and activity all in one.

As for a good bag... keep it really simple and small. You could do a thing of bubbles and they would love it!

A lot of little kids are afraid of people who wear makeup like clowns. I would not do that. How long do you get to disrupt the classroom....lol. If you only get 30 minutes that is barely time enough to pass out cake and juice. I would do some crafts or different activities on a few of the tables and let the kids alternate from table to table.

I would not make it the big deal that would take lots of clean up time and make the kids wired up for the rest of the day. I say at school it should be low key.

As Leslie D said, make sure you've cleared this with the school first (I've also never heard of a birthday party at school, just bringing in treats to have at snack time.)
Other than that, keep it SIMPLE, they are four year olds, there's no need to hire professionals. Just play a few games and have cupcakes. I wouldn't even worry about party favors.

What have other parents done?

At my chid's school we did the mini cupcakes/juice boxes. Some parents did goody bags for the class some did not. Party time was the 20min alloted for the afternoon snack.
Things like balloons and pinatas were not allowed.

Kids were then generally invited to a party after school at Chuck E. Cheese/Bounce place.
Our school did not allow us to bring outside, non-parents into the school.