Joint Girl/Boy Birthday Party

Just combine the parties but send separate invitations. That way the people coming will bring a gift for the person they received the invitation from.

There is no need to put that it is a combined party on the invite, that would actually be rude because they would feel obligated to bring a gift for each kid. Hope this makes sense.

Have fun!

I have boy/girl twins. When they were younger, we combined parties. Each friend was invited to either Ryan or Jenna's party. It did not list both kids on the party invite. People seemed to get that they only had to buy one gift. However, if the invite was saying come to Ryan and Jenna's party - I think people would feel obligated to get 2 gifts. They don't even have to know the party is combined on the invite.

I would do two different invitations, same party. That way people won't even know until they get there, and there won't be any mix up.
Alternatively you could do a cute invite that is one, but divided in half, and you could circle the half that applies to that person... I have seen these check box type of greeting cards - that could be done in a cute way.
I would go with 2 different invitations, personally, and you could even decorate half the room differently if you wanted to, so it's like there are 2 concurrent parties. That way the kids feel like their get their own special event too.

Good luck.

Last year for my daughter (who was turning 4 at the time) I had a party for her and made it very clear on the invitation that we don't have any room for more gifts and their their child's attendance at the party was the best gift. In addition, I indicated that in place of a gift that their child should make a picture for my daughter to be included in her scrapbook. Then a couple weeks after the party we made a scrapbook with all of the pictures from the party that her friends brought. She loved the activity and now she has a memory of the party that will last much longer than any toy that she may have received. She also has plenty of things that she gets from family so she does not feel left out when it comes to presents (most parties we go to these days the kids don't even open the presents at the party any way so it is not something that most kids are missing). I would say you could have people bring a picture for both kids (or something else like ... a toy to donate to a worthy cause) since people don't like to show up empty handed. Just say more than "no gifts" on your invite ... make it very clear that they should not bring gifts (we did that last year and only 1 person brought something).

Good luck!
K.

R., IMO, I belive it's unavoidable. Even if you were to address this, guests attending the party may still feel inclined to bring something for both children since it's a combined birthday party. Some guests may spend a little more on one child since they are friends and then spend a little less for their sibling. I wouldn't worry about it...let the people you are inviting decide this for themselves. HTH!

Im throwing my kids a joint birthday party this yr. The girl will be 4 and the boy will be 2. as of right now my kids pretty much share the same friends, so i figured why not let them share a party. This is much easier on me and my pocket book. Hopefully each person will decide how they want to do gifts. Either something they both can share (since my kids are spoiled anyway, they will get tons of gifts from family...) or they can just spend a few bucks on each kid. Well see how this works out! Im sure both of my kids will have a blast no matter what and they will get showered with gifts how ever ppl decide to do it!

Hi R.,
Every year I throw a joint party for my two girls who are two years apart. I make two invitations, one for each childs friends. And I don't really mention that the party is for both girls. A few people know and bring gifts for both girls, but most people just look at the invitation and buy for the birthday girl on the invitation only. Hope that helps.

Why not just have two different invitations? One for your daughter's friends and oenf or your son's friends? That way they wont know that its a party for more than one kid until after they show up, and they will only have one present instead of two - problem solved!

I often put "we would love your presence, no need to bring your presents" or something along those lines on party invites, just because my kiddos are spoiled anyway... but not telling people its a joint party would probably work well too. Only family members, who would likely bring one for both anyway, would really know right?

I am not sure at what time of the year you are throwing your birthday party but my sister did one a few years back. She did it at one of the many local bounce houses around. (Bouncin' off the walls) If you have something in your area like that this might be something to consider. I have also seen places here in SLC like Chuck E Cheese or Jungle Jims (they are pizza, rides, games) that is always fun for the kids. Or you if you didn't want to do it a facility, if it is at a time where it is warmer outside, you could do your own pizza, and games from home. Hope this helps and good luck.

A great resource for some ideas on birthday parties is www.birthdaypartyideas.com

I'd go with seperate invites as well except for the few people who would be invited for both children anyway. That way even though your kids share the party it still feels special to them and avoids the awkward am I supposed to bring a present for both kids ordeal. Sounds like it will be a blast for your kids. Have fun and don't stress about it if someone does decide to bring a gift for both kids