Son's 3rd Birthday  

Honestly, I've never done a theme party. I would say no on the goody bags as most of the people there will be older - I'm sure they wouldn't expect them. Personally I'm sure the decorated plates are more expensive than plain ones I would save money there and with the Elmo cake and maybe a couple decorations with Elmo - maybe a poster or sign that could be hung in his room afterwards or a stuffed Elmo for a center piece on the main table that he can enjoy later.

The most popular theme party I ever did was water themed. I told everyone to come in swimming suits and bring a towel and a change of clothes. I gave very cheap squit guns as party favours, and supplied hundreds of water balloons which the kids filled themselves. I also set up a couple of 14.99 pup tents (we already had) to use as bases to go in and hide behind. It took up the whole two hours, between that and the barbecue.

The food was very, very simple. Just hot dogs, crisps/potato chips, home made sponge cake, and watermelon with sodas or juice. My husband kept saying, shouldn't we have more complicated food? Shouldn't we organize games like pass the parcel and I kept telling him no, just make sure no one gets hurt!

The party was quite a few years ago now and the kids are still talking about it and how it was the 'coolest' party EVER!

i am sorry that i cannot share so much with you on this regard. whenever we throw a party at home, we do not consider themes at all. we just consider how many friends are coming and what will be the good foods to prepare. for as long as the foods prepared are a hit, then there is no problem at all. with all the efforts that you are putting into this party, i hope that things will turn out perfectly fine on yout son's third birthday party. have fun and good luck.