My kids's birthdays are six months apart, so I spend a good portion of the year thinking about the next birthday party. When they were infants it was easy, because we had a private patio that could accommodate 50 people. But as we moved, we found what the most challenging issue was when throwing a party for your kids in Hoboken: finding the space.   

After we moved into our condo, I knew it was time to rethink my birthday party strategy, especially since the kids were old enough to appreciate themed parties. Accordingly, I hired Dandy Dan the clown to blow balloons, play games and entertain the kids for two hours at my son's second birthday at home in our living room. 

I tend to host birthday parties at home because I don't like off-site time restrictions (Little Gym parties last for exactly 1.5 hours, which results in parents warning all the attendees not to be late), the hassle of transporting drinks, food and favors, and the expense.

My kids' friends also tend to have infant siblings, so I always set up the pack and play in the den for the inevitable nap/breastfeeding sessions. The trade-off is setup and cleanup, but I have perfected a routine that streamlines the operation. The lower cost definitely doesn't hurt; it costs anywhere from $200 to $600 for an at-home party for food, decorations including a helium tank and balloons from Target, and a variety of activities and favors courtesy of Oriental Trading.

Now that my daughter's fourth birthday is approaching, I'm considering various options. At four, she is old enough to enjoy parties outside of the house. Sky Club Fitness offers a pool birthday party package for $300, which includes pizza. But, it's not practical for the many infant attendees. Next year I will probably schedule her birthday party before the end of the school year so all her friends can attend. If I want to host an outdoor party, an inexpensive option is renting Jackson Street Park for a private birthday party.

At this point, I am deciding between an outing to Turtleback Zoo or a princess-themed party at home. We have plenty of princess dress-up outfits, and if we have a tea party filled with activities. I think the kids will be thrilled. 

To read more about what makes Kathy Zucker tick, check out her blog at http://hobokenmomcondo.com/momblog and follow her at http://twitter.com/zhobokenmom