My question is do you have to have a party for them? spend that money and take your family out to somewhere they may enjoy…. zoo, interactive playground etc.

Bubble play, paintings, drawings, cupcake decorating, or biscuit decorating, pin the tail, ring toss, running race, play at the park

Do a scavenger hunt! Ask the other parents to get them to wear comfy shoes and walk around the neighbourhood (or block) spotting things on a sheet. You can end up at a park and have a play there, hand out lolly bags etc to have as a treat there

I would suggest if you had to do something a play centre or somewhere for an experience. My almost 4 year old, hasn’t had a ‘party’ this year we are going to the zoo (if lockdown is over).
Even though she has “friends” I don’t and can’t afford the party etc, plus i don’t think she will remember it. When she starts school we might throw a birthday. But we make a big deal about her, as its her day (she gets to choose all the meals for the day, birthday cake etc) so she still has a fun day, but its more family centred.

Teddy bear picnic

maybe a play centre?

Picnic at the park or the beach. Little ones don’t need a lot of friends to enjoy the day. Family and a couple of friends is more then enough for a 3yo

Play Centre, picnic at local park, 10 pin bowling if going to have other parents to help, trip to the zoo, trip to local farm, look up attractions in your area and see what is available for children in that age range for some ideas. Play date at home with some special treats, cake and a treasure hunt.

Play centre or bbq at home with a jumping castle

A play date at the park with those friends and their family. Young kids only need a small celebration.

I doubt a 3 y.o. will remember anything about the party. It is basically a get together for family and friends until the child is older. Do you have relatives and friends with children around the same age?

I would suggest a play cafe or a park, somewhere where there will be lots of kids involved. We had my nieces recently at maccas and we went for brunch (everyone got pancakes and milkshakes) was great there was heaps of other kids there around her age and she had a wonderful time

Depending on where you live, you could bring the kids out for a fun day. A Luna Park, a jumping castle…

We just make one for us ( and grandparents)

Where are you located?
There are some arts and crafts places that would be fun. Even just go to a play centre – don’t have to have a structured party.