Parties should be about your child and who they want to come.
It’s your child’s day so really it should be up to them who should be invited so don’t feel bad at all.

No, you’re not being awkward at all, sounds reasonable to me. Parties at indoor play centers and the like are quite expensive.
Maybe one time when you want to invite a bigger group, you could just organise a party at a playground.

The reality is that no-one can be invited to everything. I have never been offended if my kid wasn’t invited. Don’t feel awkward; most likely the other mums fully understand.

I do t think too many mums would be very upset by this. It makes sense you would invite the kids you’re child mixes with the most. No embarrassment needed

Why are you feeling awkward? This sounds like a great little gathering. As long as your son has a good day, you know you were successful. His happiness is all that matters

I don’t think you should feel awkward at all. Everyone understands there are lots of demands on our finances and time these days.

I think most people understand that you can’t invite every kid to every party – I’ve never been offended if my kids aren’t invited. It’s only a problem if you invite everyone except one poor kid.

I was in similar situation but when there only in play group I think it ok to invite a only a few. It becomes tricky when their in school and then your faced with whether you should invite whole class because you don’t want to leave anyone out and most likely see the sane know da abd their parents for many years to come.

If you have a set number,you always have to invite kids who invited your kid,& let your child pick who they want to come.

Just invite who you can and want to! People understand

Just let people know that it’s a small party with limited space and budget. Everyone is in the same boat, they will understand.

im sure they will understand!

Don’t feel awkward or bad, I think that is more than enough people. If he was really close with his whole group and you all associated more than yeah maybe invite them all, but a few close friends and then definitely cousins and close friends. Maybe you could invite the whole group to have a picnic in the park, cheap and then you don’t have the guilt

Keeping it simple, what you have planned is an excellent idea for your little boy. I am sure he and his little friends will enjoy themselves very much.

don’t worry about it. honestly you won’t see most of these people again.

yeah this is a great question with great answers

the cupcake idea sounds good and I’m sure the rest will understand

maybe do something like bring in cupcakes to the playgroup that everyone can share in

most families understand the cost and if your child only plays with a few then those are the ones to invite. you can always celebrate at playgroup too

just stick to those your child associates with