We have Alex's first birthday party this weekend and have a variety of ages coming too. We opted for the farm animals but got quotes for 1 hr for between $190-220. It can be seen as extravagant by some but we know he will love them as will the other kids, oh and it keeps them all entertained too!

We are then doing a sausage sizzle - easy to feed the masses! And then birthday cake with some other sweets like cupcakes and a couple of other cakes/sweets that family members are making - really easy really. (our party is also from 10-12).

We are also making use of a bubble machine - you can get them for around $15 from Toys r us and the like. Basically you pour the mixture in, set it on the ground/table and it "spews" out hundreds of bubbles. Kids of all ages love it and it gets them running around too - once again, easy entertaining.

In past for DD's party and other 1 yeard old parties that have been too most tend to play pass the parcel and thats about it - the young kids dont really understand any other games.

Oh and another thing that works well for young kids is a ball pit of some sort.

Hope you have fun planning!