I too am not a big fan of kids birthday parties and so far for my 2 boys have only done their 1st (which was stressful enough). But i was actually thinking (and feeling a little guilty as alot of my friends kids have always had parties) of letting DS1 having a small party for his 4th birthday next year. Although i know your situation is a little different as your still new to your area- but i was thinking i would invite my close friends children and a handful from childcare- just his main friends. DS1 was invited to a 3rd birthday party from a childcare girl the other week- i had really only said brief hello's to the mum (didn't even know mum's name til the invite). The party just had a handful of childcare friends- all the ones i have noticed do tend to play together. I was also thinking i might do it at a play centre- cause i want it to be about the children and if i did something at home i'd feel obligated to invite more friends and family- which gets to big and stressful.