Invite family and the kids your toddler plays with regularly (four or five is plenty). An hour and a half is about right  -- enough time to play, have a snack, sing, and eat cake.

Set up big toys  -- pop-up mesh tents, oversize foam shapes and letters, riding toys, and baby strollers with dolls, since most 2- and 3-year-olds would rather roam around and run than sit still long enough to make a craft. Roll out a long piece of bubble wrap for them to stomp on. If the weather's good, take it all outside, and add sidewalk chalk and balls.

Serve simple snacks like cut-up fruit, cheese and crackers, or pizza bites. Fancier food won't dazzle a toddler.

Let your child help you pick out his party outfit and the music to play. Make a special paper hat or crown together with his name on it to wear on party day.

Extend the fun by playing hide-and-seek with some of the gifts after guests leave. Give him easy clues to find them, such as "It's in the room with the blue chair."

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