i have to agree with you its not all about gifts the kids need the time to spend just with you will make him happy

I had that problem with one of mine. Christmas: Dec. 25; Birthday Jan 10. BUT, it's good to have a celebration specifically for his birthday and keep it separate from the Christmas season. She always hated those "combo" presents. "Here, and this also covers your birthday."

who's his favorite super hero? get him clothes with that on it

Have you been here? http://www.elliottbaybook.com/search/search.jsp?keyword=each+peach+pear+plum

I just looked this up on Amazon.com... they have a copy for 9.95

At 4 a simple cake and a trip to chucky cheese will thrill them.Do not under any circumstances give any kid underwear for their birthday or socks.

There is nothing wrong with doing it that way. You may consider maybe getting him a few books instead of other toys.

First I can think of one thing that sticks in my mind and that is the absolute rage I have frequently heard people express about being short changed by having a birthday around major holidays. It makes a major impression on them and their self esteem if a birthday is confused with the holiday or plays second fiddle to it.

A birthday is a celebration that is seperate from other holidays. Flooding a four year old child with multiple toys, clothes, and books and a party will not be nearly as important as spending time with you just having fun and doing something together that makes him feel wanted. Think back to the memories you have can you remember the gifts? Or do you remember playing with the toys with someone.

Did you remember the adults there or the children you played with? The thumb nail rule of one child the child actually likes for each year of age is very wise. You invite someone just to be nice or because they are family the party is for the adults not the birthday recipient.

If you have planned a nice family time keep it affordable and focus on enjoying it with your child. He will probably get so many toys he won't know what you get him in the crush of the party but you don't want to hurt anyones feelings topping it with a really great gift. Believe the child will pick up on bad vibes.

I would give his present at a private time anyway if it is something meaningful; hardly approriate for a 4 year old.

What is important about gifts the day of a party is you note who gets what and encourage him to send Thank You notes if nothing more than traceing his hand and includeing a photo of the party. He will learn appreciation and the people who love him will be more likely to continue to make his life special.

A lot is made about getting a child their hearts desire for birthdays and other holidays and all it really does is make it about what they get not who they are and enjoying being with them. You can bankrupt yourself and they still won't be happy.

One thing I would encourage you to take into consideration is as your child gets older his needs/wants will become considerably more expensive and maybe getting a little less now and investing it in owning a home, a college fund, or just a rainey day fund makes a lot more sense.

The second most important thing is you do NOT stress yourself about it because your child will not undertand why the center of his universe is unhappy.