Soft play
Usually the cheapest per head, generally around £100 to £250, and hard to beat for little ones under six who mostly want to run about. You head to the venue, they do the food, and you're all done in two hours. The only catch is it can feel a lot like the last four parties everyone went to!
An entertainer
A magician, a science party or a disco. Brilliant for mixed groups of boys and girls, best for ages four to seven, and it works in a hall or at home. The entertainer holds the room for an hour or so, which might be exactly what you need, or a little less than the whole party.
A pamper party
Works from about five upwards and keeps working right through to twelve, which most party ideas don't! It's a full two hour experience rather than an hour of entertainment, it happens at home or a venue of your choice, and the children go home having made something and had a proper pamper.
It's perfect for a girl who loves the idea of being fussed over with her friends. If she'd rather be upside down on a climbing frame, it probably isn't her party, and we'd happily tell you so.
Comparing the cost fairly
It's worth looking at the total, not just the headline price. Venue parties often add food, party bags and a deposit on top. A mobile pamper party at £250 to £425 includes the robes, the activities, gift bags on some packages, the travel and the set up and pack down, and there's no room hire to pay.
Our honest take
If she's four and full of beans, soft play might be the one. If she's seven and has been dreaming of a spa day since Christmas, the pamper party is calling! We'd much rather you had the perfect party than booked the wrong one with us.