Parenting

I grew up with an older brother whose birthday was exactly 5 years before mine. The dual birthday party was OK when we were little, but by the time I was in elementary school, all I wanted was to have my own special day, and not have to share it. This got even worse when I eventually married a woman whose birthday was ALSO on the same day, but that's besides the point.

What I really want to communicate is that each kid should get their own special day, don't treat it like a parenting two-fer. They're individuals and should be treated as such.

As for the invitations, yeah say that it's a joint birthday party, but that it's not expected of them to bring gifts for both of your children.

I would just be honest in the invitation that they only need to bring a gift for the kid who's birthday they are celebrating.

Another idea- maybe do a birthday party for one in the morning and the other in the afternoon?

My brother and I are just 2 days (and a few years) apart. Personal celebrations with family were combined when we were younger (and moved to separate ones on our own birthdays as we grew older), and parties with friends were held on separate days.

On the invitation I'd say it's a combined birthday party and that presents aren't required for both kids, just the one that they're coming for (As in friends of Kid A get Kid A presents, and friends of Kid B get Kid B presents)

I think folks would rather know. If it's a split group, you could tailor the invites to mention that it's also the other kid's birthday, but they have their own group of friends coming with gifts.