Are "playdates" Really Necessary??

If your daughter gets bored at home and has no one to play with, then may be it is absolutely needed. But you mentioned she has her cousin to play with plus she is going to day care. I guess playdates may not be of big value to her at this point. See if you can go once in a while and convey to them that you are not available for all their activities. That way your daughter can meet new people and they won't bother you much. I guess they cannot expect you to be part of all activities just because you take your daughter to play area

 

My son is 3 years and 4 months now. I don't send and I don't think play dates are necessary everyday, if he/she spends time already with other kids in school.
I feel to have long term friendships for kids, play dates are good thing. Not necessarily every week, for one or two times in a month with the kids they get along well or you feel they can be good friends. For now I prefer outside in a park or at any event already happening in a city, as my kid is still young and if other kids parents are not close to me but we meet so that kids can play together, like once in a month.
if kids are little big ,( not toddler anymore), and you also like to spend time with parents then having at home I prefer.
Overall it is good, for me it doesn't work everyday. If kids are neighbors and evening they play outside for an hour that is good for kids.
If you know already coming out is tough, then go to one or two times in a month, and see if works. If playdates are like all people meeting, partying and cooking and cleaning associated then it is too much to handle. If you like the group worth the efforts.

 

@anika987
I will tell my childhood experience- I was the only child in my family for the longest time ( maternal first grandkid) paternal- all my other cousins were older by 2- 5 years ( boys). When I was growing up it was the same situation in my neighborhood- there were no kids around my age. I went to Creech and KG's. I had friends there.
When I had cousins to play with- it was just cousins or school friends most of the time. My mom who was a working woman had no time for my playdates. I feel it has affected me as an individual. I am an extrovert and growing up where I had less opportunity to make friends curtailed my ability. I couldn't even get school friends home.. coz my mom wouldn't be home.
My 3rd cousin, on the other hand, had a SAHM and her parents monitored her and her friends over playdates from a very young age.
Now we are all grown up- the amount of friends my cousins has is unbelievable. Making friends and maintaining the friendship is truly required for immigrants.

I suggest you can make a call about playdates by asking your daughter- ask her is she open to having more friends.. does she feel like playing with your friend's kids? Make a call based on that.
If you are not ok with the parents- make an effort for your DD's sake- Do things like... attend few playdates with your DD and maybe when your DD is comfortable tell your friends you will just leave your DD and take turns in hosting playdates at your place for other kids.

If your DD wants to have any of her daycare friends over.. tell her to invite them. You are no way restricted to stick to the circle of mommies in your neighborhood. This will even give an opportunity for your DD and you to have new friends too.