The Frugal Birthday Party

We've got two birthdays coming up at our house, and I'm thanking God my kids are older, and I don't have to do the whole balloons, streamers, invitations, party favors thing. But I remember it well. It was exhausting. Worst of all, it was also frequently quite expensive.

These days, people are over the top with birthdays. But I never went that route. Although I'm sure if you asked my kids, they would tell you they had nice birthday parties. I just didn't rent ponies, hire clowns - you get the idea.

In my mind, all that's needed for a nice party is a cake, ice cream, gifts, a few decorations, and some light entertainment for the kids.

And favors don't have to be expensive either. I remember buying big vinyl balls at the grocery store one year in six or seven different colors and handing them out as the kids were walking out the door. You know the kind? They keep them stacked in a big cage at most toy stores. The kids loved them.

There's a great article on SavingAdvice.com on just this subject. It's Ten Ways to Save on Birthday Parties, and it's great. Enjoy!