by Stacey Schifferdecker

Does it seem like kids’ birthday parties are getting a little more extravagant every year? My daughter recently went to a party that featured two bounce toys and two clowns doing face painting and balloon animals, plus a craft table, a piñata, and goodie bags. The latest trend in my son’s class is to rent the entire skating rink for a couple hours.

Of course, the kids have fun at these parties and if the parents can afford a big, expensive party, they have every right to throw one. But those of us who can’t afford to spend hundred of dollars on a birthday party can still throw affordable parties that are fun for everyone.

Set a Budget – and Stick to It
Your first step in keeping a birthday party affordable is to decide how much you want to spend. Don’t be tempted into a “My child’s birthday party must be the biggest and best” competition. If your child wants something for the party that will break the budget, tell him or her they have to drop something else.

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Every party needs fun games. Summer seems to have a lot of birthday parties. I wonder if it is because of the cold winters? I have brainstormed some of my favorite games from childhood. Here is a list my favorites. Enjoy, and if you have any fun ideas click here to leave a comment and tell us your favorites.

Crazy Faces: Mess factor: 0
Suitable age: Pre-teen and younger
Supplies needed: disposable cameras or digital cameras

Directions: Let kids take turns snapping pictures of each other making crazy faces. The object of this game is to see who can make the craziest face. Kids can take a vote and give a prize to the craziest face.

Pass the Egg: Mess factor: 10
Suitable age: All ages
Supplies needed: eggs, spoons

Directions: Group kids into pairs. Place one egg on a spoon, and then have a child to place the end of the spoon between their teeth. One child walks halfway to the finish line, and then passes the egg (from one spoon to the other) to their partner’s spoon. The partner then attempts to reach the finish line without breaking the egg. The object of this game is for partners to successfully pass the egg from one spoon to another and reach the finish line without splattering the egg everywhere.

Side note: This game is best played outdoors because of the mess factor. 

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