Birthdays on a Budget

The pressure is on and you are at a loss. Your child's birthday is rapidly approaching, but your budget is tapped out. What is a parent to do? Believe it or not, there are ways to throw an exciting birthday on a budget without disappointing your child. Here are five ways to get you going without breaking the bank.

1.) Take Stock - Sometimes when we are under pressure, we forget to look at the things right in front of our faces. Do you have a large yard or a talented family member? Taking the time to look closely at your surroundings can save you a lot of money. Once you can envision your yard as a place that will be as much fun as the local pizza place or your art teacher sister as a viable alternative to the clowns and magicians that cost a lot of money, you are well on your way to a successful party.

2.) Be Creative - Once you have a location and some entertainment planned, it is time to get creative. The great thing about young children is that if they see you are excited, they will get excited. It is always important to take into consideration the interests of the age group you will be entertaining. What television shows do they like? Which stars make their eyes shine with excitement? Once you know these things, putting a spin on the party will be a piece of cake. Instead of playing just musical chairs, try "superstar" musical chairs. You could decorate the chairs with cut outs of the children's favorite stars and play music from their compact disc collection. How about using that large back yard or basement to have a "Survivor" scavenger hunt or an "Amazing Race" adventure? Taking the time to really plan will not only save you a lot of money, but it will make it a party unlike any other. Once you open your mind, the possibilities are endless.