Tips for Hosting a Child's Birthday Party at Home on a Budget

These days, it seems like birthday parties for children are getting bigger, more expensive, and more outrageous. Just over this past year, my preschooler has been invited to parties at inflatable bouncing party zones, themed restaurants, children's gymnastic centers, and other fantastic venues. People I know are holding their birthday bashes at the zoo, the local aquarium, and other equally expensive, but exciting locales. We've been invited to a few parties in people's homes, but even those have had paid entertainment or giant moon bounces, and some have even been catered.

As my daughter's big day approaches, I've been wondering about the evolution of the traditional children's birthday party. Is it still possible to invite a group of children into your home for simple party games, cake and ice cream? Can you prepare a goody bag that doesn't attempt to rival the loot given to presenters at the big Hollywood awards shows? Sure, the expensive, fancy parties are easy for parents (usually no setup or cleanup involved), tons of fun for the kids and are usually a great time for all, but I think that you can still do things the old-fashioned way with wonderful results. I refuse to join the rat race. This year, I will host my daughter's party in my home, and I will try my best to spend less than one hundred dollars on the event. Will the kids still have a great time? You bet!!

Here are some ideas and tips for hosting a great birthday party for young children in your home without spending a small fortune:

Make the cake yourself.