5 Frugal Birthday Parties by Rachel Webb - Rachel@Note-Ables.com Letting your child host a Birthday Party is a great way to show your child that they are important to you as well as a fun way to encourage them to befriend other children their age. It can also teach them how to graciously accept and give gifts and other social skills. Notice I said "letting your child host the party", as opposed to you throwing a party for them. What is the difference? Children should help plan their own party, unless of course it is a surprise party! Kids really enjoy choosing the theme, making a guest list, address the invitations and helping to decorate. Hosting a birthday party does not need to be an expensive affair to be fun. Here are ideas that will keep your party budget under control. 1) A table cloth can help make clean up a breeze but if you have several birthday parties throughout the year buying disposable paper tablecloths can really waste your money. Purchase a party tablecloth that can be laundered and used at other parties. Choose a color that is non gender specific like yellow, green, or red. 2) If you want plates, cups and napkins that match your theme, purchase them in a party set for the best economical value. www.PartyShopMom.com offers lots of theme parties in a box. Colleen Caldwell is a frugal mom herself. E-Mail her and mention this article for a 10% discount and details. 3) Try buying crafting supplies for a make-and-take party favor - its a great way to combine an activity and the favor in one and can often save on the budget too! 4) You can really save money by making your own invitations instead of buying them, or decorating the birthday cake instead of purchasing from the bakery. Themed cake pans can be rented for about $5 at party stores but you can also purchase them onsale for about the same price. 5) Young children love balloons and they can serve double duty as not only the decorations but a take home gift. I have found that It is often much cheaper to buy your own balloons and then take them to the local grocery store to have them filled for you. If you are needing a lot of balloons, check into the price of renting a helium tank to save money. Below are some themed party ideas that are kid tested and mother approved! Best of all - most cost under $20! DINOSAUR BIRTHDAY PARTY FAIRY TALE BIRTHDAY PARTY JUNGLE ANIMAL BIRTHDAY PARTY UNDER THE SEA BIRTHDAY PARTY HIGH FASHION TEA PARTY Author Rachel Webb designs 100% Magnetic Fridge Calendars made entirely out of heavy duty magnet. Both Affordable and Decorative they are a great way to Schedule Family First! Visit: http://www.Note-Ables.com or E-Mail Discount@Note-Ables.com and mention this site for a $2 off coupon! Recommend This Article To A Friend! Don't miss out on any of these great money-saving ideas...have them delivered right to your e-mail box every Friday by subscribing to Creative Homemaking today! Kath <mzmouser@earthlink.net> ~`* `*' `*' `* `*' `*' *' `*' *' `*' `* `*' *' `*' ~~~