Plan a Princess Birthday Party-the Frugal Way
by Cyndi Roberts and Tomilyn Lane
Kids' birthday parties seem to have gotten a little "out of
hand" these days. The only parties some children have ever attended have been at
places like McDonald's or Burger King!
However, with a little planning, you can throw a great party in
your own home, for a lot less money!
A princess theme might be just the thing for your little
girl--what little girl doesn't dream of being a princess?
Here are some ideas to help you plan a princess party on a
budget!
First of all, remember that more is not always merrier when it
comes to children! A good rule of thumb is to invite 4 friends to a 4 year old's
party, 5 to a 5 year old's party, etc.
Start watching for invitations ahead of time at the Dollar
Store, garage sales, discount centers. If you don't find a bargain, think about
letting the birthday girl, help make some. Fold half a sheet of typing paper in
half, write the pertinent info inside and the guest's name on the outside.
Decorate with glitter, stickers, etc. Staple closed and hand deliver or slip
into an envelope and mail.
The girls will love to make "treasure boxes". Cover a box (shoe
boxes work fine) with tissue paper or spray paint gold ahead of time. Then the
girls can decorate their own box with stickers, glitter, buttons, silk flowers,
beads, markers, crayons; anything you can think of! Any prizes from games (such
as a pinata or grab bag) or favors can go in their boxes for taking home.
Necklaces are fun and easy to make. Use colored twine or narrow
ribbon (whatever you have on hand)and let the guests string with Cheerios, Froot
Loops, Lifesavers, uncooked pasta or anything else you can find.
A neat game to play is a beanbag toss. Make beanbags out of
clean old socks. Find a large box and cut holes in the shape of crowns. Let the
girls take turns tossing the beanbags into the holes.
Younger children will enjoy this grab bag game. Wrap little toys
(things you have gotten on sale or at the $ store, of course)and put them in a
box. Hold the box up high and let the girs grab, using tongs. This is fun, also,
because they get to open little gifts, just like the birthday girl.
For girls a little older who love to play dress up, take an old
sheet and cut out an "apron" shape, one that fits over the head. Use pinking
shears for a decorative edge and there's no need to hem. The girls can decorate
these "dresses" with glitter pens, markers, buttons, etc. Slip them over their
heads and tie a ribbon around the waist.
Instead of baking a big birthday cake, you might want to
consider making cupcakes instead. Just frost and decorate with candies, then put
a candle in the top of each cupcake. Each child gets to blow one out!
The day before the party, dip ice cream into paper-lined muffin
tins and keep in the freezer till time to serve. You'll have much less hassle at
refreshment time!
Of course, these ideas can be modified to fit any theme, for
boys or girls. Do you have a "little cowboy"? Make your invitations in the shape
of cowboy hats or boots. Just use your imagination and have fun!
Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of
our children. ~Charles R. Swindoll ~
Cyndi Roberts is the editor of
the "1 Frugal Friend 2 Another" bi-weekly newsletter and founder of the website
of the same name. Tomilyn Lane, her daughter, holds a degree in Fashion
Merchandising and is a happily married SAHM to 1 "little princess" and 1 "little
cowboy"! Visit http://www.cynroberts.com
to find creative tips, articles, and a Free e-cooking book. Subscribe to the
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