Guest Post: Birthday Bash Bargains!
This is a guest post from Jessica at http://www.milkdonormama.blogspot.com
Enjoy!
As we get ready for our daughter Natalya’s upcoming 2nd birthday, my husband and I want to include friends and family, and have fun but not break the bank on the day. Here are some of my ideas to have a fun party for infants and toddlers and survive with your sanity and pocketbook intact!
First, there are decorations and paper goods. Since Natalya’s birthday is Halloween, our decorations do double-duty, both for the season and for her big day. Plus, it saves energy not having to set up and take down both Halloween and birthday things!
Next, there’s the food. Toddlers like to nibble here and there, so I’m planning on finger foods like pretzels, fruit, cheese and crackers. Last year I baked a large sheet cake for her birthday, and this year I’m going to do cupcakes. They can easily be decorated for the season, or you could make decorating the cakes a party activity and provide sprinkles, sugars, and candies for the tops. And, cupcakes can be baked up to a week ahead of time and frozen. You can take them out the morning of the party and by the time you’ve frosted them, they’re thawed and ready to eat.
Of course, it’s nice to have an activity for kids (and parents) to do.
Painting pumpkins, bobbing for apples, or going on a “monster egg”
hunt (reuse those plastic Easter eggs!) or a craft like decorating a mask can keep little fingers occupied.
And finally, it’s fun to send a favor home with the guests. Treat bags can be picked up for less than 10 cents apiece, or even less if you go after the holiday when everything is clearanced. The bags can be filled with small toys like puzzles and whistles, and candies, crayons, or whatever else is age appropriate (be sure to make separate favors for children under age 3 if including any small pieces or candies).
So, with a little planning ahead, a simple party can be thrown that will please impatient toddlers and keep parents happy too, without overwhelming delicate tempers!
Cheers,
Jessica
Oh—and feel free to leave your favorite birthday party bargains and ideas….sharing is fun! :)
