By Cyndi Roberts & 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. 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









About the author:
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 now a happily married SAHM to 1 "little princess" and 1 "little cowboy"!
Visit http://www.cynroberts.comto find creative tips, articles, and a free e-cooking book. Subscribe to the newsletter and receive the free e-course "Taming the Monster Grocery Bill".


Circulated by Article Emporium