Kids' Birthday Ideas That Won't Break the Bank

Kids' birthday parties can be a very expensive undertaking. However, they don't have to be. There are plenty of inexpensive birthday party ideas for kids that would make your child's day special without breaking the bank.

If you are planning a girl's birthday party, consider ideas that involve dressing up. Princess parties, tea parties, garden parties or a masquerade party are all big hits with little girls.

• Since you can break out that teapot and cups you never use for all of these party ideas, you won't need to buy those expensive themed paper cups and plates. Just be prepared for one or two pieces to break. If you only have valued family heirloom china, take a trip to your local thrift store to find a set you don't cherish.
• What do you know? All those brides were right - you will use your bridesmaid dresses again, as dress up clothes. Add fancy hats, high heels and white gloves to the dress up corner. If you didn't save any gowns that you don't mind discarding later, ask around. Some of the guests' moms are sure to have a few fancy dresses that they've been meaning to bundle up for the thrift store.
• For a fun craft, take digital photos of the girls in their finery and print them out. Have them decorate inexpensive foam frames with glitter glue and then put the photos in the frames. Moms will love this craft just as much as the kids do.
• Serve tea with plenty of cream and sugar. Most little girls prefer half tea, half milk and a heaping spoon of sugar in their cups.
• Cupcakes are a great alternative to a big sheet cake and are usually much cheaper.
• The goody bags are usually the most expensive part of a party. Try not to get carried away by all the fluffy accessories in the party store. Even limiting yourself to a few fake rings, a tiara and some candy can carry a hefty price tag if you are buying bags for ten or twelve girls.
• A thrifty alternative to an expensive goody bag is a take home craft or project. For example, if you are doing a garden party, buy cheap clay pots, soil and seed packets. Tuck a few pieces of wrapped candy, a baggy of soil and a packet of seeds in each pot and send the girls home with them in lieu of goody bags.