How to Make Birthday Hats

Throwing a kid's birthday party can be deceptively expensive. You may not be able to scrimp on the size of the guest list, or the gift your child has been begging for, but you can save money by making homemade birthday hats.

Things You'll Need

• Poster board Paper plates Glue Stapler Thin elastic Feathers Crayons Markers Paint Glitter Stickers

Instructions

1. Make hat construction a party activity. You've got enough to do before the party starts, so why not let each guest make his or her own hat as part of the festivities? The kids will love it, and guests as young as three can decorate their own hats.

2. Construct the hat. Use a dinner plate or paper plate to trace a circle onto a piece of poster board or other thick paper. Offer a variety of colors for the kids to choose from. Cut from the rim to the center of the circle, then overlap the two cut sides to make a cone. Staple or glue the cone in place. Staple or glue a thin band of elastic to fit under the chin. You can also use paper plates to make the cone, following the process above.

3. Prepare a decorating area. Cover the construction area with several layers of newspaper. Have plenty of glue and tape handy, and stock the table with stickers, buttons, ribbon, feathers, crayons, watercolor paint, felt markers, rhinestones, scraps of fabric, macaroni, dried beans, yarn, rubber stamps, glitter or felt letter cutouts. The only limit on decorating options are budget and imagination.

4. Decorate the hats. Turn the kids loose to create their own designs. Offer a special or thematic decoration solely for the birthday girl or boy's use. Adults should be on hand to help the smaller kids.