- The absolute cheapest invitation is a phone call, but if you must have written invitations, there are options. You can keep it simple, with card stock or construction paper embellished with rubber stamps, a mini-collage or children's artwork. You can also create invitations using desktop publishing software, and print them out at home. Use photos or digital scrapbooking elements to personalize them.
- Kids enjoy decorating cupcakes, and you could make a few plain frosted cupcakes and have each child bring sprinkles, to combine a party activity and food. Buying frozen party appetizers when they're on sale is another cheap way to feed a crowd, and hot dogs and potato salad can be inexpensive as well. Plan your party between meals, such as 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. or 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., so that appetizers or snacks will be enough.
- Have the kids make paper chain streamers as a party activity. Slice 1 inch thick strips of magazine or construction paper and loop them together. Choose one or two colors and alternate them for a look that matches your party theme or colors. Homemade party posters and life-size cardboard character cutouts are also inexpensive. If you're artistically inclined, you can create a cartoon character that matches your theme, and the kids can have their picture taken with the character.
- Homemade cakes can be a lot less expensive than store-bought cakes. You can decorate them with homemade fondant and make them stand apart from the usual buttercream-frosted cake. Simply roll out the fondant, cut to shape and adhere each piece with water or frosting. If you have a friend or family member who bakes well, or who is taking a cake decorating class, ask them to create a cake for the party.
- Making party games inexpensive isn't difficult. You can decorate a piece of cardboard or poster board for a homemade pin the ___ on the ___ game---fill in the blanks to match your theme. Also, games with built-in prizes, such as "guess how many candies or toys are in the jar" can also be fun. Embrace the idea that kids can have fun simply playing, too. You just might want to skip the official games in favor of spending time running around the yard.
- Birthdays come along once a year, but keep your eyes peeled all year long for clearance party plates and other favors or decorations. Sometimes, even at yard sales or thrift shops, you can find brand new party plates, still in the package. People will buy them and never use them, then donate or dispose of them. The more time you devote to shopping, the more likely you are to find a bargain.
