However, IF you’re not a holiday baby or you want to throw a great party for your kids the following round-up of tips and links should help you do so on a budget.

THE PARTY

• Crafty Birthday Party Fun & Savings
• Green your party – yes green living does save cash – get even more tips for an eco-birthday party.
• Save Money on Birthday Celebrations for Large Families
• Three inexpensive birthday party ideas

THE CAKE & TREATS

• Four ways to save money on birthday cakes
• The $13 birthday party – very cool.
• Unique, Yet Simple & Inexpensive Kids Birthday Treats
• Make and decorate your own cake – get inspired!
• Skip the disposable plates and make easy cupcakes in reusable cupcake liners.

GOODIE BAGS

• Skip the goodie bags – it’s outside the box but perfectly acceptable.
• Thrifty goodie bags
• More goodie bag ideas – many low cost.

SAVE MONEY ON BIRTHDAY GIFTS

• Save money on birthday presents
• Homemade birthday cards made easy
• Everyday Cheapskate Fun and cheap birthday gift ideas for kids
• Inexpensive Birthday Gift Ideas for Preschoolers
• Homemade toys for kids and a great DIY play kitchen round-up (low cost and awesome gift). See even more homemade toy ideas.
• Homemade gifts for adults.

[image via stock.xchng]

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

For fun and savings combine the food, activity, and goodie bag components or at least two of each. For example…

• Have kids decorate cookies or cupcakes at the party. Set a table out with all the necessary decor items – frosting tubes, little candies, sprinkles, and more. Have kids go at it for the activity, give them a cupcake and juice or fruit for a snack, then send them home with a couple of extra cupcakes each.You can also make cookies with kids and send them home with a cookie cutter and some of the cookies.
• Have the kids make homemade play dough, finger paint, or goop then give each a recycled yogurt containers so they can take some home.
• Get some recycled cardboard and rubber bands along with some some paint, and let the kids make and decorate small flower presses. Head out into the neighborhood, gather flowers and leaves to press, then send each kid home with their press.
• If it’s near a holiday find a suitable holiday craft or two and give kids the tools to make said craft, then they can take them home. For example, for a November or December birthday these recycled pumpkin pie tin ornaments are awesome. For a summer party let kids make solar prints.

Really you can combine many treats and activities that will easily double up as party fun and take home goodness. What else can you think of?

[image via stock.xchng]

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

We have been married for 14 years.  God has blessed us so much and I am thankful that G is a loving and committed father to our children. 

I’m excited to see what is in store for us.  

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

I found several shirts, a pair of shorts, and a Dora dress.  All were priced about $1.74-$3.25. 

I found these Little Mermaid and Nemo stickers and tattoos in the dollar section.  The large coloring pads with crayons were 75% off, so I paid $1.25 each for them (reg $5).  I’m saving them for my kids’ birthdays, along with my other bargains. 

After I left Target, I went over to Family Christian Bookstore and picked up the Veggie Tales Jonah movie for $5.  It was on special this month.  It’s going to be a thrifty birthday!

images by Karen

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

I don’t even have to provide any food.  She and her mom are doing all the cooking.  She just wants me to fix tea and I will pick up Sonic ice as well.  I will do my best to make sure she has a great time.

Now, if I could just guarantee her that I will have enough water in my well …

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

DH and I have our spats, but I am so thankful for him.  We have been married for 13 years.  He goes to work each day, provides for his family, and he comes home every night. He’s not out partying or getting into trouble.  Best of all, he loves God, me, and our kids.  I am truly blessed.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Post from: Thrifty Mommy