PRO SAVING TIP:

Use those 10 free invitations coupons you get from your favorite picture places. Only pay for shipping on the invites!

of balloons, streamers and poster board (thanks to the before mentioned 29 birthday day parties and science fair leftovers).

MAKE THE DECORATIONS, props and games and crafts

I have a fancy craft cutting machine and a large inventory of cardstock with which I made banners, cake toppers, signs, etc. I’ve hoarded many boxes for this reason to be used for party props and games.

FAVORS AND FOOD

This is an area that I had to spend a little cash on. My aim was to keep it simple and thrifty. Think hot dogs and lemonade!

A CRAFT THAT IS FREE:

Superhero cuffs from toilet paper rolls

I painted empty toilet paper rolls with acrylic paint, cut along the edges and rounded them. Do this ahead of time so the cuffs will be ready for the kids to personalize with stickers during the party. We’ll use paint and stickers from my stash.

WHAT I SPENT MONEY ON:

I did use 50 and 60 percent off coupons from my favorite craft stores so that I could get the fun background paper for my cake stand and photo booth.

Total: $10. I used up my brown shipping paper supply for all my prop buildings and table covers. I also bought dollar store paper for the obstacle course needs, tissue paper for the prize punch game, and a fire plank — but only after I used everything in my stock. New paper, cups and napkins came to about $12. The highest amount spent was on the guests party favors. Economically it was more affordable to buy the capes and masks (purchased in bulk) for around $40 for 18 guests.

The one area that we set out to save money on was having Daddy bake the rainbow cake the little kids requested. We did a practice round for about $6 in supplies. However, we ran out of time and used a fabulous baker. Stick with what you know folks! Cake and cupcakes came out to about $50.

I hosted a child's birthday party honoring two kiddos for around $100. I am proud of my savings. However I have to be real with you too. Making all the decorations, games and crafts was very time consuming. My recommendation is to start weeks in advance and to let the kids help. They’ll love painting the windows on the tiny buildings. [ aw ]