| Whatever happened to good old fashioned | | | | old fashioned games that kids will love. An |
| birthday parties with cake and back-yard games? | | | | obstacle course or sack race is great for both |
| My nine year daughter recently attended a | | | | boys and girls of all ages. For younger kids, you |
| birthday party which included a limousine ride to | | | | can’t go wrong with ‘Duck Duck |
| The Ritz hotel for tea, followed by manicures and | | | | Goose’ (or Princess, Princess, Frog). For older |
| pedicures at a posh shop. I think most of us were | | | | kids, a dress-up relay race is always fun. Just use |
| first picked up in limos for our wedding – not | | | | a bunch of clothes from the closet such as ties, |
| a child’s birthday party. Since when did | | | | dress up shoes, party dresses, hats. |
| birthday parties become such extravagant | | | | There are lots of great birthday party ideas sites |
| affairs? | | | | online to find fun birthday party themes and party |
| reported on a full service children’s birthday | | | | games ideas. One site to try is Amazing Moms. |
| party planning company in California that is run by | | | | Readers from all over the country submit |
| a team trained in child development. They take | | | | birthday party ideas. You can also check out your |
| six weeks to plan and it costs as much as | | | | local crafts store such as Michaels or Ben Franklin |
| $10,000. Now that’s a party. | | | | crafts for your activity materials or if you’re |
| In our now “more is better” culture, | | | | short on time, go online and find craft packages |
| parents and kids are having higher and higher | | | | available to you. |
| expectations of birthday parties. As a result, | | | | Remember that the birthday party is for your |
| parents are feeling the financial strain and stress | | | | children. Pick something that every child can |
| and kids are overloaded and over-indulged. | | | | participate in and keep it simple. This will allow you |
| So how do you create an inexpensive, yet | | | | too as their parents to enjoy the festivities, hold |
| memorable birthday party? Keep it simple. Have | | | | the video camera and simply share in the |
| the party at home and invite eight friends – | | | | excitement of your child’s celebration! They |
| not 20. Plan a fun craft that can be used as the | | | | will grow up too fast so relish in these exciting |
| take home party favor – eliminating the | | | | and developing years! |
| over-stuffed throw-away goody bag. Play good | | | | |