I think mine was the birthday party I had when I turned 7. Since I have a summer birthday, I remember my Mom inviting all of the neighborhood kids, the kids from my 2nd grade class, and probably a few of my cousins to come over for an afternoon of backyard games like Simon Sez and Pass the Parcel. I specifically remember my Raggedy Ann (!) birthday cake which I thought was the most beautiful thing in the world! It wasn't a fancy event, and I am pretty certain my Mom didn't give out party favors, but I'll never forget how we gathered around the picnic table under our covered patio and had fun together. That day felt magical- and it is cemented in my memory as a very special day.
And isn't that exactly how you want your own child to feel on his or her birthday?
The first time I planned a birthday party for one of my kids- I went waaaaaayyyyy over the top. Kyle was turning 3 years old, and my husband and I spent a week assembling wooden toolboxes for he and his guests to paint while they were dressed in aprons and hard hats that fit my “Bob the Builder” theme. There were elaborate games. There might have been two cakes…
Yeah- those took me hours to create. When the 90 minute party was over- I was elated and exhausted. I am pretty sure that my 3 year old went right down for a nap!
Let's say that I've learned a bit over the years on how to throw an awesome birthday party for my kids with a lot less effort! And I can do it for less than $100!
And now I've written a book about it!
I am so excited to share that I've written my first eBook- How to Throw An Awesome Birthday Party at Home for Less Than $100! I take everything I've learned over the last 12 years of throwing unique and special birthday parties at home- and share it all with you.
In the book I explain how to pick a theme for your party that shapes the activities, games, and crafts that you'll do vs. thinking about a theme in terms of decorations and paper goods. I'll teach you how to determine the right number of kids to invite, how to build a guest list, and how to create your own personal party stationery (for free!).
The book includes downloadable checklists to help you make sure you get everything done and an activity timeline to help you plan exactly how you are going to entertain all of your guests for the 90 minutes they'll be partying at your house! And I'll show you how to break down your $100 budget to cover everything from the decorations, party activities, favors, birthday cake, and even a meal.
I also answer all of the often-asked questions about parties that I receive here on the blog- What is the right age for a sleepover party? Should I invite all of the kids in my child's class? Should we open presents at the party? Do I need to reciprocate party invitations?
This book gives you everything you need to be a master birthday party host!
If you are a blogger and would like to earn some extra income selling the book on your own site- please check out my MomOf6 eBooks affiliate program where you can earn 50% of the profit from every book you refer!
My Little Kiddy says
Great post Sharon!
My best birthday party as a kid contained food delicacies and some engaging games. I remember when the room was decorated with Street Wars theme. It was a fabulous experience. I had a great time with my friends!
judy wilson says
It helps to read some of your ideas for fun birthday party ideas. My parents were always too poor to afford a party for my birthday, so that makes it difficult to come up with unique ways to celebrate my son’s birthday. I like your idea for creating a Bob the Builder themed party. My son has always like Superman, so maybe he would like that for the them of his party, and maybe throw in a few other DC Comics characters as part of the decorations.
Messenger says
Very cute post! Thanks to my parents, I had a lot of fun birthday parties as a kid.
melanie - the party suite@bellenza says
A birthday party for less than $100! Definitely practical for busy moms on a budget! Pinning this to our board.