The MomSpeak

Every season is birthday season, at least in our household, although now that our kids are starting preschool, the quiet little family gathering might not just cut it anymore. 

Then again, it’s not like we all have a ton of cash lying around to start spending on games, prizes and party favors, to say nothing of the custom-cake with the princess kissing a clown (don’t ask). And who wants to get stuck with all the leftover paper and plastic items that do nothing but load up the local landfill?

The truth is, unless you have a Masters Degree in Martha Stewart along with all the free time in the world to make-your-own everything, throwing a truly inspired party on a budget without getting sucked into total disposable mode might seem a bit daunting. Focus on a few crafty ideas to upgrade your party and add a personal touch. And in making or purchasing reusable items, you’ll actually get more bang for you buck. 

 

Decorations

When it comes to decorating, you can certainly hit your local dollar store and snag yards of streamers and banners. But we think making a reusable banner is a fantastic-not to mention eco-friendly-choice, and fairly easy on the wallet. Cut out felt triangles and string them together to make a pennant. Or if the task seems daunting, you can buy a shabby chic version from <a href=”http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5059583&section_id=5212660″>Mother Daughter Design’s etsy shop</a> or these chalk fabric ones from <a href=”http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5533276″>Chalkydoodles</a>. They’re great for any celebration, and you can even use them to decorate a play area while on party hiatus.

 

Goody Bags

Little plastic and paper goody bags are certainly easy to come by, but a greener solution is to grab paint-your-own totes at a local craft store like <a href=”http://www.michaels.com/art/online/home”>Michael’s</a>and you and your child can decorate them for the lucky guests. For you brave mamas, make it the actual party activity. You don’t need to stuff the bags with anything; the project itself is often present enough, and in the end kids can use it for everything from ballet shoes to library books to carrying a bottomless collection of matchbox cars.

 

Favors

Party favors can be the bane of a parent’s existence, with most of your guests’ parents dreading another bag of cheap candy and useless plastic toys that just end up in the trash. So why not make your own favors? Snag a set of <a href=” http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/asin/B001CJGM1E/comopi-20″>silicone letter ice trays</a> and use them to <a href=” http://www.familytime.com/asp/showsolution.asp?UserId=&Key=&Topic=kids&ArticleId=515″>make homemade crayons</a> by melting down old ones and pouring them in the trays. You can let the kids choose their favorite letters, or if you’ve got super RSVPers, you can make their names or initials ahead of time. When the party’s over…you can make ice. Of course. 

 

Dishware

It never ceases to amaze us how quickly juice boxes and water bottles add up and how many half-drunk ones get tossed. Instead, buy a large bottle of juice and fill up a bunch of the <a href=”http://store.babycenter.com/product/bottle+-+solid+feeding/bpa-free+bottles+-+cups/take+and+toss+28-piece+set.do?asc=false>

BPA-free Take & Toss spillproof sippy cups</a>, and give one to each kid with their name written in permanent marker or on a sticker. You’ll be able to keep track of all the cups and when the party’s over, you can send them home with the kids. No clean up and no waste!

 

What are some of your favorite birthday party-throwing tips, moms?