photo by jef poskanzer

Planning a unique party for girl ‘tweens can be difficult and costly. With the latest trend being hotel parties and amusement centers, budget-conscious families are challenged to please their kids while offering low-cost alternatives that are safe, fun and successful. Before you stress out or cave in to their whims, consider a food party.

Food parties are great because you can still follow a cool theme, but the location can be at your home, so it’ll save you a fair amount of money. Other parents will be thrilled not to have to shell out a lot of cash on a gift for the occasion, too.

FIRST THINGS FIRST: Discuss with your child her expectations — and your own — such as a reasonable number of people invited, the duration of the party and acceptable noise levels. Explain your budget for the party and decide on a fun theme. This is a good time to brainstorm party ideas, such as music, food, activities and decorations.

SELECT A THEME: Instead of going on and on about how you can’t afford a luxury party, try being excited about the more personalized food party you can have at your home, and put the focus on friendships instead of high-priced entertainment.

If your kids scream for ice cream, they’ll love the sundae party, and you’ll love the savings. Dollar stores sell fun bowls, spoons, napkins, tablecloths and ice-cream scoops. Give a prize for the most creative sundae. For decorations, roll construction paper into a cone, or use a cone-shaped party hat with a latex balloon attached, so it looks like an ice-cream cone. With music, dancing and a movie rental afterward, this party is frugal and fun. Use the money you save to buy your child a special gift, if you want.

Twists on the sundae party are alternate-food themes, such as a salad-bar party, cookie party or soup party. If potlucks are common in your area, consider having each guest bring a topping in lieu of a gift. If you’re not comfortable with this idea, the toppings are still cheap enough to prevent your child’s birthday from being a budget buster.

BUT YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND: If your ‘tween still doesn’t think this is enough and you’re willing to budget for a bit more, add a beauty makeover to the food party. Have the guests arrive in pajamas and bring dress clothes to change into after their makeover, as well as curling or straightening irons or jewelry. Offer dollar store beauty items such as facial masks, moisturizers, nail polishes, cosmetics, temporary tattoos, glitter, magazines, cocoa, tea or smoothies and hair accessories. Include either a single Polaroid camera or disposable cameras for all the guests to take before-and-after pictures. Send the guests home with goodie bags of hairbrushes and accessories.

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