Kid birthday parties get out of control on my side of town. Even if I had that level of disposable income, I doubt I'd waste it like some of these families do--even an at-home party has a magician, a visit from SpongeBob, inflatables, and the list goes on.

We've always taken a more frugal approach (basically a few decorations, let the kids play downstairs, feed 'em pizza and cake, & send 'em home), but this year, the girls decided to skip having a parties of their own. Instead, they opted for a "special day" with one friend. I took my youngest and her friend to a play at the community theater & then out to lunch. My oldest is having her first sleepover, and we're going to a free family festival the next day.

It's cheap, easy, & much more meaningful to them. My oldest only waffled with her decision once, and that was when she realized that the volume of presents she'd receive would be much less than last year. But after she thought about it, she decided she wanted the sleepover more.

Life's simple pleasures...
Jenn