Party Awesome from A-Z

AGE. Make or purchase a shirt for the birthday child. You can find custom-made duds to go with any birthday theme on Etsy and more generic birthday shirts at retail stores like Gymboree. Or you can make your own by printing off your child’s age onto iron-on transfer paper and adhering it to a plain T-shirt.

BOUNCE HOUSE. Sometimes the best fun is found in burning off some energy in a bounce house. Letting the kiddos get their wiggles out gives the hostess a break...and unlike arts, crafts or games, requires no major assembly or cleanup.

CRAIGSLIST.  Whether you’re trying to be resourceful or you’re looking for a discontinued party supply item, check Craigslist. You never know what you might find. And if you find that you have leftover party supplies post-event, consider selling your extras there, as well.

DOLLAR STORES. Dollar stores are excellent places to stock up on party supplies for a fraction of the price. Many sell Mylar balloons for—you guessed it—only a dollar and even include filling them with helium in the price!

E-VITES. Long gone are the days when you have to handwrite invitations, mail them out and await RSVPs. Now you can whip up free electronic invitations that sync with your child’s birthday party theme and let the website do the work for you. Guests can update their responses, so if little Joey positively responded to coming to your party but then contracts the flu, his mom can respectfully decline and even include an explanation why, along with well-wishes for the birthday child.

FAVORS. Keep it simple. A few pieces of candy, maybe a small toy. Let the party be the main event.

GIFT REGISTRY. If family and friends ask for some gift ideas for the birthday boy or girl, consider setting up a registry. Target offers a wish list registry option, as does the web’s largest superstore, Amazon. With some guidance, kids can have a blast with a scan gun (or a mouse) in hand.

HOLIDAY SALES. Many holiday items lend themselves to a broader range of festivities. Fourth of July tablecloths lend themselves perfectly to a patriotic “Red, White and 2” birthday theme, while Valentine’s Day candy heart plates and napkins go splendidly with a little girl’s heart-themed party. Getting items post-holiday means steep discounts, giving you wiggle room to spend a little more elsewhere.

ICE CREAM CAKE. I scream, you scream, we all scream for… ice cream cake! Ice cream is always the best part of the birthday dessert, so why not let it be the star attraction? Ice cream parlors like Dairy Queen and Culver’s provide pre-made ice cream cakes that can be customized...or you can always make your own.

JUICE BOXES. It’s inevitable at any party with little ones: Someone is bound to spill a cup by accident. Avoid the mess of open cups; stick to juice boxes, which are a healthier alternative to Kool-Aid and soda anyway.

KEEP THE CAMERA CLOSE BY. Don’t forget to document your child’s special day! If you know you’ll find yourself busy doling out snacks and favors during the party, consider asking a family member or friend in advance to help you photograph the event.

LIGHTING. Christmas lights or battery-operated candles can instantly take a party from drab to fab.

MUSIC. Nothing takes a party over the top more than having its own soundtrack. Outer space party? Stream the 2001: A Space Odyssey theme! Gotta a girl that loves Disney princesses? Build a Spotify channel including favorites like Ariel’s Part of Your World and Repunzel’s I’ve Got a Dream.

NAPTIME. Be cautious to avoid scheduling your party around the time of your child’s (and her guests’) nap. Nothing is worse than going to the trouble of trying to knock her socks off with a fabulous party, only to have a major meltdown ensue because she needs a bit more rest.

OVERESTIMATE. Plates. Napkins. Streamers. Snacks. It all adds up! Budget more than you think you’ll need so that any additional expenses don’t catch you off guard.

PINTEREST. Say no more—am I right? This resource can make any creatively challenged parent a party planning extraordinaire!

QUEUE. Reserve books or media related to your party theme from the library to aid in planning your event.

RECYCLE. By going generic on party supplies, you can repurpose items that are already on hand. Burlap can be used for a shabby chic tea party and later for a rootin’ tootin’ cowboy party. Primary colored paper goods will cover any theme from Angry Birds to Lego.

SLEEPOVERS. Some kids would rather forgo a large celebration for a simple overnight.

THEMES. What’s a really big deal for your child this year? Barbie? Dump trucks? Farm animals? Find something that’s indicative of your little one and let it take center stage at the party.

U.S. TOY. This store has you covered for party supplies and favors, but the sweetest deal is their sidewalk sale held multiple times throughout the year.

VIDEO LOG. Record your guests giving well wishes to the birthday child and put them on DVD.

WRAPPING PAPER. Think table runner, placemats or a mat for a frame and you’ve got one cool multipurpose tool!

XACTO KNIFE. From opening up packaging to making cardboard cut-outs, this low-cost party planning essential will get tons of mileage.

YEAR IN REVIEW. Write a letter to your child including his stats and favorite things.

ZOO. The Kansas City Zoo makes for a roarin’ good place to blow out the candles!

DID YOU KNOW?

By signing up for retailers’ birthday clubs and e-clubs, your child can receive free food and products on his birthday. A child signed up for Barnes & Noble’s kids club receives a free cupcake on his birthday, while Baskin-Robbins provides a free scoop of one of their famous 31 flavors!

KCParent.com has both a comprehensive party guide and coupons on its website!

Lauren Greenlee has just as much fun preparing for parties as celebrating them! She resides in Olathe, KS with her husband and three little boys.