Inexpensive parties are still fun for kids.
Kids parties don't have to be expensive to be fun. Children at parties are interested in being entertained and occupied until it's time to go home. Cheap party activities and games are amusing, without threatening junior's college fund. Instead of doing all your party shopping at your local party supply store, see what you can do with things you already own or can purchase inexpensively.
Godzilla Craft and Photo Station
Have the kids wrap cereal boxes or other cardboard boxes in paper, and decorate them to look like city buildings. Arrange the finished projects to look like buildings on a street. Take pictures of the children walking past the small buildings like giants. If the kids aren't too attached to their creations, they can even step on them, crushing them like Godzilla.
Temporary Tattoos
Create and print temporary tattoos on your computer, using free clip-art and specially made temporary tattoo printer paper. Set up a station where an adult can apply the temporary tattoos to the kids. Alternatively, the guests can design their own temporary tattoos, scan the drawings, adjust the size and print the custom tattoos during the party.
Scavenger Hunt
Make a list of items around the house or yard for the kids to seek, and print copies of the list for each player. Tell guests to bring a digital camera, or split them into teams so they can share cameras. Instead of collecting the items, have the children take pictures of the items. Award prizes to the person who photographs the most items in a period of time or to the one who photographs all the items first.
Treasure Hunt
Make up a series of clues leading the kids from one hint's hiding place to the next until they find the treasure. Place the hints on the TV, at the front door, under the dog bed, in the toy box and so on. Depending on the number of guests, have the children work together or split them into teams. Have an adult wear last year's pirate costume and lead the kids through their hunt. The treasure could be a small prize, such as a bowl holding the guest's goodie bags, or it could be something that the kids don't keep, such as a vase.
Homemade Pizza Party
Instead of ordering expensive pizzas that the kids will devour quickly, purchase pre-made pizza dough, or make your own in advance. Set out sauce, cheese and toppings, give each guest their own dough, and let them make their own individual pizzas. Write each child's initials on the crust with sauce, so you can return each pizza to its creator. Use a party game to keep them busy and out of the kitchen while the pizzas cook.
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