Isaac's "Frugal" Birthday Party.

I love hosting birthday parties "on the cheap". I whole heartily believe in keeping things simple for Isaac so that he appreciates all that he has in life ... without the expectation of the "more, more, more" attitude that seems to prevail in our society. So, I make it a goal at Christmas, Easter, and his Birthday, to keep things as simple and homey as possible. And I have alot of fun with it. So does he.

This year, I found a party package of Pinocchio goods at Goodwill for $1.99. It included matching plates, napkins, hats, and a tablecloth. I then added some matching handmade-by-me placemats to the table.

The 3 cakes were both made by me - from scratch. The castle cake was made using a mold that I borrowed from my mother. I sprinkled the cake with powdered sugar, then scooped cool whip into the center. For the decorative piece, I printed 2 wallet sized pics of Isaac & "his princess" and glued them to a popsicle stick, then stuck it into the cake ... as a sort of castle flag. And each tower was used for holding each of his four candles. Perfect. He loved it. And it cost less than $5 to make.

I also made a second cake for the adults ... a Pineapple Upside Down cake. I got the recipe from a child's cookbook. And this too cost me less than $5 to make from scratch ... and it was SO delicious! (Leave a comment here if you want the recipe - and I will post it.)

As for decorations, I usually post baby pics around the birthday table ... reminding guests of how much Isaac has grown. But this year, Isaac's Auntie had the wonderful idea to trace Isaac onto brown packaging paper ... let him color himself in with crayons ... and then post it on the door for the party. Another way to show how much he has grown. And he absolutely loved it!

The party was a wonderful success. Mommy and Daddy got him this great tea set made from recycled milk jugs. And although his grandparents doubted it at first - Isaac loved this gift just as I knew he would. He also received other wonderful gifts that totally made his day ... Legos, Playmobil, Tonka truck, Melissa & Doug Jumbo Blocks, etc. His Auntie even gave him the pet turtle that he has been longing for.

We enjoyed immediate family: 2 sets of Grandparents, Auntie & Uncle, and 3 cousins. A lovely, manageable gathering of our closest loved ones (although we wish Uncle Jamie & Aunt Amy were there too).

As for party games ... we all went out and played in the mud after. Buckets & spoons were all that was required ... and I have never seen kids laugh so hard. Again --- good times "on the cheap". Very easily done and oh so appreciated by all.

I hope you find some inspiration to create your own frugal get-togethers. What matters most seems to cost the least :)

Love,

Jodi

P.S. To see all of Isaac's Birthday photos, click here and then click on the thumbnails to see each picture.