Tips for the current economy and how to save

[Kidosmom]

First off purchase items for next years bd parties this year after holidays. They start out mark downs 50% and then go 75% and then 90% (not much left at 90%). However some times great deals. Now keep in mind Orange for Halloween or black or purple, could be used for a child's party if you theme is purple princess and things like that. I did a Haunted house party one year for my son, his bd is 29th of Oct. I found stuff for less than a candy bar to give to everyone as a favor.

Next if you do your bd parties with the current color, vs the theme party ware. Save the extra's. I did that and then one time I had wishing well with left over favors from Oriental Trading and used them at that party. The plates I ended up with a bunch of colorful soild plates, and I added heads and fish tails to them and it was so colorful. This is a great way to use up left overs down the road, and save money.

If anyone else has some tips please pass on the ideas. We love new and creative ideas. So please do share.

[Kidosmom]

I thought of another way to save money. Do your own cakes.....The party works has ideas and I can tell you doing your own cake is way less than purchasing one from the store. I have done a fish, girraph (sp), lion and other ones. You can do simple cupcakes and copy and print off imagines you find online. Use the right side of your mouse, copy and paste into an email or a word program. Then print them off, cute them out and stick them on tooth pics to put in each cupcake. There are lots of ways to cute back.

Think about one good favor vs junk most kinds never use again.

This is my favorite. Purchase fabric when it is on sale off season. You will need a yard, and then you sew a seam on the outside. Now turn down the top 1/4 inch and iron, then down 3 inches iron, then sew the 3 inch band down and you have a pillow case. Something they will continue to use. I ended up making my son ones and he is almost 17 years old and still uses his on his bed. If you have a Halloween party you can use them for goodie bags besides a seasonable pillow case.

Some of my favorites, and again please share tips.