Rock your kid's party on the cheap

There's a certain irony about spending a lot of money on a young child's birthday party – it's something they will have no memory of a few years down the road.

Despite this, the cash spent on parties boggles the mind. Popular features these days include a rented bouncy slide or castle ($250-$350), a drop-in by a perky Cinderella ($150-$200), even a visit from an ice cream truck ($50-$100). When you add a custom cake, themed decorations and prepackaged loot bags, you're talking well over $500.

But you can create a fun-filled party for your child (and their BFFs) for less than $50. Evite and colour printers have eliminated the need for expensive invitations. Pick up plenty of balloons from Wal-Mart or the dollar store (you'll get 20 or so for a couple bucks), and your decor is taken care of. Throw your party in-between mealtimes to avoid that extra cost: Cut-up veggies, fruit and chips are cost-efficient snacks that always score high.

For loot bags, buy candy in bulk and portion it out into dollar-store baggies. For anti-candy parents, check flyers and “front-of-store” specials at places such as Toys “R” Us for small books, bubble wands or sidewalk chalk, or visit toy warehouses (such as Samco & Miko in Toronto and JRC in Montreal), Wal-Mart or Zellers.

And if you think your pint-sized guests won't be satisfied with simply running amuck in your home, pick a theme and get creative.

1. Backyard beach bash (ages 2-8)

Got a sprinkler? Tell the kids to bring their suits and let loose the H2O. Or invest in a Soak ’N Splash water slide for $10 (at Toys “R” Us). Throw beach towels and blankets in a corner and make it your picnic area. Party games can range from limbo to water balloons to never-fail classics from your childhood – three-legged races, freeze tag, Red Rover. Raid the dollar store for inflatable beach balls ($1) and leis (five for $1). Throw on some Dick Dale or the Beach Boys and serve freezies. And go online for instructions on how to make your own pinata – a fun activity to share with your child before the party.

2. Goin' on a bug hunt (ages 3-5)

Yard + summer = perfect birthday shindig. Create an outdoor scavenger hunt by compiling lists of things your small adventurers can look for (a weirdly shaped rock, an ant, a caterpillar, a flower). Plant some “treasures” – dollar-store dinosaurs or army men look extra cool when perched under a shadowy bush. Rather than a list, Google images, and print and staple together for reference. Make your own bubble mixture in a couple of large plastic bowls, set out bubble sticks and let 'em at it. Buy a whack of gummi worms to top chocolate “dirt” cupcakes.

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