Mailtribune.com - Birthday Party Guide

Can you imagine spending $50,000 on your child's birthday party, just to celebrate him or her turning a year old? Parents are increasingly digging deep into their wallets to provide parties that far out pace the traditional cake, ice cream and pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey affairs of years past.

We've found, however, you don't have to spend thousands to give your child a party that he or she will remember. We've taken our research and organized it into this handy Birthday Party Guide, where you'll find a recommended shopping list, do's and don'ts from party planners, Top 10 party favors, activities and party foods and a great do-it-yourself guide.

We encourage you to use this information and share your successes -- tell people what works or what doesn't work in our forum section and share photos of your party, food or favors in our photo gallery.

Most of all, have a great time at the party!

Party Advice From Expert Party Planners
Local pros offer tips designed to make your bash a success.
A Shopping List To Get You Started
While far from comprehensive, our shopping list will ensure that you don't find yourself missing any essentials during your child's birthday party.
Top 10 Party Themes
Party supply stores are filled with everything you need � and more � to host a theme party.
Party Foods Ideas For Every Party
No matter what the age of your guests, the food you serve can make or break the party. You don't want to be known as the house that served liver and onions.
Top 10 Party Activities
From Mother May I to Twenty Questions and Name That Pop Star, we've collected activities that you can use at any party to keep your guests occupied and happy.
Simple Decorations Can Make a Party Special
Need some decorations and don't want to run to your local party store? Here are a few ideas that are good looking and fun.
Party Favors That Won't Break the Bank
These party favors are fun to make and even better to eat. In addition to our suggested shapes, feel free to come up with your own.
Seasonal Party Ideas
For your child's birthday, why not use the seasons for inspiration? If it's summer, how about a pool party? Or consider an indoor roller skating party during the winter. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Parties For Every Budget
A birthday party does not have to break the bank. Great parties can be had that don't require cashing your son's or daughter's college fund. Here are some ideas for a variety of budgets.
Parties For Every Age
Whether it's your pre-schooler who is celebrating a birthday or your junior high school student we've collected some ideas to help you keep your sanity.
Salt Creations
SALT CREATIONS
Kids can make frog favors themselves
Supplies:
Candy makes fun favors for birthday parties
Supplies:

It's in the bag: birthday party goody sacks grow elaborate
Years ago, they were simple paper sacks filled with inexpensive candy and stickers. But today's birthday party goody bags - those containers full of stuff kids regularly tote home from others' celebrations - often are much more.
Medford 'balloon man' turns ordinary into interesting
Chantell Fraser stares in awe at the man twisting little pink and purple balloons into an object of her buggy affection. First the torso, then the wings and finally the long, droopy antennae of a butterfly spring forth from a hodgepodge of latex tubes pumped full of air.