Is it birthday party time at your house? Do any of your children have a birthday coming up and you don’t have the funds to throw an elaborate bash? You don’t have to worry. You can throw a wonderful birthday bash without breaking the bank.

One of the first things you can do when planning parties is make your own invitations. I find countless creative birthday invitations on various websites and I make them myself. However, for those who don’t have time to be creative, I have even taken a simpler step for my daughter’s birthday this year. My daughter has beautiful stationary that was given to her for the holidays that we plan to make into wonderful party invites.

For those looking to save money, one of the best ideas is having a party at your home. There are countless websites that offer great party game ideas that cost nothing or pennies to play. For one of our children, we rented a bouncy house. Renting a bouncy house at our home was far more affordable than going to a bouncing facility.

Another way to save on games is to make up games with things you already have. Knocking down cups, relay races and scavenger hunts are a few great games that don’t cost much and are fun to play.

If you do not have money for food, do not plan your party around meal times. By doing this you can cut costs and simply serve your guests cake and ice cream. If you can make your own food for the party instead of purchasing cakes and premade snacks you also can save a bundle.

Do you have frugal living tips? E-mail them to localnews2005@yahoo.com.