Birthday season used to leave me seeing RED $$$$ signs everywhere! Between my kids parties and presents for the other kids birthdays it was a lot of money! You read about the parents that pay hundreds to thousands of dollars for a child's 1st birthday party and scream and then laugh because a 1 year old would have more fun with an empty box and a cup cake!

Here is how I've learned to save while still keeping the magic of birthday fun alive!

1. Shop all year. From gifts to party supplies, keep your eyes open to bargains.

I stumbled upon a great deal on books. Hard Cover brand new books that are still shrink wrapped and sell at Barnes and Nobles for $15.99 and I bought them for $.35 each. I bought 20 and used them as party favors! I have my child write a thank you note inside the book and then we handed them out as the child left. My kids love books and these were a huge hit!

I love after holiday clearance sales. After Christmas I buy all the red and green decorations and table settings like paper plates and napkins and Valentines day and easter always have me buying red and pink... I then use these as table settings for birthday parties. I add a table setting with the child's chosen theme and I've saved about one million dollars (not really, but it feels like it when I see the prices for the real paper plates and napkins).

2. Let the Dollar Tree and Oriental Trading Company be your friend

Dollar Tree sells helium filled balloons for $1. and has tons of party favors and more for $1. I can fill a goody bag for next to nothing.

Oriental Trading Company has lots of specific themed goodies for a really good price. This one you need to plan as they ship it to you and the sooner you need it the more that the shipping costs. So if you give yourself a couple months you can really make out.

3. Coupons

I've seen lot's of the home mailers sending out coupons for discounts on jumpy's and pizza... both good choices for an easy party. I also stock up on juice and snack type foods using the Sunday coupons and get most of it for free.

4. Choose your party time carefully.

Consider having your child's party at an off time. During the week is a great time instead of the weekend if you are using any outside services. Jumpy's, clowns, face painters, etc. will be more willing to negotiate on their fees if they are booked during a normally slow time.

5. Buy presents whenever you see them.

There are some presents that are always a hit, books, art supplies, remote control cars, flying planes, etc. I buy these up whenever I see them on clearance. It saves me gas, time and my sanity not to have to run out and get another present when we get another invite to a birthday party. I do ask the parent what the child wants for their birthday and if I don't have anything on hand that would work I go out and buy something, but 95% of the time I have something.

6. Just write a check.

This seems cold , but for my siblings I just write them a check. I don't even buy a card. I realized that at this point they know what they want and are too polite to blurt out what they really want so I give them a check... but I take it a step farther. I give them $20 plus the cost of a stamp plus the cost of a card and gift bag and tissue wrap. It's almost become a fun joke but it works for us... I love to hear what they bought for their birthday.

7. Remember that the things in life that children remember and consider fun are normally free or pretty close to it.

Why not just do the homemade pizza and cupcakes party? Let the kids run around and play. Plan a scavenger hunt. Let them color the sidewalk in bright chalk!