Elements for the perfect party

[Sweetasstevia]

Planning my little boy's 6th birthday on a tight budget - probably going to go down the hiring a local hall route. Just wondered which elements of parties your children have enjoyed most and why? What's worth spending out on: ie entertainer, cake, decorations, fancy invites etc and what's not.

[Partyrama]

I wouldn't worry too much about the entertainer - most kids have a great time making their own entertainment! Just let them run about. Get them to make up a game, or give them props - Inflatables/foam swords that sort of thing and they'll be sure to have fun. Some children get bored of entertainers, especially if they have to sit and listen. Their not at school so their attention span is going to be a lot shorter!

Also don't fret too much about a party bag. Great for sending them home with bits of cake, but not with endless amounts of tat.
How about a favour that's useful and fun and interesting. And can also be used as a place setting if your using tables.
E.g cheap and cheerful Lunch boxes, or a drinks bottle. Or a bucket and spade filled with some sweets for a construction themed party... take a look on Pinterest for cheap alternatives. Most of the stuff can be bought in discount stores.
And we also have regular discounts emailed out to use on decorations and supplies.
Hope this inspires you!

[MAsMum]

Go back to basics . We did pin the tail on the donkey, pass the parcel , guess the parcel and musical statues games last year. The kids loved them as most parties are at soft play centres etc and they hadn't played the majority of these games. We were shocked that 95% of the kids had never played Pin the Tail on the Donkey!

The book people have a massive sale on at the moment some of their bulk packs work out really cheaply.