Party ideas for friend's DD (7), low budget

[Clarabell33]

My friend (DD of 7 and DS of 2) has asked for birthday party ideas for her DD who will be 8 in a couple of months.

I have no ideas suitable for children! No kids yet, just ttc, so no direct experience to call on. My adult 'parties' generally consist of dinner, drinks, dancing (if sufficient gin consumed) etc. This clearly won't work for a group of little girls - or will it...

She's been quite clear that they haven't got a very large budget (I think about 30 tops) so the 'obvious' things like taking even a small group bowling or whatever are probably out. We're near Edinburgh if that makes any local cheap or free activities spring to mind. She and I have both googled but everything seems quite expensive. A party at their house is also out (understandable as they are having building work done, which is one reason for the low budget).

Any ideas? Please? Much appreciated

Jewellery making. I think you can get big jars of beads and bracelets for not very much. Although that is probably best done at home.

Does the local cinema do films for £1 on a Saturday morning?

Has she asked you in the hope that you'll host? Is that a possibility?

How many kids? Swimming if only a few. Park and picnic, cinema and picnic? Bouncy castle in garden? Make your own pizza (pizza express do these quite cheap if you go before they open for lunch).

£cinema for her and 3 friends, take some sweets and cartons of drink in bag and buy a popcorn for them all to share.

Could you host, or is there anyone else who could do it at home?

EAsier to have a cheap party at home, or outside - but of course the weather becomes less and less reliable form here on...

Thank you for replies! £1 cinema is a great idea, I'll pass that on I like the beading idea - will suggest, but it's the venue that's the problem... I don't think she was angling for me to offer to host as we're not near them so there'd be all sorts of hassle (and possibly cost) organising transport for multiple children (I think her DD wants about 10 or so). She's quite forthright so I'm sure if she wanted me to host, she'd just have asked. I don't know about anyone else nearer her home, I'm sure she has already thought of that and asked, but I'll suggest it. Outside park/picnic is also great but weather-dependent so might be a bit iffy, although Sept can be quite nice in Edinburgh sometimes...

Gazebo in park or garden?

You could hire a local hall (ours are about £10/hour) and do a cinema party with a DVD, popcorn and party food. If you can get a projector that is. We have a couple of local places that screen films (as we don't have a cinema close by).