If you're on a low budget, get some friends and do a traditional party. So many kids these days do McDonalds, etc etc etc and just accept it. It's hard work, but fun. Pick a theme, or just do general Fancy Dress. (all the mums will hate you!()
Do party games, running around games, pass the parcel, musical bumps and most of all, have a magic whistle! When that whistle blows, everyone standing still or sitting down gets a sweet. If you're running around and being a pain, try again....works every time. If you have one little wotsit, and there's always one, collar them and ask for help doing something, like plates, balloons etc. Loads of people to help is the key, to rugby tackle little people and keep things going. TIP-Confiscate ALL guns, swords etc when they come in, or someone will lose any eye. Put name stickers on them so there's no arguing. Musical balloons, bubbles, pop them and sit down first, last one standing is out etc etc. I did one for one of mine and the mums were amazed that I didn't have an entertainer. I have had puppet shows, especially one who has done loads for me, but littlies are still happy, IMO, with trad parties. We had a wall of paper when they came in, handed them a pen each and asked them to draw a picture of themselves and write their name underneath. Still have it for oldest one and he's nearly 15. Got it in his treasure box and he still sees those kids now. We did brown paper party bags, no junk, just a bar of choc and party cake. All our other kids wrote the special names on and decorated them with stickers etc. Party child was very proud of "his" home made bags!. HTH.XXXX