[missw005]

My boys are 4 and 7, and they wear party hats every birthday! True, they don't keep them on long..........we usually just put them on when we're doing cake at the table (makes for really cute pictures), and some kids will keep them on after that.

I bought a nicer set of general party hats and use them over and over again as the kids don't wear them for very long.

As for goody bags, I'm a big clearance shopper, so I buy stuff year-round and then keep it until the next party. I watch Target's clearance shelves for party stuff, also dollar stores and whatnot.........so I'm always ready for birthdays. I'm also a foster parent, so sometimes I have parties with very little notice, so I like to be prepared.

I probably spend a bit more on goody bags - as your kids get older, it gets more expensive. Some families are very competitive - buying fancy matching stuff from those party-in-a-box companies. Plus they rent out places to have them - hotel swimming pools, bowling alley, etc. It can get out of control pretty quickly!
I do simple games - pin the tail on the donkey/S on Superman/spots on the dalmatian/etc.; clothespins in the jar; obstacle course; etc. So I do spend a bit more on the goody bags. But like I said, I watch for sales (4 bubble jars for a $1) and clearance stuff to help cut costs.

Family Fun magazine/website has some great inexpensive party themes/ideas as well.

Sandy