Have a Kickin’ Kindergarten Graduation Party

They may be little, but graduation day is still a big deal for kindergarteners. Young kids love to celebrate and while mastering the ABCs and 123s may not compare to earning a college degree, it warrants some type of ceremony. Fortunately, you don’t have to break the bank honoring your little graduate. Rather, keep the shindig simple by selecting a theme that yields itself to inexpensive fun. For example: Books: Ask your child’s teacher what books the kids read in class during the course of the academic year. Then, select a few titles and incorporate them into the theme. You … Continue reading →

Budget Graduation Parties

In 1996, the late, great American novelist Nora Ephron shared the following pearl of wisdom with Wellesley College’s graduating class: “Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead.” Ten years into the future, not every student will be able to remember the commencement speech given on graduation day, but he will likely recall the party celebrating his academic achievements. Fortunately, you don’t have to go bankrupt hosting a summer shindig for your graduating student. By incorporating these affordable elements, you can give your grad a rad party he will remember for years to come: Open House: … Continue reading →

Affordable DIY Grad Day Decorations

Pinching pennies is no fun; however, finding ways to create memorable graduation day decorations without breaking the bank is sure to bring a smile to your face. Instead of getting despondent about not being able to afford expensive embellishments for your graduate’s party, consider buying budget items and jazzing them up at home. For example, rather than splurging on pricey banners from the store, make your own at home using your laptop and printer. You can personalize the look by choosing a fun font and some festive images that will enhance the commencement theme. Another way to save on party … Continue reading →

Dive Into Summer Fun

Contending with rising temperatures doesn’t have to be a summer bummer. With a little planning you can have fun beating the heat without busting your budget. Splash into the season with a pool party to remember; only instead of draining your wallet on expensive invitations and activities, consider these affordable options: DIY FISH INVITATIONS Download a fish template from the Internet or free-hand one on construction paper and cut out the center of it. When you are done, you should have a fish-shaped frame and a smaller paper fish. Place the frame on the sticky side of clear contact paper. … Continue reading →

Sip Up Summer Fun

Think about your favorite summer activity. Do you cherish lounging by the pool, barbequing in the backyard or sitting on the front porch watching your kids catch fireflies? Regardless of where you most enjoy spending the dog days of summer, there’s nothing quite like an ice cold beverage to beat the heat. Of course, you can’t have fun in you are totally tanked. Nor is it much fun for kids if they get stuck drinking water while the adults gleefully sip colorful fruity concoctions from neon straws. This summer, have fun making these nonalcoholic tropical drinks that can be served … Continue reading →

Host An Affordable Cinco de Mayo Party

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo doesn’t have to leave you peso-less. There are many ways you can throw a frugal fiesta on the fifth day of May. The key is to make use of everyday items you already have around your home and turn them into priceless parts of your party. Here are some ideas to get you started: DECORATIONS Who says you need to fill your home with fresh flowers in order to have a successful Cinco de Mayo shindig? Instead of busting your budget on fresh blooms, make your own colorful creations with tissue paper. All you need is … Continue reading →

Homemade Cinco de Mayo Fun

Ole! It’s almost time to fiesta Cinco de Mayo-style. Fortunately, throwing a party to celebrate El Día de la Batalla de Puebla (The Day of the Battle of Puebla) doesn’t have to cost you plenty of pesos. Instead of heading to your local party shop to purchase fancy games and decorations, look around your house for items that can be given a Mexican twist. For example, you can pull out an old “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” game, make some minor changes with a Sharpie and play “Pin the Sombrero on the Burro.” The Mexican hats can be sketched … Continue reading →

Cheap But Classy

Sunday marks Hollywood’s biggest night of the year. The Academy Awards will be handed out to the best of the best amongst pomp, circumstance and a ton of glitz and glam. All while the rest of us watch from our unswanky living rooms. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. You don’t have to rake in the income of Ben Affleck, Sandra Bullock, or Kristen Stewart in order to make Oscar night a class act. Frugalistas can have fun celebrating Oscar as well with the following party tips: Décor: Raid the Dollar Store or your closets for red, plastic … Continue reading →

Affordable Party Decorations

Whether you are looking for a fun activity for your upcoming Super Bowl party, your child’s birthday celebration or a back-to-school bash, there’s nothing more exciting than a piñata. What’s more, the smash and grab craft is quite affordable if you make your own at home. A piñata is little more than a large papier mache. All you need to make a basic piñata is a balloon, newspaper (cut into approximately one-inch wide strips), liquid starch, masking tape, glue, and crepe paper streamers. To start, blow up a large balloon. This can be used to make a football shape, a … Continue reading →

Family Fun on Super Bowl Sunday

The big game is less than four days away. On Sunday, millions of families will be gathering around their televisions to watch the Baltimore Ravens take on the San Francisco 49ers… or at least to watch the uber-hyped Super Bowl commercials. It would be great if the entire family thought watching a 4-hour game was the epitome of fun. However, if you have young kids, they may want a bit more to do than just sit on the couch and cheer on men wearing tight pants. If you are looking for super fun ideas that will score big with little … Continue reading →