It's that time of year again, when I start planning our birthday parties for the year… and I am super excited this year. Just because our financial situation has drastically changed, does not mean we can't still throw awesome birthday parties. This year I plan to do something a little different. In stead of paying hundreds of dollars for a location and director to lead the kids during the party, I plan to save money by directing the party myself, and looking into do-it-yourself options for the activities. No, I don't plan to resort back to pin the tail on the donkey, and a cake walk, not that those aren't tons of fun, but I want FRESH, CREATIVE, and EXCITING things for the kids this year…on a shoestring.

In this life it's all about perspective, so instead of being disappointed that I can't take the easy way out, and hire someone, I am challenging myself to throw a killer party on a limited budget (not yet determined).

I have been browsing the net with my next party in mind  (Jordan will be 9 in March), and these are just a few of the themes I have been tossing around:

For Jordan, I am thinking some kind of wooden craft party. Not only could they assemble and paint their own wooden takeaways, but we could also practice wood carving, or carpenter work, complete with safety instructions and a craftsman challenge. I always try to make the party about everyone, not just the birthday kid. My dad is amazing with tools, wood is inexpensive, and I think we could some up with something really unique if we work hard enough. I am even thinking tree house…okay maybe a tree house cake (wouldn't want to give my dad a heart attack ).

Here are some cute wooden crafts I found online (even if I don't go with a wood working party these would make great favors):

I also thought a cooking party would be a blast! We don't have to make cake or candy, I mean they are 9 year old boys after all, but we could have fun making slime, loaded diaper cake (you know they love The Diary of a Wimpy Kid), and other cool boy foods like chips and dip!  One of the sites I looked at even had a Dog Bone Biscuit Kit! How cool is that?!

So all of these things look like a really fun way to plan a party. Now I just have to talk to Jordan, and find out what he wants to do. What about you? Do you have any affordable yet awesome party planning ideas for a 9 year old's bday?

Oh, and just in case you are wondering, I found all of the above craft supplies for kids at Factory Direct Craft, their selection of craft supplies for kids is crazy and the prices are great!

I will let you know as soon as I decide on a theme, and share the planning and ideas with you!