8 Ways to Save Money on your Child's Birthday Party

1. Evites work, but paper invites always delight young guests. Search Etsy for your theme or color scheme to find a predesigned invitation that comes with the option of having a designer fill in the party details. Then you can print as many copies as you need at home. You can also use the invitations as decorations, such as a banner.

2. Get more bang for your buck at Michael's or Party City using the SnipSnap app, which offers coupons for these stores. Shop early and watch for sales.

3. Bought something you didn't use? Save your receipts and return unopened packages or products.

4. Concentrate on decorating one primary area — like a buffet or patio — where you think party guests will congregate. This cuts down on decoration supplies.

5. Keep it simple. Color themes go a long way.

6. Don't reinvent the wheel. Also, this is not the time to take on a culinary challenge or macram'! Save yourself time and scour Pinterest for decorating or dining ideas, then choose ideas according to your skill level. Overestimating your skills and abilities can result in expensive mistakes when buying ingredients or craft supplies.

7. Really evaluate to what extent you should "go all out." The older your kiddo gets, the less about "you" her party should be.

8. Skip the goody bag! No parent wants more plastic stuff in their homes.

Lauren Isaacs is the digital media specialist for Carolina Parent. She put on this cute vintage kitty themed birthday party when her daughter, Evelyn, turned one.