Planning a Party?

Need a cost-saving, out-of-the-box idea for you child's next birthday party?

During the party take a few group pictures of the kids, then when the time comes to mail out thank you cards, try this alternative approach: Print out 4x6 prints of your favorite photo - one for each guest - with your home printer, an online service (like shutterfly.com), or find a Kodak picture kiosk at your local store. (Photo prints usually cost no more than 20 cents each.) Next, cover the back side of each photo with a light colored or plain white label, like these. Have your child write a personal thank you note on the label-side of the print with colorful markers, slip into an envelope and mail away to guests. Instead of a thank you card that'll get thrown in the trash in a month or two, guests can frame this keepsake photo or weave it into a scrapbook for their child to enjoy for years to come.

Does anyone else have a unique approache to birthday party thank you cards? What about invitations or other party musts? (For more fun party ideas that won't leave your pockets dry, check out "Party on a Budget" in Parents September issue.)

Photo via.

Comments

[Amy H]

At a party Sunshine went to, the kids made foam picture frames and the mom took digital pictures and printed them out on paper to put in the frame.

It was a really cute gift to take home and SOOOO much better than candy!!

[Ladybug]

Funny I just received a thank you note like this the other day!

[Ann at mommysecrets]

What a fun & easy idea! I think it's so important for kids to write thank you notes, and kids love seeing themselves in picture!

You could make this idea even easier for pre-k kids, by writing "Thank you for the _____" and letting the child fill in the blanks. This lets them practice writing without getting frustrated with too much writing.