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Hi everyone. Melissa here, CloudMom.com, talking about how to save big when it comes to birthday parties. Five kids, my oldest is now 8, so I have had my share of parties, and I've been learning that I really can't worry about keeping up with the Jones's or having the most extravagant party on the block. I have to do what works for me and for my family, and going all out obviously can mean great expense. So here are five ways to save when it comes to birthday parties. Number one, limit the amount of guests. Limit the amount of guests. This is just like a wedding. Only have the people that are really important to you. And you can especially get away with this when your child is quite young or when your child is over say second grade when people stop inviting the whole class. Whew! And make sure you like the parents, because of course you want to hang out with people that you like. Number two thing, have the party at home. This is really an amazing way to limit the expense, because you don't have to buy into the different features and the food and the cake of that place. You can really control things. And here's what I do. One of the reasons I'm wearing this great hat is I've had this hat for years. I have the same decorations, and I pull them out for the same parties, party after party after party. I have my crowns that the birthday child will wear. Happy Birthday. I even have the same sign that I put up near my front door. Happy Birthday. This really, really helps. It's not only less expensive, it's easier because you don't have to go worry about going out and buying the same things. And of course you can add to this with balloons or things like that. Okay, number three thing, consider having your party between meals. You don't have to always be the one to provide lunch and dinner. This is what the child's parents are for. Don't feel that responsibility. No, but seriously, you can have a mid-afternoon party. It's quite nice. Just serve cake. You don't have to worry about the big meal. And speaking of cake, how about making your own cake? Use a simple mix, or you can even use a brownie mix, so, so delicious. Add frosting, allow your child to help you decorate. It's really good, really cuts down on the cost. And finally, goodie bags: you really don't have to go to great expense and trouble buying all those little things that your child can just pick up at the dentist's office or after their eye doctor's appointment. And you know what? People don't want the stuff anyway. I'm sorry, but they just don't. Concentrate on the things that your child might actually want and need. Pencils, stickers that they really will play with, or you can even invest in an inexpensive paperback book. So anyway, those are my ideas when it comes to saving on children's birthday parties. Thank you so much for watching CloudMom. I'm really looking forward to hearing your ideas when it comes to saving. And happy birthday!