Early on I figured out some helpful guidelines to keep things simple and special for the birthday kid. First, we only started having parties with other kids once the birthday child was 4; just family and a cake before then. Second, when making out the guest list, we only invite as many kids as the birthday child is old plus one (ex. 6yo birthday means 7 kids invited). They handle bigger groups better as they get older. Third, until their 10th birthday, parties happen at home or outside unless it is not possible; I spend less and get more when we keep the parties close to home. Fourth, having fun making the cake (or cupcakes) and save $10-$15; every little bit counts! Fifth, we pick a theme and enjoy finding games, crafts, and favors that fit. I find great suggestions online at party idea sites; sometimes I even get the older kids to help me look. All year long I watch for things that could be inexpensive favors or decorations and store them away to use later. If the child is old enough, I sometimes let them help make the invitations. We work on things together when possible (if I can remember to be flexible).

For the tenth birthday, we shift gears. First, the Birthday Bandit delivers presents for ten days leading up to the tenth birthday. The whole family looks forward to finding out what the BB will bring each day. The gifts are usually small and inexpensive but fun. The first day is one item (one pen), the second day has two items (pair of socks), the third day has three items (three bouncy balls), etc. The tenth day is the actual birthday and sometimes one of the presents is ten of something. The identity of the BB remains a closely guarded secret but he has been very clever at getting presents delivered even when we are away from home. The 8 and 9 year olds in our house spend their next couple of years looking forward to the BB's deliveries for their tenth birthday. He only comes for the tenth birthday. Second, the parties can now be activities away from home. The birthday kid can invite a couple of friends and we will go do something like laser tag or a movie marathon or ice-skating. Sometimes these activities are followed up with a sleepover at our house.

Many years ago, my precious husband expressed how important it was to have a party for each birthday and I looked at him in shock. Three, four, five a year? But I soon realized he was wanting the memories for his kids that he holds special from his own childhood, and so I went searching for a way to make it special but doable 5 times a year. We have so many fun memories of celebrating the anniversary of their arrival in our family. It has become an important part of our family traditions.

If you haven't gotten enough, ask me how we celebrate two different ages that share the same birthday...now that takes creativity and planning. : )