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Your child's birthday is coming up and you can't afford to have an elaborate "I have to keep up with the Jones's" birthday party, with the clown, magician and pony rides. Don't worry there are other ways you can celebrate the occasion while still making the day special and fun from start to finish.

In the morning get up a little earlier than your child does to prepare a special breakfast. Make something fun to eat like pancakes or soft-boiled eggs with "toasted soldiers" to dip in the yolk.

When breakfast is over its time to open the presents. Sit close by to share the enjoyment and make the child feel the center of attention. Try to bond with them by helping to assemble the gift or showing how it works. If they already know what to do you can still have "quality time" by just watching them play.

For the afternoon there are many outings you can choose from. If your child is an only child or there is a large age gap between siblings, consider inviting a "best friend" along for the day or a sleepover. If there is somebody there who is their own age who they can relate to during the day's activities your child will have more fun.

Go to a movie of your child's choice then have fast food for lunch (hopefully this is considered a treat in your family and not something you do all the time). Afterwards go to a video game arcade. Give a set amount of play money so they know when it runs out it's "time to leave".

Another idea is to see what attractions or activities your local area offers. Most places have a ten-pin bowling alley or roller-blading facility. Is there a place where you can play mini golf go horse riding or go carting?

For something less energetic try a zoo or animal park where you can interact with the animals and feed them.

Check your phone book and local papers for more ideas.

While you're looking in the paper, are there any events coming to town such as circuses, a fair or stage shows and exhibitions especially for children?

If all of these things are beyond your budget, how about a day at the beach or a park that has a playground. Take a picnic with you that includes some "kid's party food" like fairy bread and cupcakes.

Hopefully by the end of the afternoon everyone will be feeling as tired as you are so have something simple like a barbecue planned for dinner.

Invite grandparents and other family members. Ask them to bring salads etc so all you have to do is barbecue the meat.

Beforehand the presents from the guests can be opened. During this time the relatives can talk to the child and ask questions about "their day" until it's time to eat.

When the eating is done and everybody is relaxed sing " Happy Birthday" and bring out the cake.

During the day take lots of photos. Afterwards you can put them in an album so your child has a memento of the day.

Whatever you choose to do your child will have lots of fun and may even be glad they didn't have a party.

Learn more about this author, Blonde Rose.
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