How to Throw an Election Themed Birthday Party

***Disclosure: Lilliput Play Center waived the party rental fee in exchange for advertisements on Diary of a First Time Mom.

Dear Diary,

This year, I’m throwing an election themed kids party. Last year, I broke the bank on my daughter’s first birthday bash. It was worth every penny, because the memories are priceless. But I went way beyond the budget.  As a matter of fact, I didn’t even set a budget!  I still wanted to throw a huge party but with a much smaller amount of money. I decided not to go over $200, which was still more than I hoped to spend! I had to stretch that amount to cover the cost of the location, cake, decorations, party favors, food and a party dress.

First, I searched for a party venue. I contacted Lilliput Play Center—where I would live if I was about three feet shorter, and asked about a possible advertising trade.  They agreed and offered their space for free! The miniature houses and businesses inspired a Red, White and Two theme. Caitlynn would run for mayor of Tot Town!  Lilliput provides decorations and table cloths and serves pizza and cake.  You also have an option to order additional food items.  I opted to bring my own decorations. The play center also provided hours of pretend play, so I didn’t plan other entertainment.  As soon as the children entered, their imaginations ran wild!

The kids toured Lilliput Play Center a.k.a. Tot Town on the trolley and slid into action.

Anyone who wasn’t having a good time got dropped off at the doctor’s office to get their funny bone checked out.

The second stop—the beauty salon. Caitlynn shampooed and blow dried my best friend’s daughters’ hair.  Who knew when Fawn and I met in the 7^th grade our little girls would become friends in the future!

The heat from the curling irons sparked a small (pretend) fire, so firefighters quickly rushed to the scene.

The excitement worked up an appetite, so it was time to go grocery shopping and out for ice cream.

When the kids ran out of gas, they drove over to the table, where they ate pizza and cake and sang Happy Birthday.

Click here to find out how I threw a posh party with lots of ideas under ten bucks!  I’ll share my single mama secrets of party tricks that only cost a buck!