healthy and low cost birthday ideas from Rosie Pope

A few days ago, I shared photos and party ideas from my baby boy’s stress-free first birthday — and today I’m back with a few more tips from parenting expert Rosie Pope. Even when you’re trying to simplify party planning so mom and dad don’t lose it, it’s easy to forget about setting boundaries for the kiddos and before you know it they’re hopped up on sugar and you’re even more stressed.

A mother to four, Rosie is the founder of Rosie Pope Maternity, MomPrep and Rosie Pope Baby, as well as author of “Mommy IQ: The Complete Guide to Pregnancy” and previous star of Bravo TV's "Pregnant in Heels.

A mother to four, Rosie Pope is the founder of Rosie Pope Maternity, MomPrep and Rosie Pope Baby, as well as author of “Mommy IQ: The Complete Guide to Pregnancy” and previous star of Bravo TV’s “Pregnant in Heels.

Rosie Pope’s Tips for Perfect Birthday Parties:

SUGAR-FREE GIFT BAGS:

Chanel the inner explorer rather than candy lover: mini magnifying glasses, sunflower seeds to plant, bug boxes, mini note pads and pencils, fake mustaches, lip gloss rings, hair grips and stickers.

MONEY-SAVING PRESENTS:

Go in with other parents attending the party. If you find a larger but more expensive gift from a Lego set, basketball net to dolls house then split it with other party goers it will be much less expensive and the birthday girl or boy gets something they really want.

LOW-COST WRAPPING:

Ask the store to gift wrap so you don’t spend extra on paper and ribbons – likewise have your kids make the birthday card.

PLAN AHEAD:

Find some signature go to gifts so that you can stock up in advance and not have to run out last minute and be pressured into buying something more expensive. We love to give Magna-Tiles and stuffies (aka stuffed animals)depending on the person.

DIY IT:

Buying and personalizing: you can buy a little wooden chair or art boxes and then paint and personalize yourself creating an inexpensive and very personal gift.

BETTER-FOR-YOU CAKES & CUPCAKES:

Natural Red Velvet Cupcake Recipe - Photo Credit: Rosiepope.com

Natural Red Velvet Cupcake Recipe – Photo Credit: Rosiepope.com

Choose cakes/cupcakes and icing with out coloring (no more red velvet! Rosie suggests this natural Red Velvet Beet Cupcake Recipe by DL) and give them color by adding bright fruits instead if sprinkles. If making yourself add healthy seeds like flax to give the little ones a boost of omega fatty acids / likewise for ice cream use real fruit chunks.

THINK HEALTHY:

Consider opting for party ice pops. A great recipe is frozen lemonade and strawberries blended together. You can add a little whipped cream for visual effect on serving. Make sure everyone eats before the dessert to minimize how much they take down. Lighten the icing to cupcake ratio.

UNIQUE TREATS:

Party ice-cream cones are also great – choose a multigrain cone and add a small scoop of vanilla – dip the cone in coconut shavings and add a candle for everyone to hold and blow out with the party girl/boy. They look great and are relatively small compared to ice-cream cake servings.

Thanks to Rosie for sharing these great tips — how do you make your parties a little healthier or inexpensive?

Check out the Rosie Pope Store on Amazon to find out more about her sweet line of baby clothes, maternity wear, and more.

 Insect & Bug Safari or Ladybug Party Resources