Here's an idea for the ultimate girlie-girl get-together: Throw a "spa" birthday party, complete with manicures, facials, foot soaks, hairstyling and makeup sessions. With a few tricks, you can pull the whole thing off for less than $100.
First, some starter tips to keep costs down:- Have the party at your home
- Invite 4 to 5 guests
- Make your own cake and snacks
- Use your own beauty products when possible
- Ask each guest to bring a robe and flip-flops
Invitations
Savings Tip: Send an online invite
Style-conscious pre-teen girls will appreciate the "hip" factor of an emailed invitation -- and the best part is, they're free. Check out the cute spa party invitation templates available at Evite. We like the cheeky-yet-cool "Pamper Her" motif.
Decorations
Savings Tip: Candles and bedsheets go a long way
Since your theme is relaxation, keep the décor simple: Gather all your white sheets and drape them over chairs and other furniture to create a "spa" feel. Dim the lights and fill the room with candles, and watch your former living room turn into a decadent retreat.
The Table
Savings Tip: Stock it with an inexpensive makeup display
Make up for what you don't have in your own beauty cabinet with a collection of discount eyeshadows, eyeliner pencils, powders, blushes and lipsticks. Look for brands like j.a.n.e. and Bonne Bell - for less than $2 an item you can beef up your own collection so there will be plenty of options come "makeover" time. Buy bulk packages of Q-tips and makeup sponges to keep everything hygienic.
Activities
Savings Tip: Give at-home "beauty services"
Enlist the help of a friend or older sister and set up "stations" for special spa treatments. Once the girls are in their robes and flip-flops, have them rotate -- for example you can give manicures and pedicures in one spot, do their hair in another. If you have one, use your recliner chair as the place to apply face masks with cucumbers, and to give massages.
After everyone's finished with their mask, have the girls pair up and do each other's makeup, or do it for them.
Food
Savings Tip: Make your own treats
Add this Mock Sushi recipe to your menu as a fun finger food, but don't be fooled -- the "sushi" pieces are actually made of marshmallows, Rice Krispies and fruit leather. Pass them out to the girls for a sweet treat while they lounge.
Party Favors
Savings Tip: Give a do-it-yourself craft or trial-size beauty products
Crafty moms who are handy with fabric and a glue gun can enlist the help of the birthday girl to make these Stylin' Sleep Masks. The guests can then finish decorating their own as a fun activity, or you can embellish them yourself and hand them out at the end of the party.
Another idea: Plastic hairbands, barrettes, mini nail polish bottles and trial-size hand lotions all make great goody-bag stuffers and can be found at your local drugstore.
