Birthday Party Ideas for Twins - Double the Fun without Doubling the Cost

Planning a birthday party for twins or multiples when the children are of opposite sex, or when each of them wants to have a different "theme" can pose a challenge. The number of catalogs that clog a parent's mailbox is astounding, and the products that are available that seem to be relatively inexpensive at first, really can add up. Multiply that by two or more, and a simple at home party can cost you upwards of $150 or more. And that doesn't even include cake or presents! Your best bet is to get rid of those catalogs. Trust me. We've found some ways to cut the costs without limiting the fun.

1. Similar themes for young children. When your twins are turning one or two, you can go with a simple pink and/or blue theme (or any other color). Candles, streamers and other celebratory decor make the party very festive. At my twins' first birthday party, I made strawberry frosting and blueberry frosting for two separate homemade cakes. I also printed out a number of black and white photos of their first year and mounted them on black poster board for a cute display. Guests really enjoyed seeing how much they had changed during their first year! I know that many parents think that they have to hand out "goodie bags" at the end of the party. For children turning 1 or 2, I think this is just unnecessary. By cutting out that expense, you can save yourself at least $30, or more.

2. Blended or unisex theme for young children. One of my favorite theme parties is a crayon party. This was loads of fun for a group of three-year olds, learning their colors. Guests were asked to wear their favorite color. We decorated with bright yellow tablecloths and put out green silverware. A single cake shared by both children was easy and adorable!  See the photo above.

If you wish to prepare "goodie bags" for your attendees, simple yellow cellophane bags can be filled with bubbles, small crayon packs, stickers and small paper tablets. Dollar Stores are excellent places to gather these supplies. Remember not to include small pieces that could be a choking hazard for those ages 3 and younger. Hard candy, in addition to toys, could be dangerous.

3. Same day parties. As your children get older, you may be tempted or cajoled into the idea of parties on separate days. To me, this seems like unnecessary work and expense, with one major exception: sleepovers, if your children are opposite sex. But let's say that your son wants a basketball party and your daughter wants a make-over party? How do you swing that one? Keep it simple. If you have a spouse or partner to help out, have that person take one set of partiers to the basketball court at a nearby school, while you stay home and apply makeup and curl hair with the girls - or vice versa. You CAN make it work, if you are creative.

4. Neutral background. Select balloons and streamers in a single, unifying color. White works if you have children of opposite sex. Or, you can go with a simple colorful festive patterned background. See my photo of our blended "Hello Kitty" and "Cars" theme party below. If your multiples are all boys, or all girls, you may be able to go with a pink or blue background- or whatever the favorite color may be. Just get agreement between the children. From there, you can layer the actual selected "theme" of the party by selecting the specific napkins and plates and, if you desire, "goodie bags" that your child has selected. When it comes to cakes, you can get creative, or even silly. Maybe you don't really need 2 or 3 cakes. No one ever eats all of it, and it often goes to waste. Why not see about buying a few figures yourself and have Sponge Bob boogie with My Little Pony on a cake that you bake at home? Even better, involve your children in the cake decorating, and they'll have a laugh right along with you!

5. The gift quandary. Sometimes party goers don't know whether to bring one or two presents. Particularly if your children are young and/or of opposite sex. This could potentially result in one child getting more presents than the other (yes, I have seen it happen). To prevent potential hurt feelings, you may want to consider including a post script on the invitations to encourage guests not to bring presents: "no gifts please." Alternatively, you can ask that donations be made in your twins' name to certain charities or foundations, such as the March of Dimes. Of course, talk to your children in advance and stress that the purpose of the party is to get their friends together for a fun time. Its not about the presents!

6. Do it yourself and save $$.

• If you make your own cake, it might not look as "tidy" as the ones available at the supermarket, but it certainly won't cost $25-35, either.
• Buy latex balloons and blow them up yourself. Scatter them around so that the children can actually play with them (ages 3 and up!), rather than paying way too much for helium versions at the store.
• Resist the temptation to buy special banners - you can create these yourself. Include digital photographs, art work, stickers. Many children would love to help!
• Use cloth tablecoverings, instead of flimsy paper ones. Better for the environment, too! In the same vein, use actual silverware instead of plastic.

7. Have fun! With four young children, I find myself at times viewing birthday parties as something to "get through." Instead of putting a great deal of stress on yourself and suffering undue financial strain, remember the underlying purpose of the entire celebration: To mark another milestone in your child's life with happiness! Surround yourself and your children with friends and family, and the rest of the day will largely take care of itself.