In my parenting lifetime, two friends have inspired me to keep birthdays simple. Both of these friends always host parties in their own homes to keep costs down, and always use real dishes and utensils.

My all-time favorite party entertainment idea from one of these friends is wheelbarrow rides. This costs nothing but a couple of borrowed wheelbarrows and the energy to zoom kids around in them. There are big grins all around, and lots of begging for more, more, more!

Take a look at more Works for Me Wednesday ideas.