Remember when a child's birthday party ... said her kids prefer boxed cake and icing from a jar over costlier store-bought, and that they look forward to pulling out the reusable decorations ...

The greatest blessing of a late spring, summer or early fall birthday is outdoor ... cupcakes and top with flower decorations. When the party wraps, send kids home with watering cans and seeds ...

If you're looking to organize a cost-effective birthday bash that doesn't compromise on fun, use these money-saving strategies and inexpensive birthday party ideas ... and your kids will create ...

Natale’s party decorations ... A table topped with a photo of “Law & Order” star Elliot Stabler (played by Christopher Meloni) doubled as a fingerprinting station for the kids.