Help: Frugal ideas for daycare party

[kdabbler]

I have two girls in center-based daycare. I just got a note that they're having a party and I should bring something! Nothing like last minute planning with this place My finances and time are very tight right now.

Dd#1 has 7 kids in her class ages 4 to 5
Dd#2 has 8 to 10 given the day (12 mos to 22 mos)

Many of the mothers do gift bags. You should see all the candy, books and toys they get for holidays and birthdays. I'm not sure if I should buy candy or make cookies as they're often loaded up with these items at their parties. In the past, I will go to the $1 store and make little ziploc goodie bags with crayons, stickers and maybe a piece of candy. But I don't have the time, nor the money to get this elaborate. One time before dd#2 arrived, I brought watermelon cut up to serve at the party.

What do I do? I don't have time to trek out to the $1 store. I need ideas.

[Sharlla]

Homemade pinatas? my mom made one for my class once, it was pretty cool.

[kdabbler]

Originally Posted by Sharlla

Homemade pinatas? my mom made one for my class once, it was pretty cool.

That is very cool idea. Maybe with some planning I can do that for Valentine's. But this party is FRIDAY and I work full time:

[Mom2Joseph]

Do you have any old or extra ornaments you could do without? You could give one each.

A candy cane with a ribbon?

A packet of hot chocolate wrapped in foil with a bow or ribbon?

Donation to Local Animal Shelter: A picture of a cute dog or cat with a note that you have given a donation to the local animal shelter in honor of the day care and / or that child? - This is my favorite! Low cost, not another piece of candy or cheap toy the child doesn't need and a great opportunity to inform others of a local organization while also giving.

Rice Balls: using rice, plastic baggies, and balloons. (put rice in baggie, twist baggie and wrap back around so it is ball shaped, cut top off balloons and wrap over baggie, do the same with another balloon overlapping the first - voila! a colored ball!)

Coffee Filter Angels: Take each coffee filter individually and fold in half, then fold in half again forming triangles (careful not to straighten the pleats). Place a dab of glue on the inside corner of the second fold. Squish shut. Repeat on all three filters. Write each child's name in a colorful maker in the center of each "angel"

[lmonter]

Little homemade ornaments? Last night my 4yo was beside himself as we were making ornaments with tri-beads (you know, the ones that nest up against each other?) and pipe cleaners. He had a blast. Pretty simple if you have 5 minutes to run into a craft store (and not be tempted to get anything else). And your older kiddo can do a bunch of them, too. If she doesn't get distracted first like mine did after 30-45 minutes.

Or I'd be tempted to make some homemade banana or zucchini muffins or something, stick in a cute holiday-type ziploc and ribbon. Depends on how cheap/homemade you think you can get away with.

[Starr]

I bought a roll of frozen cookie dough and dropped off, the kids had fun making it at her daycare. I think it was around $3.

Candycanes?

A bag of fun sized treats to hand out?

[hlkm2e]

If you can run to the grocery store, you can do this pretty cheap.

Snowman soup
http://www.homeschoolzone.com/pp/crafts/snowmansoup.htm

[1growingsprout]

you need 17 items max... go get 2 boxes of juice pouches or a couple boxes of fruit snacks... no need to get elaborate...