Those of us with kids certainly know the dreaded words that can make a mother shudder, “Can I pleeease have a Birthday party this year?”

• When we were young, parties were about running around, playing fun games like pass the parcel and musical chairs.

  Then came the days of parents (ok, mostly mothers) trying to outdo each other with the real ponies, giant inflatable castles, ice cream makers and a parade of fairies. So it’s great to see that the tables are turning as parents realise children can have fun without a huge outlay and cost. Old fashioned games and traditions are coming back with the same magical experience.

  Here are a few simple tips to make sure your child’s party one that is memorable, easy to manage (remember 15 screaming children is a great way to make you lose control!)…and best of all you don’t have to re-mortgage your house.

  Theming - pick a theme that flows through your party from invitations to games and food.

  DIY - make your own invitations and let your child help colour them in and decorate them.

  Games - have lots throughout the day. They don’t have to be expensive to be fun. Pass the parcel is always a winner and has kids sitting down for at least 15 minutes. Another great idea is to hang a line of donuts by a string and get each child to try and eat them with their hands behind their backs – the first one to finish wins a prize!

  Get the Kids Involved - don’t buy soft drinks. If you have a home making drinks machine like a SodaStream, bring it out and have the children pick their own flavour and help you make it. They’ll have loads of fun making their own fizzy drinks. Normal SodaStream flavours have 1/3 less sugar than bought soft drinks and now they also have a sensational range called ‘Sparkling Goodness’ that is 100% free from artificial flavours, colours and sweeteners.

  It couldn’t be simpler. SodaStream will be loved long after the balloons have popped and the guests have gone home.