My son will turn four next month and he decided he wants a Curious George Party.  With Curious George plates, cups, napkins, and forks, he tells me.  As anyone who has thrown a kids’ birthday party before knows, it’s all too easy to spend an awful lot on those cute character party ware.  But obviously you don’t have to spend a lot to have a fun time.

PBS Parents has a special birthday party section, complete with printables that feature a few favorite PBS characters.  You can print out invitations, decorations, and party favors.  There are also ideas for food and games.  Even if your child isn’t having a party featuring a PBS character, there is still a page full of great generic party games and activities that would work for any party.

Last year, my son had a Dora and Diego party and Nick Jr.’s website was a lifesaver.  They have a party printables page of their own.  You can also visit the regular printable page for drafts as well as coloring and activity pages that make great party favors (print them four to a page and staple together for a coloring book).  Last year, I used this site to print a party banner, a pin the tail on Baby Jaguar game, invitations, and coloring pages.

photo from pbsparents.org