When you account for the rental blow-up jungle gym, sugary sweets, plastic party favors--and, of course, the piles of presents--many kids' birthday parties can be summed up in one word: excess. We polled green-minded party pros about how to throw a low-impact shindig that's still a blast for the kids. Here's what they recommend:

Tasty Treats: Want great taste without the sugar high? Melissa Graham, president of Purple Asparagus, recommends whole grain pretzels, organic fruit leather, granola and fresh fruit. Or try her recipes for whole grain pizza and healthy soda spritzers. Visit Bleeding Heart Bakery and Floriole for cakes made with local and organic ingredients.

Waste Not: Choose e-invites to lessen the paper trail. Petit Tableau offers whimsical, hand-sewn cotton tablecloths and napkins that pair perfectly with small glasses and inexpensive plates you can reuse. If you must go disposable, Eco-products carries recycled and biodegradable plates, cups and more.

Going Light on the Loot: Opt for a partial-gift party where family members give gifts and friends bring something to donate, like a new or used book for the local library, toys for a children's hospital or, for animal-themed parties, supplies for a pet shelter.

Parting Gifts: For her son's Ratatouille-themed birthday party, Graham skipped the goody bags full of cheap, plastic toys and gave spatula and spoon sets. "Instead of a bag of junk that will break or be tossed, give something more useful--or at least less plastic," she says.

An Affair to Remember: Want to leave the planning to the experts? Green studio Yoga Now hosts kid-friendly yoga parties. Prices for hula hooping, circus yoga, animal move yoga or green yoga activities (like making prayer flags or decorating flower pots and planting seeds) range from $155 to $255 for up to 20 kids. For little chefs, The Kids' Table hosts cooking parties where up to 20 kids (depending on age) can bake individual cakes and even a savory item or two.

For pricing info for The Kids' Table parties, click here. Or for more suggestions on throwing a pared-down party, check out Birthdays Without Pressure.

Editor's Note: Don't forget to turn the lights out for Earth Hour this Saturday, March 29! Read more.

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