When you account for the rental blow-up jungle gym, sugary sweets, plastic party favors and 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:   

Winning Combinations

Corey Colwell-Lipson, founder of Green Halloween and co-founder of The Green Year, suggests combining food, décor and activities along a theme to minimize waste and stress. Some of her ideas include a cupcake bar where kids can choose frosting, raisins, shredded coconut and more, or a rainbow party, where you serve foods of all colors in small bowls and let kids make edible art. 

Waste Not

E-invites will lessen your paper trail. Petit Tableau's whimsical, hand-sewn cotton tablecloths and napkins will pair perfectly with small glasses and inexpensive plates you can reuse for future gatherings. If you must go disposable, Eco-Products carries recycled and biodegradable plates, cups and more.   

Go Light on the Loot

For her daughter's cowgirl-themed party, Colwell-Lipson encouraged guests to bring homemade gifts, and/or donations to the party girl's chosen charity--a horse ranch in Woodinville. Try collecting toys for a pet shelter at an animal-themed party, or used books for a library at a character party. If you want to help guide gift-givers, registries (available at Clover Toys or White Horse Toys, or innovative site EchoAge) can highlight gifts your child will cherish, or charities you support. 

Parting Gifts

"My kids play with party favors for five minutes, then they never play with them again," says Katie Amodei, a frequent writer for ParentMap magazine. She suggests filling reusable bags with homemade Rice Krispie treats, homemade play-doh, or useful gifts like crayons.

An Affair to Remember

Want to leave the planning to the experts? Planet Happy Toys offers parties for up to 8 kids, with "wow" activities like make-your-own herbal concoctions. At Creation Station in Lynnwood, kids build custom crafts and goodie bags from recycled materials. And at the Scratch Patch, 10 children hunt for treasure amid piles of colorful polished rocks (salvaged from mine waste), then leave with their own bag of gems and a healthy snack.

For more suggestions on throwing a pared-down party, check out Birthdays Without Pressure.

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