Budget Birthdays- How to have a "Scentsational" Spa Party

I just wrapped up a busy season that included two milestone birthdays for my children. Considering our current financial straits the all out expensive bashes of the past were totally out of reach. However, I am so proud of the amazing parties we pulled off on a small budget. The first was an Ariel party and the second was a new one for me, the Spa Slumber Party!

The ratio of expense to excitement was off the hook when it came to the Spa Slumber Party. So if you're looking for some ideas, here's how we did it. Upon arrival our guests were immersed into a pampered environment that included aromatherapy candles and soundscape music. They were offered slushies and a tray of fruit snacks to enjoy at our outdoor "bubble" lounge. Several age-appropriate magazines were also available for their perusal while awaiting their turn at the manicure station in the living room. The manicure included a palm to elbow massage with a luxurious satsuma body butter. After the manicure the girls painted each other’s nails with some candy scented polishes. Meanwhile, the girls were also circulating through the relaxation center where they enjoyed a shiatsu on a recliner while listening to a soothing sound machine and breathing in the stress relieving notes of another aromatherapy candle.

Each girl received a cute purse in brown or pink with a bow in front. Inside there was a small loofah, a manicure set, scented hand lotion, head wrap, and “Friends 4ever” picture frame. After the nail and massage sessions we moved onto the much anticipated facial. First we washed faces with a citrusy cleanser from Clean and Clear, then exfoliated with an apricot scrub from St. Ives, then we used warm towels to open up the pores. Next, we applied a green mud mask from Burt’s Bees and cucumber slices on the eyes. At this point we took a picture break. (Each girl went home with a group picture for their frame). Then we washed up with warm water and finished up with a gentle aloe facial moisturizer. The girls loved every minute of it! After that it was pizza, a purse decorated cake with ice cream, and gift opening. We filled in the rest of the night by renting a movie from on demand (the Tooth Fairy) and plenty of popcorn. The girls were up through the night. In the morning, we served fruit, donuts, cereal, and OJ.

It was a night packed with fun activities that really didn't cost very much. The goodie purses were created from items found in the dollar bins at Target and from Dollar Tree. As for the facial treatments I was careful to purchase products that were gentle and had scents appealing to preteens. I did research how to make these treatments at home and had the best intentions of doing that. But as they saying goes "time is money" and I'm short on both :). Overall this was a "scentsational" experience that I'm sure we'll do again in the future.