7. Circus Carnival Party: Bring the fun of the circus to your backyard with games like ring toss, balloon animals, face painting, and a mini-performance area for the kids to show off their talents ...

Another chimed in: "I don't think gifts of any kind are essential for a birthday party." Elaine Swann, a lifestyle and etiquette expert, said such a request could be considered selfish.

The younger the child, typically the less costly the celebration, with 1-year-old and 2-year-old birthday parties costing an average of $279. Spending on birthday parties for kids 6 to 9 rose, on ...