My son had a train party in July for his 5th birthday and we didn’t go all out but we did try to make it as special as possible.  He really like Thomas the Tank Engine so that is the theme he chose.  I found a Thomas cake kit on ebay for $20 and it comes with the instructions on how to cut a 1/2 sheet cake.  In doing a quick search to share a link I just found it here for $16.99 http://www.trainparty.com/products/dec06192.html  It was actually very easy to do and didn’t take as much time as you’d think.

For the actual party I tried to save money where possible and my son never knew the differnce.  This year for both my kids parties I scheduled it during a time that isn’t meal time.  I offered some chips and dip and then the cake.  The kids loved the chips and dip.  I used generic chips to save a bundle but splurged on the dip.  My favorite brand is Dean’s!!  I used a solid red table cloth purchased for $1 rather than getting the Thomas themed one then bought a centerpiece and some hanging decorations in Thomas and only 1 Thomas balloon for the birthday boy and a pack of solid colored balloons without helium and just hung them on the wall by attaching a little ribbon and using a pushpin.

I’ve found that the hats and blowers/horns end up trashed in 2 minutes and the kids won’t keep the hats on so I don’t waste my money on them anymore.

I also skipped the Thomas cups and purchased a store brand of the 8oz water bottles with sports tops and bought the store brand single serving drink mixes in several flavors and one packet will make 2 8oz bottles.  I wrote everyone’s name on their bottle as they got one and then filled them back up with water from the fridge when they wanted a refill. There were less spills as well.

When all the kids first got there we already had a ride one Thomas toy so as the kids arrived we took their picture while they were sitting on Thomas, then when all were inside we lined up the dining room chairs and pretended to take a train ride.  I blowed the whistle and the birthday boy was the engineer.  We had the whistle and engineer hat from years ago so we used them at the party.  The birthday boy told us where he was going and when the “engine” came to a stop we went outside for the pinata.  The Thomas pinata was too costly in my opinion for what it was and so I got a birthday cake pinata and my son just loved it.  Then we came in had chips and dip and cake, opened the gifts and it was over.  This was a 5 yr old birthday party and we were done in an hour and a half!  It was a great time for all of us!!