Here's some advice from local moms as to how to save time and money on the party this year.

My daughter had a luau-themed birthday party last year. I saved a lot of time by purchasing a luau-themed "Goody Bag Kit." The kit came with really cute fabric bags, beach balls, sunglasses, water toys, stickers and some other little goodies. The year before I was running around at the last minute looking for things to fill the bags with. Using the kit freed up time to focus on other more important details.

Angela P., Moncks Corner Mom to Morgan, 3

If you don't have time to bake and decorate a cake, or a fancy one from the store is not in your budget, just bake cupcakes and let the kids decorate as part of the party activity. Set out colored frosting, sprinkles, candies, decorative toothpicks etc. The kids have fun and get to be creative. You save time and money.

If you are doing gift bags, and your kids are old enough, make an assembly line and have your kids help stuff.

I love paper invitations, but if you are on a tight budget, use EVITES. The automatic reminders they send out are helpful.

Chris H., Summerville Mom to Katie, 5, and Madelyn, 3

When you find a general gift that is age-appropriate and suitable for many of your child's friends, buy more than one. I found a sale on Lite-Brites and bought a bunch of them to give as gifts. When you see a good deal, you might as well stock up. Plus you know you've got gifts ready at the last minute.

Joanne J., Mount Pleasant Mom to Alex, 18, Caitlin, 18, and Logan, 6

As soon as you get your yearly calendar go ahead and mark a day four six weeks before the party to remind you to start thinking about what you are going to do. This way it doesn't sneak up on you and you only have a couple of days to throw something together.

Have the party from 1 4 p.m. because you only have to provide "finger foods" and snacks with your cake and ice cream. This saves you prep the day of and money in this economy.

Lizz A., Charleston Mom to Jack, 6, Charlie, 5, and Lola, 2

Have a parent co-op birthday party group where each parent performs a certain function for each party and maybe pays for it as well. If you had a group of 10 children every time there is a birthday party the 10 sets of parents would act as a cohesive co-op group and perform different functions to bring the party to fruition.

Carolyn D., Mount Pleasant Mom to Alexandra, 11, and Michael, 17

Offer individual ice cream cups in different flavors, rather than worrying about someone scooping out ice cream and what flavor, etc.

Write a cute handwritten thank you note or poem ahead of time and add to the party favor guest bags.

For home birthday parties, have birthday week. Spend a little time each day decorating streamers, piñata, Happy Birthday banners/decor, or filling party favor guest bags. Save balloons, however, until the day of the party. We enjoy the birthday decorations all week before the party and then only have a quick take down after the party is over.

Becki B., Mount Pleasant Mom to Ash and KK

Got a creative idea for a party stress buster? Share your advice.