Backyard birthday parties save money and are still a lot of fun for my kids. The kids play and do a craft, and we keep the food simple. There's more prep work for me, and my house gets messy, but it's ...

Every day I open Instagram and see some elaborate birthday party set-up for an influencer's kid. Color-coordinated candy bars. Drink carts with bartenders for parents. Tablescapes that look straight ...