Last year, we held our toddler’s birthday party at a kiddie play place—you know, with games, rides, music and such. Big mistake. Not only was it highly impersonal, loud and chaotic, it was also just way too much for a little kid. Maybe it would be fun for a bigger kid, but this was simply overkill.

Yes, the kids had fun, and I guess that’s the point—but what happened to the days when we held simple get-togethers for fun without so much expectation and expense? Here are a few ways you can make your child’s next birthday a bit more down to earth and personal.

Skip the fancy venue. Instead of spending a hundred dollars—or more!—to rent a place, have it at your home, the park, or the home of a friend or relative with plenty of room. All kids really need is a safe space to play in.

Play old-fashioned games. Don’t show a movie or have a video game fest—the kids can do that anyway, and it’s too passive for a party. Instead, let them play fun, old-fashioned games. Try a piñata, pin the tail on the donkey, ring toss, bean bag toss and other classic games they’re sure to enjoy. So it won’t be a fast-paced, instant gratification activity like our culture is used to—that should be a good thing! Many children won’t be used to that, so it will seem novel to them.

Use a simple theme. If you want to get a few items with your child’s favorite character, that’s okay—but you can save money by purchasing the rest of your items as simple but matching additions. For example, to accent a Dora the Explorer cake, you might want to pick balloons and streamers that match Dora’s outfit instead of more expensive cut-out decorations. Alternatively, use decorations as an activity during the party—provide a large white sheet of butcher paper for the banner and let the kids have fun painting it.

Make your food. Simple penne pasta or a cake from a box recipe will only cost you a few dollars compared to ordering out. While it will take a little more time, you can always enlist the help of the birthday girl or boy to decorate, which will be both meaningful and enjoyable.

Borrow, borrow, borrow! If you don’t have enough tables and chairs, see if you can borrow them from a friend, family member, or neighbor. The same goes for any decorations or special effects you might want, such as a bubble machine.