By Ali Mason

Around 26% of parents told BabyCenter.com that the average amount spent for their child's first birthday was over $500. Of course, there are some who run to even greater costs, opting to hire out a venue and raising the expenditure by thousands of dollars. If an important party is coming up and you want it to be memorable without breaking the bank, follow these tips and ensure that you don't miss out on an ounce of fun!

Pick the Right Theme

If you're theming your party, then you've probably scoured Instagram and other media to see what everyone else is up to. If it's a summer event, Hawaiian and other beachy themes appeal - and if you had any doubt as to how cute these can look, check out Jessica Simpson's recent Moana-inspired birthday party for her daughter.

A Hawaiian theme is actually cheap and easy to create. Serve healthy homemade fruit platters and smoothies graced with colorful umbrellas and pineapple-shaped ice. For beverages and desserts, use frozen fruits instead of fresh. Hawaiian fruits like pineapple cost over a dollar less per pound when purchased frozen. Simply thaw fruit out the night before and use skewers to present pieces attractively.

Download free island-inspired music, head to the five-and-dime for cute grass skirts, and buy dried flowers in bulk to make spiffy leis you can place on guests as soon as they arrive. Finally, create your own decorations such as painted paper surfboards, palm trees, and flowers. Decorate your tables with open grass skirts and colorful fringes.

Set Up a Snack Table

Healthy snacks are quick and easy to make, and they will cost you considerably less than having to feed everyone three courses. Keep it low-fat and simple, offering a few raw treats to boost your guests' antioxidant intake. A custom-made party cake can cost over $100, but you can spend much less by making a yummy raw-food dessert. Buy apples in bulk and make a cheap yet cheerful apple pie. For the crust, use a blend of crushed nuts and dates. For the filling, just slice apples finely and place in layers, sticking these together with your homemade syrup (orange juice and dates whipped into a blender).

For a kids' party, dip bananas on a stick into melted dark chocolate and freeze - the result will be a cheap yet delicious frozen treat. For adults, do the same with juicy seasonal strawberries. Make your own freshly squeezed lemonade too, using lemons bought in bulk. This will be a nice change to the store-bought juices and milkshakes served at most parties.

Choose Active Games

Make sure you offer fun, age-appropriate games for your guests, and choose active games to up the health factor. For children, classics like potato sack races and egg-and-spoon races work well. If you have a large yard, consider creating an exciting obstacle course that can include tires, a table to crawl under, and a ramp to run or climb over. If you're choosing an athletic team, you can celebrate a mini Olympics, giving kids homemade rosettes for winning events.

Throwing a healthy, reasonably priced party starts with your theme. Just because champagne and caviar aren't on the menu, it doesn't mean guests can't be happy and satisfied. Focus on finger foods that will have everyone on their feet so they can mingle. The more homemade items you have, the more your guests will appreciate everything they try. Keep them on their toes with energetic activities, as well. Who said parties had to be all about lounging around and talking? Why not focus on the doing?