School is back, and so are the birthday party invitations. My sister told me her little Pre-K girl has gotten several invites since class has been back in session, which means great big fun for kids — and great big spending for parents. It’s happened to me before — envelopes sent home in back packs, my boys dead set on attending parties and me racking my brain for gift ideas that won’t break the bank. Well, I finally found a little something that is inexpensive, useful, educational — and it can be worked into a cute little theme. And because I hate running extra errands, I find the whole kit-and-kaboodle in my trusty grocery store.

Just locate your paper or school-supply aisle while you’re strolling the supermarket and pick up a few of the following items: Pad of sketch paper, box of crayons, colored pencils, markers, water colors, scissors, glue, tape, and, well, you get my drift, right? Art supplies, as much or as little as you want. Then drop by the wrapping paper/greeting card area, and grab a brown paper gift bag with handles, and maybe some tissue paper. Head home, and wrap up your goodies. Then hop on the computer, find a coloring sheet with, say, a crayon on it, print, and let your kid color and label with the birthday boy or girl’s name — oh, and sign it too. Then cut it out, punch a hole, tie some ribbon through and secure to the bag. Voila — a crafty something suitable for any age.

Photo: tlindenbaum, Flickr