I have a son who was turning six in Novemember.  Since christmas was right around the corner and the fact that he has autism (which means he doesn't like many toys) I decided to have a Story Book birthday. I instructed each person to bring a copy of their favorite book as a gift for Logan. We made the theme of the party all his favorite characters Blue's Clues, Franklin, Little Bear, and Thomas the Tank Engine.  I bought cups and plates and things like that in a variety of all 4. Then we played Pin the paw on Blue and let's find blues clues with notebooks I had made at home.  Then we had a Franklin scavenger hunt (looking for things turtles eat) and then we read a book "The little old Lady who was not afraid of anything" and everyone participated in the story.  At the end all the kids got into a circle and gave Logan the book they had brought for him and explained why it was their favorite. This was truly a great inexpensive party and I had no unwanted gifts since my son LOVES books!!!