My daughter's 5th birthday was a surprise party.
She was busy getting her hair styled while her friends arrived and quickly went to our basement to decorate "Melanie's Birthday House," made out of two refrigerator boxes taped together and with a door cut in the front. They drew flowers, windows and added balloons and streamers. As Melanie arrived they went in the "house." Melanie then played "Guess who I am" which consisted of Mom giving clues about each guest (I am in your dance class and have a baby sister) and the guest opening the door and coming out when their name was guessed. Everyone had a great time decorating, Melanie was speechless - for once- and we all climbed in the house later for bingo and refreshments. It was a fun day and not expensive to put together.