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Local Author Helping Parents Plan the 'Best Buddies Birthday' Party

Best Buddies Birthdays
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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- A mother-daughter duo are sharing their best birthday advice with the world. 

 
Local educator Dr. Sally Butzin and her daughter Charlotte Butzin Beal recently wrote Best Buddies Birthdays. Local artist Bob Smith illustrated the book.

Butzin says she and her family were concerned about excessive and over-the-top parties for young kids, and what messages that sends.

Their goal is encouraging getting back to basics: small at-home parties with simple games and getting moms to "jump off the excessive party bandwagon."

The say, "Field-tested with real kids, Best Buddies Birthdays can bring back the joy and innocence of childhood, while instilling positive values and saving money. It takes a step away from the norm of over-the-top parties and embraces a more down-to-earth approach to giving children a special day."

Here are some of Butzin's tips for hosting a Best Buddies Birthday party: 

 
- Invite as many children as the child's age, no parents. 
- Two-hour limit in mid-afternoon, Saturday or Sunday.
- Let the birthday child choose one or two of the activities (50 suggested in the book) depending on their interests.
- Serve cake and fruit punch only– ice cream optional.
- Make a ceremony of opening the gifts.
- Write thank you notes.
 
Best Buddies Birthdays is available now on Amazon.
 
Butzin is also taking part in a book signing event. That's set for Saturday, February 27 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Lofty Pursuits.