Birthday invitations aren't just invitations anymore; they've been elevated to a preview of what's to come, and to a glimpse at the personality and interests of the person for whom the party is being thrown.  There are people who are willing to go all out on their birthday invitations, sparing no expense and emphasizing extravagance.  Others, however, choose to go with a less expensive and more personal feel.  The direction that you choose to take depends on your own personality.  Some children as young as one have parents who insist on printing their picture on glossy postcards, with a schedule of events and a request for R.S.V.P. on the back.  Some adults hire entertainers to go from door to door in order to personally deliver invitations.  Others choose to make their birthday invitations by hand, and focus on the personal, making the birthday invitation more inviting.

While extravagance has a place in the world of celebration, for children's parties in particular the handmade is often more appropriate and appreciated.  Handmade invitations are often treasured by close friends and family more than the most expensive custom made invites, particularly if the child themselves had a hand in  making them.  It's important to remember that the invitation has to match the event.  If this birthday party is really for a child, then it should show that, and it should appeal to children, just as the birthday party invitations should.  Many parents want to make their children's birthday parties and birthday invitations as grown-up and polished as possible, but that route often lacks authenticity.

As kids get older, it's a good idea to incorporate the direction of the party into the invitation design.  Handmade is still a great idea, and still conveys more of a personal touch than professionally made invitations, but some people favor the polished look of professional birthday invites.  As long as the feeling of the child and the party is reflected in the invitation, either direction is fine.  People in their adult years often have a clear idea of what their style is, and what kind of birthday invitations they want to hand out.  This means that if they have a flair for crafts, they'll naturally make them by hand, and if they don't, they'll go for store bought invites.  At this point, either way is great, again, as long as the invite is reflective of the person's personality and the feel of the party.