14-year-old Birthday party, good idea?

What would be a good 50th birthday party idea on a budget?

• My dad and I want to plan a 50th birthday party for my mom. She never said she didn't want to celebrate her birthday. All she said was "Don't waste a ton of money throwing me a party!" I take that to say, "If you throw me a party, it can't cost a lot!" Which makes me want to come up with a good idea. Any ideas on a theme for a party for a 50th birthday that won't cost a lot to pull off. My idea would be to send invitations that read "Thrifty Old Lady Party!" and have everyone bring cheap gifts themed toward advice on how to be that "cheap old lady". Our family is full of practical jokers. We roasted my dad on his 50th and it was a blast. At moms 40th, we themed it "Yer no spring chicken" and had everyone dress like hillbillies and made her wear a chicken costume... you get the idea of how nuts we all are...

• Answer:

  Make it a covered dish....everyone brings some food item.