Paper Roses

     Martha Stewart is a bit overbearing, but you have to admit, the girl is crafty.  Her tutorial for making paper roses from double thickness crepe paper made our wedding unique (and saved about $1000 on the flower budget).  The tutorial demonstrates how to construct giant roses.  I just scaled it back to normal sizes.  http://www.marthastewart.com/269341/crepe-paper-roses

Paper Roses Bouquet

Mike's Boutonniere

Centerpiece

The double thick crepe paper that makes the roses look so real seems to be available only online.  Martha's tutorial mentioned that Michael's carries it, but I found this is not the case, at least locally.  I was very happy dealing with the other company she mentions, Castle in the Air https://www.castleintheair.biz/shoppe/?b=10&k=10&c=143.
     After the roses, I went a little nuts with paper products.  I made placemats out of single face corrugated paper.  I found a company in Illinois that has a great line of products and doesn't mind processing small orders for individuals.  http://www.singlefacesupply.com/single-face-corrugated.html
     I also got into dollar bill origami.  http://www.origami-resource-center.com/dollar-bill.html  The recipient of this gift had to do a little work if they wanted to spend their birthday present.

 
I'm no expert on kids, but I think the younger ones would like getting their birthday cash folded into shapes.  It's also a fun  way to leave a tip.