I have a birthday banner that goes up, and just got from avon a string of lights that are cupcakes! I ask the child the day before to choose either cupcakes or cookies and we make them together the next day as part of our "craft". Also Luch is the BD boy/girl's choice.
I too gift a gift I spent $30....last one I got a mini-camping-folding-chair (she loved DD's) plus a little dress & hair clips. I noticed her clothing were a bit too small. OH plus a sticker book of her favorite toons Dollerama!