These days, it seems like parents are breaking the bank in order to throw the most lavish birthday parties for their kids. You know, when all is said and done and your kids are grown up, they are going to remember the good times with you and the things you did for them, not how much money you spent on their parties. You can throw some pretty awesome kids’ parties without having to spend a whole lot of money. Here are 17 tips to help you do just that.
1) Plan Ahead – Start planning the party as early as possible. This will give you loads of time to find the best deals on everything you need to plan an awesome kids’ birthday party. It will also save you from having to buy last-minute items.
2) The Right Time – To cut down on costs, plan the party to be held between 2pm and 5pm. That way, they have eaten lunch, and it is too early for dinner, so you don’t have to give them a full meal.
3) Send Digital Invitations – Save money on paper invitations by sending out digital invitations instead. Use websites such as Evite and Paperless Post for plenty of colorful and free options.
4) Get Help from Family and Friends – Instead of hiring people to set things up, enlist the help of your family and friends. Take it a step further, and have one of them dress up in a character costume instead of hiring an actor.
5) Shop Online – You can save a lot of money on party favours, decorations, etc. by shopping online at such stores as Shindigs, BirthdayExpress and PaperMart.
6) Make Themed Favors – Get some crafting supplies, and create personalized craft activities. The kids have fun, and get something they made to take home with them.
7) Don’t Go Goody Bag Crazy – You don’t need to go overboard on filling up goody bags. A few inexpensive items will do the trick nicely.
8) Bake the Cake Yourself - The kids aren’t going to care where the cake comes from, as long as there is cake. Save money and make it yourself.
9) Avoid Party Stores – Party stores charge a lot more for items than other stores do, because they are specialty stores.
10) Visit the Dollar Store – Dollar stores are great places to get a lot of party favors at a fraction of the price you would pay at party supply stores or department stores.
11) Visit Thrift Stores – Here are some great places to get cheap dinnerware, glasses, cutlery, etc. rather than having to buy everything new.
12) Make Your Own Party Supplies – You probably have things around the house you can use for supplies, decorations, etc. Use a hole-punch to decorate paper plates. Use markers to draw designs on napkins and cups.
13) Go with Free Activities – There are all kinds of things you can do to keep the kids entertained, and they won’t cost you a thing. Play games like freeze dance, musical chairs, hot potato, charades, red rover, etc.
14) Keep Food Simple – Kids don’t expect a lavish meal, and they probably wouldn’t like one anyway. Keep them happy with simple foods such as burgers, hotdogs, and pizza.
15) Borrow what You Need – If you don’t have enough tables, chairs, etc., don’t spend a lot of money to rent them. Hit up family members, friends and even the parents of invited guests and borrow what you need.
16) Search Out Inexpensive Venues – If you don’t want to have the party in your home, look for venues that don’t cost a lot. Your local library is a great choice, and you can do many things there for free.
17) Avoid Restaurants – While it can be lots of fun to have a birthday party at a restaurant, it is also expensive. Save money by preparing the food yourself.
This post comes from the TODAY Parenting Team community, where all members are welcome to post and discuss parenting solutions. Learn more and join us! Because we're all in this together.
