Birthday Party Bash Without the Bust

When I was little a birthday party included a balloon, cake, ice cream and punch. Whether it’s your child’s or a child you know, birthday parties are getting more grandeur each year. Now don’t get me wrong I have spent my career making children’s birthdays bigger and better. I love planning parties! I think they make for spectacular childhood memories. With the economy flailing for help people are looking for ways to cut back, and unfortunately for many kids this means smaller parties. There are many ways to cut the cost but still look like you splurged on your birthday boy or girl. Here are a few budget friendly birthday party tips.

#1 Pick a Theme
By picking a theme you can save time and energy by looking at major suppliers websites for ideas and inspiration. This is definitely priceless, but it will also help you set a budget whether it be $100 or $500 you can get ideas that fit within your budget by looking around and implementing that theme to your party.

#2 Do Décor Right
Every child loves balloons! Helium is expensive though. If you go to a high end superstore then you will easily pay $1-$2 PER balloon. Spending $40 on balloons is ridiculous! You can rent a helium tank or even buy a small one for under $20.
If you have picked a theme don’t spend all your money buying the “themed” tableware. Buy one set of the theme (usually purchased in sets of 8) and the rest of the tableware (plates, forks, napkins, cups, etc) in a coordinating color. The themed plates are about $4 and the solid plates are about $2.

#3 Get in the Kitchen
Not only should you make your own food you should buy generic products. Who is going to know that the chips are the store brand or Doritos if they are in a bowl? Buying a cake from a bakery is upward of $50 buying a cake mix and icing from the store is about $5. Letting your child help you make their birthday cake and decorate it is priceless and they will feel like they have contributed to their own party.

#4 Make it a Double
If your child has a friend whose birthday is the same date or close by it then it may be possible for you and the other child to share a birthday party. Many birthday centers (jump gyms, skating rinks, bowling alleys, pizza place, etc) cost around $200 for up to 20 guests, a pizza, drink, activities, and prizes. 20 guests for 2 children that probably have the same friends is great and you have an instant party for $100 without the stress of everything else.

#5 Inny Minny Minny Moe...
Don’t go overboard with your child’s birthday invite list. Limit the guest to what you feel is a reasonable number. Whether that number be the child’s age (8 guests for an 8 year old) or a specific number you and your partner have decided upon.

#6 Home is Where the Heart Is..
It costs nothing to host your own birthday party. If your house is too small check your local H.O.A. many of them have community buildings that can be reserved for nothing or a small cost.

#7 Spend Your Money Wisely.
Goody bags have become a party must, but that does not mean you MUST spend a ton of money on them. Check out your local dollar store or dollar section in Target. Many times they have products that are kids related and are only $1 put them in a cellophane bag ($2 for 50) with some pretty ribbon ($1 at Michael's) and you have an adorable goody bag!