Children's Birthday's - Save and Celebrate Big!

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Spending Smart While Making Memories and Celebrating Your Child's Birthday Is Easy

Birthdays are the most exciting events for children. They are magical milestones filled with anticipation and enthusiasm about their special day. These events are treasure troves of laughter and memories. And who doesn’t love a fun party?

Better yet, who doesn’t love a fun party that doesn’t cost a fortune? It’s possible to do both. This post will guide you through the planning process and the strategy for throwing a memorable party without emptying your wallet.

Let’s Plan!

I don’t know about you, but I loved planning my children’s birthday parties. I do believe it’s important to talk with them and ask what they want from their party.

Visit with your child regarding what type of party they’d love to experience. Ask them if they’d prefer more friends to attend and keep the location simple, such as the backyard or nearby city park. Or, ask if they want to invite fewer kids and do something grander, such as visit a water park or do another affordable activity.

Some years, when our children were young, we would have two or three different parties, which was a little exhausting. We partied hard and had fun! We celebrated with their little friends and then had another party with grandparents and other family members.

Additionally, during the preschool and early elementary school years, we would also bring treats to school for a mini-celebration. There was so much partying! The cost could add up, and I remember planning and strategizing to ensure it was a special event without overspending.

When they were old enough, I remember our boys having a definite opinion regarding the theme they wanted for their party. We celebrated with dinosaurs, race cars, Power Rangers, cowboys, The Lion King, and many more!

If your child is too young to express their party preferences, keep it simple and fun. They will thoroughly enjoy eating cake, opening gifts, and being with the people they love. We truly loved taking pictures and videos during those early years. Let’s face it: a one-year-old enjoys the simplest things in life!

Set a Budget

Setting a realistic budget for parties is a smart step. Once you know the total amount you plan to spend, allocate to the areas you need, such as invitations, decorations, food, games, and gifts.

You may choose to spend less on decorations and more on activities. Another example is making the cake yourself rather than purchasing one from a bakery, which will save you money.

I made several birthday cakes throughout the years. I wasn’t always proud of the result, but it was made with effort and love. Nowadays, there are so many resources to walk a person through a tutorial on cake decorating. I wish I’d had those when I needed them!

By picking and choosing where you want to save, your child’s party will be amazing and memorable without the lavish price tag.

Choosing a Theme

Most children love to pick a theme for their party. If the child is too young, choose one you think they’d like. A theme helps your planning and makes the event cohesive.

Here are a few budget-friendly theme ideas:

• Superhero training camp: Activities centered around favorite superheroes.

• Nature Explorer: Outdoor adventures with nature scavenger hunts.

• Outer space: Fun and simple activities that are “out of this world”.

• A day at the spa: Or for more fun, make it a glamping sleepover. These face masks are excellent for a spa day as they are easy on the budget, kid-friendly, and contain natural ingredients.

• Mermaid theme: Have fun in the backyard with water activities and crafts.

The Invite

The invitation can be simple yet unique.

Creating a digital invitation saves on printing and postage. Many free or low-cost options are available online to customize e-cards. I love using Canva to create special designs. Find a site that works for you and make the process effortless.

If you prefer traditional paper invitations, consider making them yourself with your child. Using materials you already have, the cost is minimal, and your child will enjoy the experience.

You may not need an invitation if you’re inviting a small group. Just contact the other parents and share with them in advance the date, time, and any other details.

Decorations

Creating your own decorations is another way to cut costs while having fun.

Here are a few ideas:

• Themed table setting: Use plain plates and cups, then decorate them with stickers that match the theme. Or pick up solid colors from the dollar store to add brightness without the expensive price tag.

• Banners: Construction paper, paper plates, string, glue, glitter, sequins, fringe, etc. are simple materials that make a personalized decorative banner. This happy birthday banner is super cute and can be used multiple times.

• Balloons and streamers: These are affordable, available, and festive!

• Centerpieces: Use simple jars filled with candies, small toys, or decorations that match the party theme.

Reusing and Recycling

Check around your home for items that you can use again. Repurposing decorations/supplies from previous parties or seasons is a great way to save.

Food and Drinks

One of the best ways to save money at your party is to make all the food and drinks. Below are some great ideas for making the treats at your party delicious showstoppers.

• DIY Pizza: Provide the crust/base with topping options for the kids to create custom pizzas.

• Ordering pizza is an affordable party go-to, as there are often deals and coupons available.

• Snack Platters: Arrange cheese, veggies, fruit, and crackers on a platter. This is a great party option as young kids don’t eat much when they are excited and are sometimes more focused on cake, etc., instead of regular food.

• Taco Bar: Provide taco shells for kids to create personal tacos. Serve with various toppings, chips, and salsa.

• Punch Bowls: Make a large batch of lemonade or punch instead of individual drinks.

• Mini Cakes: Kids love icing and decorating. Provide individual cakes or cupcakes for them to decorate as a fun activity.

Games and Activities

Some games never go out of style and require minimal supplies. Below are a few classic games that kids love.

• Relay Races: These can be done indoors or outdoors with everyday items like spoons carrying a ball. To make them more fun, provide objects related to your theme. This outdoor games kit for kids comes with several different games at a very affordable price!

• Pin the Tail on the Donkey: Create your party-themed version of this game. It’s always a hit!

• Musical Chairs: This one is super simple and fun. You only need music and chairs.

• Treasure Hunt: Hide small treasures around your yard or home that the children can search for with a map you created. Or create your version of the game you think the children will enjoy.

• Craft Stations: Kids like making things, and a craft station related to your theme is a great activity. Choose affordable craft supplies that encourage creativity. These crafts can double as party favors.

Crafty and Smart Ideas:

• Candy bracelets, charm bracelets, and necklaces. This charm bracelet/jewelry kit offers a nice variety of charms and beads for kids to create custom jewelry at a great price!

• Painting Seashells is super fun for water-themed parties. (These are especially great if you have extra around.)

• Masks: paper plates and elastic make easy ones. Decorate masks with creative materials.

  Children love face painting. This face painting kit offers excellent reviews and is non-toxic.

• Party headbands: These are Easy to create with your theme.

• Magnets: Creative and memorable take-home party favors.

• Nature Collages: Kids can create nature-themed art with assortments of flowers, twigs, leaves, etc. This rock painting kit is an excellent party activity or a wonderful gift for the birthday child.

Main Event

Hosting at your home can be a BIG cost savings. Here are a few great activity ideas.

• Create a mini theater: Rent or stream a favorite movie and provide popcorn and blankets for a cozy experience. This works well for a sleepover.

• Kids love to showcase their talents. If they choose, let them sing, dance, tell a story, and perform a comedy skit or magic show. Whatever they prefer! Let them be creative and use props and costumes (they'll love anything you have on hand to add).

Gifts

Gifts can be meaningful and affordable. Be imaginative and find gifts that your child will love without a hefty price tag. Children love simple, personalized gifts. They also like books, art supplies, and creative activity kits.

Also, don’t forget about thrift stores. Wonderful, like-new toys and books can be found at local thrift stores.

Providing them with an “experience” as one of their gifts is a wonderful option as children enjoy spending time with those they love. This may include going to the park and for ice cream with their closest friend, baking cookies together, or taking a nature hike with their family members.

Final Thoughts….

Giving your child a memorable birthday party can be easy and incredibly fulfilling. By focusing on what’s important to them and staying within your budget, you can create a fun day full of happy experiences for them, and no guilt for you.

When you stay within your budget, you can rest assured that your finances will remain on track. Most importantly, your child will have you there, loving and caring for them on their special day.

Enjoy the celebration!!