How to Plan a Kid’s Birthday Party on a Budget

As a parent, you want to make sure your son or daughter has a fun and memorable birthday. If you don’t have hundreds of dollars to dish out on a kid’s birthday party, don’t fret. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can throw your kid a fun birthday party that won’t break the bank.

Budget Kid’s Birthday Party Tip #1: Location

Birthday parties at places like bowling alleys and trampoline parks typically come with hefty price tags. If your son or daughter is begging to have her/his party at these venues, you can sometimes find a good deal by scheduling the party on a weekday afternoon or early weekend morning. Otherwise, hosting your kid’s birthday party at home is likely the most cost-effective option for all seasons. A local park or community pool can also work if your child’s birthday falls in the warmer months.

Budget Kid’s Birthday Party Tip #2: Invitations

Thanks to technology, you don’t have to spend a fortune on invitations. You can send them out via email using various social and invitation websites or apps. If you’d like to go the traditional route and mail invites, you can find cheap, cute invitations at the dollar store. Another, more personalized option is designing them on the computer and printing them out (local libraries often provide low-cost printing services).

Keep in mind that you don’t have to invite your son or daughter’s entire class. They can have a small birthday party with just a few of their closest friends, saving you a great deal of money.

Budget Kid’s Birthday Party Tip #3: Decorations

DIY decorations can cost you next to nothing. Print out photos of your son or daughter at different ages and display them as a banner. You can also cut different colored construction paper into spirals and make spiral streamers to hang from your ceiling or doorway. One trip to the dollar store can inspire your DIY decoration skills, especially if you get creative with your theme.

Budget Kid’s Birthday Party Tip #4: Cake, Food and Drink

To prepare a budget-friendly birthday party menu, think simple and buy in bulk.

• Hot Dog Bar
  

  Grill up some hot dogs and create a hot dog bar where kids can load up their dogs with ketchup, mustard, relish, cheese, chili, and any other toppings.

• DIY Pizza Feast
  

  Since most kids love pizza, combine an activity with your meal and provide kids with pizza dough (or toasted bagels), sauce, cheese and other toppings to toss in the oven to create their own pie.

• A Big Pan of Pasta
  

  Pasta is also easy on the budget and a great idea for kid birthday parties. You can make cheap pans of mac and cheese or spaghetti and meatballs to feed a big crowd.

• Birthday Cake on a Budget
  

  If you have either time to practice or exceptional baking skills, a DIY cake can bring joy, but don’t risk making your first cake on the day of the party: there is nothing sadder than seeing the birthday girl or boy frown as the cake arrives. If you can’t afford the perfect option, give the birthday child a themed cupcake for the candles and set up an ice cream, cookie, or donut buffet for the rest of the crowd.

• Drinks to be Merry
  

  When it comes to drinks, water is the one option that every parent will love, but lemonade mix is cheap in bulk and will supply kids with a good sugar rush to speed them back to their parents. Add a touch of food coloring to match the party’s theme.

Budget Kid’s Birthday Party Tip #5: Goodie Bags

The dollar store is your best friend for affordable goodie bags. You’ll find candy, coloring books, tiny bottles of bubbles, lip gloss, and countless other fun items. If you don’t want to go the traditional goodie bag route, purchase cheap seasonal items like colorful swim goggles or hot cocoa and marshmallows and gift them at the end of the party.

With these birthday ideas on a budget, you’re sure to put a smile on your son or daughter’s face without spending big bucks. Visit Advance America today to learn more about who we are, what money solutions we offer, and why our customers love us.