Birthday Party on a Budget

Create a Memorable Children's Party Without Spending a Fortune

Oct 10, 2009 Iliana Gallego

It is easy to go wild when preparing your child's birthday party, but without a plan a simple party can easily cost close to a thousand dollars.

It is easy to go wild when preparing your child's birthday party, but without a plan a simple party can easily cost close to a thousand dollars. The reality is that your little one will be as happy with a homemade party than with a huge production.

Around 15 friends is always a good number. If the birthday boy is turning one, 10 friends are more than enough; if your princess is turning five, 20 friends will keep the party fun.

Choose a Theme

All parties have to have a theme. Pick something that relates to your child. It could be his favorite cartoon character or a fun idea for his age. Try to choose a theme that allows for creative and inexpensive decoration. A circus theme is excellent for a three-year-old, while a spa theme is excellent for a six-year-old girl.

Invitations

True, handmade invitations can be very fun, but if you are looking to stay on budget, send an Evite; they have beautiful designs that are free. (Free)

Place

A great idea is to throw the birthday party at a park; this way the kids can enjoy themselves in the playground. However, if the party is for a one- or two-year-old, it is a good idea to take some larger toys from home and some blankets to the park.

Birthday Cake

Bake it yourself or ask grandma to help. If you are afraid you won’t be very creative when decorating the cake, try making cupcakes instead. Make them simple; a colorful frosting and a cupcake topper are all you need. ($15)

Paper Plates, Napkins, Cups, Table Covers, Cutlery

Theme disposables can be very expensive; buy only a few of these with the party’s theme and the rest can be of a bright solid color. Try Party City for plenty of choices and the best prices. ($40)

Table Decoration

A colorful tin bucket makes a great centerpiece; just add tissue paper and decorate it with balloons and large whirly pops. For homemade pops insert gummy worms into skewers: wrap them inside a plastic bag and finish with a nice ribbon. Don’t forget to put sand or beans at the bottom of the bucket (before the tissue paper); otherwise the wind will tip it over. ($40-$50)

Food for Parents

Pasta salad is a good choice; add vegetables and chicken to make it a complete meal. If you don't want to spend your time cooking, pizza is always welcome. ($60)

Food for Kids

Macaroni and cheese or pasta with butter are excellent and inexpensive choices for little ones. Cook it just before leaving to the park, serve it in individual plastic containers and put them inside a cooler. It will still be warm when it is time to eat. ($25, plastic containers included)

Drinks

Don’t forget to buy sodas, juice, water, and ice. Two juices per kid and six 2-liter bottles of soda for parents is more than enough. ($20- $25)

Party Favors

Instead of giving the children a bag full of candy and tiny toys, give them one larger toy and one candy. You will spend the same amount of money, and it is not something mom will throw away almost instantly. For boys and smaller children a 9” ball is a great gift, for older girls consider lip-gloss and nail polish. ($50)

Whatever the budget, the most important thing for a memorable party is to have a good attitude and lots of fun!

The copyright of the article Birthday Party on a Budget in Kids & Teen Parties is owned by Iliana Gallego. Permission to republish Birthday Party on a Budget in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Homemade birthday cake

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