When it comes to planning kids’ birthday parties, it’s easy to go overboard. But before you whip out your credit card to reserve a private petting zoo or hire the highest-rated magician on Yelp, remember: You don’t have to spend a ton of money to throw an unforgettable party.
Little kids, especially, don’t need fancy finger foods and flashy entertainment to have a great time. With a little imagination, you can organize a fun-filled birthday bash without breaking the bank.
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To help get this party started, we’ve outlined how to plan a spectacular kid’s birthday party on a budget.
Start planning early. Planning for your child’s birthday party should begin weeks before the big day. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to draw up a budget, explore ideas online and create a list of needed supplies. If you are feeling rushed, you’re much more likely to overspend. By getting your shopping and scheming done ahead of time, however, you give yourself the freedom to hunt down the best prices at your leisure. If everything is ready to go on the day of the party, you’ll spare yourself the hassle and expense of rushing off to the convenience store for a last-minute tub of ice cream or carton of plastic forks.
Keep it intimate. While you may feel reluctant to leave anyone out, you shouldn’t feel pressured to invite every single child in the whole grade. Cut down costs by keeping the guest list intimate. In addition to being more cost-effective, smaller parties are often less overwhelming for young children, and allow for more interaction time between guests and the party boy or girl.
Go paperless. You can save money and trees by going digital with your party invitations. Check out sites like Evite.com, Pingg.com or Paperless Post, which let you design and send out custom invitations for free.
[See: 12 Ways to Be a More Mindful Spender.]
Find the right venue. Why shell out for a pricey party at a bowling alley, arcade or fun zone? Even if your home isn’t big enough to handle a troupe of sugared-up youngsters, you may be able to host your party for free at a local park, or in the backyard of a particularly accommodating friend. You can also often rent spaces at community centers or churches for reasonable hourly rates.
Borrow what you can. Before buying or renting tables, chairs or other furniture for your party, turn to neighbors and friends to see what you can borrow. Neighbors and friends are also often good sources for borrowing games, costumes and toys, as well as leftover party gear and decorations.
Keep it simple and sweet. Consider holding your party after or before traditional mealtimes. That way, you can focus your efforts on snacks, ice cream and cake, versus worrying about serving a full meal. Stick to simple favorites, like fruit kebabs, popcorn, gold fish crackers, chicken nuggets and pretzels. Don’t be afraid to ask other parents to bring along a favorite snack or beverage to contribute to the spread.
[See: 50 Ways to Improve Your Finances in 2016.]
Make your own cake. Buying a cake might save you time, but it isn’t as cost-effective — or as fun — as making your own. Grab a box of cake mix and frosting, along with playful decorations like sprinkles, marshmallows, mini cookies, pretzels and chocolate. Call your little one into the kitchen and have him or her help out with baking, decorating and licking the bowl.
Head to the dollar store. For decorations, paper goods and tableware, head to your local dollar store. There, you can often find everything from balloons and streamers to noisemakers for ultralow prices, in addition to the trash bags and cleaning supplies you’ll need to clean up afterward.
Get imaginative with entertainment. Like all the other best things in life, fun can be free. Rather than hiring entertainment or renting a balloon house, plan your own party games and activities (think scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, freeze dances and YouTube karaoke sing-a-longs).
Get crafty with party favors. Chances are, the kids at your party don’t need a soccer ball key chain or glow-in-the-dark pen, and they certainly don’t need more candy! Instead of handing out traditional goody bags, integrate party favors into party activities. Entertain your young guests with activities like baking and decorating cookies, crafting jewelry, making noisemakers and designing party hats. At the end of the day, your pint-size partygoers will go home with a favor they crafted themselves.
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Plan a Spectacular Children’s Birthday Party on a Budget originally appeared on usnews.com
