*this is a collaborative post*
As parents, we want to give our kids the best of everything – the latest clothes, the coolest toys, memorable vacations, and totally over-the-top amazing birthday parties. The problem is that our budgets don’t always match up with our plans and intentions.
If you’ve got an upcoming birthday party for your child that you’ve already started thinking about, it’s time to stop the madness and find ways to throw that super fun party without spending an absolute fortune. Thanks to these tips, saving money doesn’t have to mean making huge sacrifices.
Invitations on the Cheap
The first place that you’re probably used to shelling out money is on the birthday invitations themselves. However, you can put an end to expensive invitations thanks to the Adobe Spark birthday invitation maker. This tool makes it possible to style and craft your own unique birthday invitations from your computer. You can add images, choose the theme, and pick the font. It’s all up to you. When you’re finished, you can download the results to be emailed (save on stamps and envelopes), or you can print them out.
Don’t Serve a Meal
It seems like serving a meal has become more and more common at kids’ birthday parties, but the fact is that a meal is no cheap thing to put together. Instead, plan to serve snacks only, which means a mid-afternoon birthday party is probably best. You can stick to inexpensive snacks, and there is no reason to go all out. Chances are you will also be serving birthday cake or cupcakes, so that will give them something to enjoy too. As an added side note, making the cake/cupcakes yourself will also prove to be a huge money saver.
Because you won’t be serving a meal, it’s a good idea to make mention of it in the invitation. For example, you can say “come join Madison for cake and ice cream as we celebrate her 8th birthday).
Scale Back on Décor
Sure, the party stores are fun to browse through, and they have really neat décor items, but all those items add up pretty fast and aren’t truly necessary. Instead, stick to basic and simple decorations. The kids will be so busy having fun that the décor will be the last thing they notice. Balloons and streamers are still festive and can be purchased from your local dollar-type store.
Host the Party at Home
If you’re used to hosting birthday parties outside the home at elaborate locations, it’s time to re-think that decision. Consider hosting the party at your home, or even in a park that has an inexpensive, or better yet free, reservation fee.
Don’t Go Crazy on the Loot Bags
Loot bags can prove to be another huge expense if you’re not careful. Whenever possible, include items you can make or you’ve found at budget-type stores. Depending on the age of the kids, you can include things such as a coloring book and a few crayons, some sidewalk chalk, a handful of candy (purchased at a bulk store), stickers, tattoos, etc.
Discover What It’s Like to Save Money
By following these tips, you’ll get to discover what it’s like to save money on your birthday party plans, and who doesn’t enjoy saving!