How to Throw Your Kids a Birthday Party on a Budget
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In fact, doing too many activities, and overly complicated ones, can lead to a party that feels rushed and chaotic, Zohny says. Parents tend to want to have everything—the magician, the face painter, a tea party, and so on. “Keep it basic and simple for the best outcome,” she recommends.
And keep in mind that an activity can sometimes outlast the big event. “I wanted some type of activity, but I wasn’t looking to pay for an entertainer or rent equipment,” Spielholtz says—so for around a hundred dollars, she bought a ball pit holder and hundreds of balls to fill it up online. She says she sees it as an investment—the ball pit is stashed at her daughter’s grandparents for occasional play, and it will be available to use again at birthday parties for several years to come.
Trim your guest list.
Who should be invited to your child’s party? It’s tempting to say everybody and invite all your friends, along with your kid’s whole class. Resist! Keeping the guest list trimmed down means less of everything—fewer decorations, fewer cupcakes, and fewer supplies, Harris says.
“Your child doesn’t need every kid in the class to come. Keep the guest list small, figure out the maximum number you want, and talk with your child about who they want,” Harris says. Ontaneda agrees: “It is better to have a smaller party that is put together nicely than inviting too many people and having to skimp on things like food.”
But if you really crave a big bash (or if your kid’s school or day care requires that every kid get invited) join forces. “Consider a joint party with a friend—half the cost and double the fun!” Ontaneda recommends.
Consider skipping paper invites, too, Harris urges, and opt for text messages and Facebook invites instead.
Benefit from other parents’ parties.
Party supplies await on Facebook marketplace and local Facebook groups, says Kristin Fuerst, mom of two. “You can often find someone unloading their used (but perfectly fine) party stuff at a big discount, and you might be able to score some cool things you might not otherwise have been able or willing to spring for,” Fuerst says. As well as decor from themed events, some parents will post unopened packages of napkins and plates, she says: “Lots of moms just want to help out another mom—or just get stuff out of the house and not in a landfill.”
Let your friends lend a hand, too. Nearly any parent will understand that you don’t always have the space to stash endless chairs and other big items. Go ahead and borrow items from friends and family, Harris recommends. And take people up on their offers if they ask what they can bring, she says. “When people offer to help out, there is nothing wrong accepting it. You will more than likely offer it back in return at one point or another,” Harris says.
Create a keepsake item for memories down the road.
Photos are a big path to a memorable party for guests. But Harris suggests having guests craft and sign a keepsake item, too. It can be simple, she says, like a canvas board with attendees’ handprints with their names below. “This is very personal and great when your child has a best friend or two for a couple of years and you can see the difference in their writing from their name,” Harris says.
Don’t forget to enjoy yourself!
If you’re stressed, it’ll show. Same goes if you’re having fun and enjoying yourself. “If you’re having a good time, your guests will have a good time,” Zohny points out. Bottom line: few people—especially the kids—will remember the decor and cake. What’ll stick is if the event is fun. “Remember, it’s for the children! Make sure they are having fun and you are there every step of the party enjoying just as much as they are. They only turn this age once!” Zohny says.
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