Kid’s birthday parties. When you consider the theme, location, food, favors, decorations – the possibilities are literally endless. And the cost can go from small to super-sized as quickly as a four-year-old can rip open their presents. So how can you save, without compromising this special event?
Here are 10 Simple Ways to Save on Kid’s Birthday Parties
1.) Manage your kids expectations – and YOUR expectations – This is the biggest one! Birthday parties are as much tradition as Christmas or any other family event in your home. If you make birthday parties over-the-top from the get-go, you’re setting that expectation. Just because other parents have elaborate birthdays – doesn’t mean you have to. Evaluate what’s important to you – and remember that in all likelihood, your kids will be happy just to play with their friends and eat sugary treats. Your kid isn’t going to compare their party to Pinterest, so you shouldn’t either.
2.) Decorate your kiddos door the night before – I do this every year, it costs me pennies, and it makes my kids feel so special. I hang streamers over their bedroom door, blow up some balloons, and write personalized signs on printer paper. I decorate the outside of the door and the hallway so that when they wake up on their actual birthday they are greeted by lots of love and hoopla.
3.) Make the most of your resources – We don’t have a big house, but our yard is a nice size. So we use it to our advantage planning summer parties in the yard. Maybe you (or a family member!) has a membership to a local gym, pool or have a nearby park that you can rent for a nominal fee? Watch Groupon, Amazon Local and Living Social for discounts on birthday party packages at local children’s museums or play areas. Whatever resources you have – start there, you might be surprised how creative you can be with party themes or locations!
4.) Shop year round, watch clearance – If you can, watch for birthday supplies year round and buy things you need when they are on clearance or at a rock-bottom price. For example, last October I found the perfect paper lanterns and Star Wars party favors for 50% – 70% off at my local Target. I paid $2 for lanterns (reg. $8) and $1 for party favors. These went into a plastic tub in the garage until the party. Target has the best party clearance!
5.) Buy gifts early or consider giving an experience gift – Don’t wait last minute to buy birthday gifts. Target has massive toy sales the first week of January and the last part of July. You can pick up gifts 70% off by shopping ahead. And an alternative to a toy might be an experience gift that the whole family can enjoy. For example, get a membership to the zoo (will likely save you money over the course of the year) or take a trip to the local frozen yogurt joint using a Groupon or coupon.
6.) Get your basic party goods at the Dollar store – I can’t emphasize enough how awesome Dollar Trees and Dollar Stores are for party planning. Everything from Helium balloons, gift bags, cutlery, plates, table clothes, favor bag items and more – it is the place to save. It’s easily 50-70% off the prices you would pay at a “party” store and they have great selection. If you do go to a party store, like Party City, watch for coupons, they come out regularly.
7.) Keep the menu simple – The best way to save on food is to schedule the party away from meal time, so you don’t have to serve a full meal. But if it is near lunch or dinner, the more food options you offer, the more it’s going to cost. Our party started at 12:30 (lunch time) this year, so we went with Costco pizza, and we had Grandma pick it up on her way to the party. At $9.99 a pizza, we were able to easily feed 20-25 people for $30 (with lots of leftovers). We also offered chips with guacamole, a vegetable tray, and fruit. Grocery Outlet is a great place for party foods (I’m giving away two $25 Grocery Outlet gift cards here).
8.) Skip the bottled water and soda – With soda and water at $3-4 a case, it can add up quickly. Pick up a few limes and lemons and fill a beverage container with tap water. If you invest in a good quality beverage dispenser, it quickly pays for itself, especially if you host often.
9.) Make your own cake or cupcakes – The mark-up on birthday cakes is insane. A box of cake mix on sale for $0.99 versus a $20-$30 cake or cupcakes can save you a bundle. I was able to make two square cakes and 24 cupcakes for under $5 in supplies. I stocked up on sprinkles when there was a coupon out last winter. And I ordered lightsaber cupcake sticks from Amazon (Star Wars Light Saber Cupcake Picks – Set of 12) and crowns from a package of $2 favors from Target. The kids helped decorate them – and although they weren’t perfect, they were special. And by serving cupcakes, I didn’t feel obligated to serve ice cream, which is spendy.
10.) Watch for splurges that are still deals – A frugal party can still have special splurges! This year I had my kids each pick out a special candy that they wanted to share with their friends. My daughter just wanted pink and purple candy – so we found pink Whoppers at Grocery Outlet for $1.49/jug and added some purple Sixlets that we got at the party store for a couple bucks. My son wanted sour gummy worms, which you can find in bulk at places like WinCo. I already had these Anchor Hocking 1-Gallon Heritage Hill Jars (Amazon) that I store things like oatmeal and treats in – so for under $15 we had a “candy station” that was a big hit with the kids. The Cracker Jacks were FREE at Safeway this week and the Oreos were $1.49 for 8 packages at Grocery Outlet. I hadn’t intended on serving these things – but they were the things I could find on sale lately – and it worked! Nobody cared that they weren’t full price.
Bonus tip: Take time to enjoy the day. In the end, the more simple the birthday party – the less stress you’ll have and the more money you’ll save. I am pretty sure that my kids would have the same amount of fun whether I spent $50 or I spent $500 on their party. They just want to see their friends and have their special day. Don’t fret and over plan – just keep it simple so you can enjoy this special milestone in your kid’s lives!
What are your tips for saving on birthday parties?
Kaui says
I bought a cupcake stand, one of those cardboard ones and use it for every party.
Angela says
I always save the leftover napkins, plates, and cups I get at the Dollar Tree, and keep them for the next party. You never know when you’ll want that same color again! I think decorating the door is super awesome! I will be doing that for future birthdays! I usually like to go out the night before and get a bunch of balloons (at Dollar Tree!) and wake them up with a balloon surprise. My daughter will turn 2 this year, and I’m excited to start that tradition with her. We also only get one or two gifts for the birthday kiddo, and give them first thing in the morning, on their birthday. They get plenty of presents at the party, and if the party is on a different day, it makes it kind of special on THEIR day.