How to Host a Budget-Friendly Birthday Party for Kids

Upparent:  No birthday party is complete without birthday cake, and making the cake yourself is an easy way to save some dough on birthday party expenses. Make it from scratch or use a store-bought mix, and go as simple or elaborate as you like with the decorations.

Upparent:  The best kids party favors aren't necessarily the most expensive! Giant cookies, sidewalk chalk, giant bubble wands...these favors will be a hit with kids without taking a huge hit on your party budget.

Upparent:  Plenty of kids' party activities don’t require you to spend much - or any - money at all. For example, a spa-themed party can include DIY manicures for guests, who can go home with a sheet of nail sticker decals or even their very own nail polish. Parties are also a great time to play yard games that require more players, like Capture the Flag or Ghost in the Graveyard, and classic party games like musical chairs or three-legged races. Minute-to-win-it competitions like stacking pennies or hardware nuts are another great option, along with decorate-your-own cupcakes or ice cream sundae bars.

Upparent:  Save money and the environment by investing in reusable decorations you can bring out year after year, and party after party! Choose festive decorations free from characters the kids will outgrow to use for all of your family parties. Even if you purchase one or two disposable pieces to carry through a particular party theme, the savings from reusing most of your decor will add up over time.

Upparent:  If you don’t want to spend much on party favors but still want to send guests home with a little something, consider making the favors yourself, or even incorporating DIY favors as a party activity. Making slime, bedazzling flip flops, or decorating t-shirts or superhero capes are just a few ideas for DIY favors that can also double as party activities!

Upparent:  Digital invitations have become the norm for parties of all kinds, so don’t think twice about saving money with this inexpensive birthday party idea. There are plenty of free services that make it a piece of cake to send invitations and track responses electronically, but you can also flex your creative muscles and design your own digital invitations using any free drawing or image editing tool. This allows you to send a picture of your invitation on various platforms, such as by text or on social media, in case you don’t have email addresses for all of your guests.

Upparent:  In order to keep birthday party expenses as cheap as possible, plan ahead and purchase supplies throughout the year to take advantage of deals and promotions as they are offered. Online shopping has made this especially easy to do, as you can compare prices across suppliers with the click of a finger. If you are looking for particular supplies to fit a theme, give yourself time to look around to find the best prices. And remember that basic party supplies, like balloons, will be useful no matter the party theme and are worth stocking up on as you find them.

Upparent:  Food often presents the greatest hassle and expense when planning a birthday party, so scheduling your party in the late morning or afternoon to avoid meal times can be an effective way to cut costs. It also makes it easier to avoid issues with potential food allergies or restrictions, as you can offer a variety of snack options to fit different dietary needs. Mentioning what you plan to serve at the party in the invitation is helpful so parents can plan accordingly.