If you have children, you have undoubtedly heard that children are expensive. Children definitely cost money but the expensive part is determined by the parents. There are numerous ways to lower the cost that is associated with having children. One of these ways is to simplify their birthday parties. Coming up with less expensive birthday party ideas does not have to be a challenge.
If you follow me on Instagram, you probably saw my son Collin’s first birthday cake (a.k.a. smashcake). It was not perfect and neither was his party. We had hotdogs, hamburgers, and homemade mac-n-cheese and I made lemonade and sweet tea for drinks. The party was pretty bare bones compared to what you may find on Pinterest, I had tablecloths and coordinated napkins and sliver ware and that was it. I had no other decorations and you know what? No one noticed. Seriously, no one noticed that I did not have gorgeous decorations all throughout my home for his party. I was a less stressed, happy mama and his birthday party was so much fun. His entire party cost a grand total of $30 including food.
Want to help simplify your child’s birthday parties in order to save money (and maybe your sanity too)? These six less expensive birthday party ideas will help you save money on your child’s birthdays:
Skip a Year
Who ever said that you have to throw a lavish birthday party every year? The truth is you do not. Throw your child a birthday party every-other year or every couple of years instead of every single year. You can still do something special for your child on their birthday. Maybe take them out to eat at their favorite restaurant, let them have cake and ice cream for dinner, or have a scavenger hunt for birthday presents.
My brother and I grew up only having a birthday party every four years but we still had amazing birthdays. Your kids will not hate you for not having a party, they may not be happy about it at first but when they grow older, they will appreciate the special memories of just family on their birthdays.
Do-it-Yourself
Make their cake and invitations instead of purchasing them. Pinterest is filled with ideas on making gorgeous cakes on your own. There are also many free printables and tutorials that can be used to create invitations. Print them out at home to save even more money. You could even create an evite instead of a paper one to save on stamps.
Solid Color Party Supplies
Themed party supplies cost more money than solid colored ones. Purchase the plates, napkins, silverware, and table cloths in solid colors to save money. Using solid colored essentials will make using any leftover supplies easier. (Think random potluck dinners with your neighbors – great way to use up old party supplies!)
Simple Party Favors
Instead of purchasing toys or other little knick knacks as party favors, make something editable instead. You can make a batch of homemade cookies, bag and tag them with a pretty ribbon. Have your child hand them out after the party to show their gratitude for their guests or skip the favors all together.
Basic Party Games
Skip the elaborate party games. Instead, go back to the basics like pin-the-tail on the donkey, duck-duck-goose, or a three-legged race. You can purchase prizes from the dollar store to give out to the winners.
Simple Meal Plan
It is very easy to go over board when it comes to party food. If your child’s birthday is in the warmer months, you could grill hotdogs and hamburgers. Another money saving option is to only serve cake and ice cream. If you plan the party in between lunch and dinner then you will not have to worry with serving a full meal to your guests.
When it comes to planning your child’s birthday party, just remember to think like a child. Children typically do not care if their party is ‘Pinterest worthy’ or if they have gourmet food. Keep-it-simple and the savings will add up.
What is one way that you save on your children’s birthday parties?
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Melissa says
I love these ideas for inexpensive birthdays.
I have three girls and it can be expensive. I have done the all out she-bangs for my girls, but as they got older had to figure out how to celebrate without breaking my bank.
I have one in August and two in November. I am all about traditions, so I started a tradition where I take requests for a birthday dinner and dessert that I will make myself. It can be anything they want and I take their request a few weeks in advance so I can include it in my grocery budget. I also give them a choice of a treat during the day, so for example I will take the birthday child on their actual birthday and buy them a birthday cake pop from starbucks and a drink or I will take them cupcakes to their class. It gives me one on one time with my child for their birthday. Gifts are generally gift cards because my August child is a teenager and my Novermber children are so close to Christmas.
I think homemade gifts and traditions are a great way to keep a consistent relationship alive with your children. It teaches them not to expect materialistic things.
Thanks for all the great Ideas.
Melissa
Jessi says
Yes! I love what you do with your children Melissa! My favorite birthdays as a kid were the ones where my mom made my favorite meal and my favorite cake. Traditions are so fun! 🙂
Janell says
I found this great post from the Frugal Friday Link Up Party! I don’t have children..but these tips will be handy for any party. My nephews birthdays are always so expensive.. I am going to pass this post onto my sister. Thanks for sharing.
Angela says
I love these ideas Jessi! You are right on the money (pun intended. LOL)! A few things we do instead of a party: make french toast for breakfast, fill their room with balloons (that my husband blows up), hang the special birthday wreath on the door, and let them open a gift at intervals throughout the day to draw it out.
Jessi says
Oh I love your gift interval idea! That’s a fun way to spread out the excitement throughout the day! 🙂