Tuesday, March 27, 2012

7 Frugal Kids Birthday Party Ideas & Games



by Casey Slide
kids birthday party ideasKids’ birthday parties seem a lot more elaborate now than they did when we were growing up.  But when it comes down to it, kids just want to have fun, and it’s not necessary for parents to go all out for kids to have a good birthday party.
So how do you host a birthday party for your child without disappointing them and without breaking the bank?
Consider these tips to cut costs from your kid’s birthday budget as well as some fun game ideas to try out.

Money Saving Tips for a Kid’s Birthday Party

1. Decide on a Budget
The first step in throwing any party is to decide how much you’re willing to spend. If you don’t set a limit, you will end up spending way more than you wanted to. Also decide how much you want to spend in specific categories like food, decorations, and favors. If your child is old enough, explain the budget. This experience is a great opportunity to teach your kids about money.
2. Don’t Go Overboard with the Theme
If you are throwing a Dora the Explorer party or featuring Handy Manny or some other character, it will get expensive to buy all of the gear that goes along with that theme – such as plates, napkins, and decorations. Really, kids don’t care too much about these details. They’re much more interested in having fun with their friends to notice the decorations. As long as the invitations and cake include the theme, you’re golden.
3. Don’t Serve a Meal
One of the biggest expenses of throwing a party is the food, and the simplest saving solution is to avoid serving a meal. You’ll save a ton, especially if the party includes both kids and adults. Set the party hours for mid-afternoon so your guests don’t have any expectations for a full meal. 
4. Limit the Number of Guests
Another way to save a significant chunk of change is to limit the number of guests. It’s tough to leave kids out, but it’s particularly helpful if your child has their heart set on a specific type of party, like going to a movie or the theme park. But even if the party is in your home, you will save on invitations and favors. This might also help to keep you from getting too overwhelmed.
5. Do It Yourself
Don’t buy a cake from a bakery. Cakes from bakeries may be great on your taste buds, but they’re not great on your wallet. If you go with a “DIY” plan, you’ll have more freedom with the flavor and decorating. You can also perform your own entertainment. Learn how to make balloon animals and dress up like a clown or other character. You don’t have to be a professional to entertain kids; you just need to be silly.
6. Location, Location, Location
Throwing a party away from home is almost automatically costly. If your kid really wants a party at Chuck E Cheese’s or Gymboree, trying to make your home more like these places will cost less than actually booking the party. Get a lot of balloons, use your own soft toys and sports equipment to simulate a ball pit, and build tunnels and forts with refrigerator boxes and other large containers.
7. Creative Wrapping Paper
If you need to save money on the party because you spent a lot of gifts, you can always save money with unique and creative gift wrapping ideas, such as comics, old t-shirts, or bubble-wrap.

2 comments:

  1. Party in a short budget is a real challenge for planners and you just have pointed out the major areas of saving.
    Kids Birthday Party in Miami

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  2. Nice experience you are having for party planning. Food and drinks are must. They should always be of good quality. Also a suitable party venue can be selected according to budget. Kids also need entertainment, games and theme for more fun. Simpler way of serving meals is on tables rather than giving it separately.

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