I’m not sure who made this a trend, but I’ve seen parents going all out for their kids’ parties. And while I love a good, themed party, I’m not trying to break the bank for a little person who thinks it’s cool for five minutes and then is on to the next new thing. 🥴
So, when I needed to plan a birthday party for my three-year-old, I needed a theme that was cute with easy decor and a fun activity to keep myself from overspending. Here are some things to think about when you’re trying to make magical memories with a modest budget.
Set a Budget
When setting out to plan the party, make sure you’ve set a budget. It’s easy to go overboard and think you need to buy everything for the big day. Set a budget and stick it. You can use a spreadsheet, a note in your phone, or go old school with pencil and paper to track any spending for the party.
Go Digital
One good way to help with the budget is knowing how many people you’re planning for. Invites are not only a cute way to share party information but they’re important for soliciting attendance. Knowing who plans to attend helps make decisions for the type and quantity of food as well as how many party favors you will need. Save money by opting for a digital invite that you can design online and send via text. If you want one as a keepsake just print out a copy and tuck it away for safekeeping.
Use Your Tribe
They say it takes a village to raise a child. #IYKYK Use that village to help with some of the things you need for the party. Know anyone who bakes? Maybe they can bake cupcakes rather than buy a gift. What about someone who’s crafty? Maybe they can make some (or all) of the decor in lieu of giving a gift. Trust me, with all the gifts kids get over the years, they won’t miss one or two. For this birthday party, Grandma made the tasty lemon cupcakes and TiTi made the adorable cupcake toppers, T-shirt, and coloring books for the favor bags.
Embrace the Hunt
When it comes to decor, sometimes it’s true what they say…less is more. Particularly when you’re on a budget. For decor that fits your theme, look in places like thrift stores and online seller groups for deeply discounted items that enhance your theme. Bonus points if those items double as decor that can be used later in your home or at another event.
Get with the Style…Family-Style That Is
I believe there are some kids parties, like milestone birthdays, when the menu can be more extensive and purposeful (which can sometimes mean more expensive). If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to feed party guests, search for family-style meals that feed the many like pizza, pasta, and tacos. These foods are tasty and stretch your dollar. For drinks, a little preparation saves costs. Powdered lemonade, fresh brewed iced tea, and gallons of water (versus bottled water) will help keep costs down. Find a glass or decorative pitcher and voila, drinks are served!
Spotlight the Star of the Show
For toddler birthday parties, it’s all about the entertainment. Toddlers don’t sit still for more than two minutes so it’s important to have something or a few things that keep their attention. When selecting an activity, think of things that work well for large groups. If you’re hosting the party at home, you could set up a paint studio by purchasing some paint (we love the washable kind around here), blank canvases, and paint brushes. Most craft stores sell canvases and brushes in multi-packs. If you’re planning a party for warm weather, come up with some games that use water. Kids are obsessed with water and all you need is a hose and some creativity to tap into that obsession. Since this party was in the winter, I opted for a local indoor play center where the kids (and adults) could play to their hearts content for hours on end. Talk about bang for your buck!
Purposeful Favors
As a parent, I cringe when we leave a birthday party with little toys that can easily get lost or only keep a short attention span. I try and choose favors that serve a purpose. For this party, I did a goodie bag with silly straws, snacks, and crayons, and a custom coloring book made by Blue Room Bride (check out her post for these customizable and printable coloring books). As a toddler mom, I LOVE coloring books and snacks because they are always a hit. You could also go the educational route and do flash cards by buying one pack and splitting out the cards — maybe 5 per bag. Small puzzles would work great too. Lastly, for the ultimate money-saver have each guest take two pictures with the birthday girl/boy using an instant print camera. One photo goes home with the guest and the other stays with you. That’s how you capture the moment!
Planning a memorable kids’ party on a budget is absolutely feasible with these tips in mind. By prioritizing key elements, getting creative, and embracing simple yet fun activities, you can host an enjoyable celebration without breaking the bank. Remember, it’s the moments shared, and the smiles created that truly make a party unforgettable, not the amount spent. So, roll up your sleeves, unleash your imagination, and get ready to throw a fantastic party that both kids and parents will enjoy! Happy planning!
