Birthdays On A Budget

Birthday parties are something all children look forward to every year. Kids love to celebrate their “me” day because it’s one more time that they can have their friends and family over, play, and open presents. It’s really all about the presents, right?

But, the struggle is real for the parents. Trying to have that just-right party doesn’t mean just coming up with a cute theme, although that is important these days, but it also means planning for decorations, food, venues, invites, and birthday cakes. And, it doesn’t stop there. It also means paying for all of it! Sure. Your kids have probably been to many over-the-top birthday parties, and they come home and tell you all about it. The pressure parents must have these days to have that perfect, blow-out party is enough to cause them to throw-in-the-towel before ever getting started. While the kids are lost in their excitement about what friends will come and what presents they’ll get, the parents worried about how they will pay for it all! It’s a real struggle to let go of the BIG PARTY idea and keep it simple. .

Here are a few ideas about throwing a great little birthday party and NOT break the bank.

Venue: Have your child’s party at your home! Yep! Venues are unbelievably expensive, and when it’s over, it’s over. Sure. It might be a little crazy for a couple of hours at your house, but imagine the crazy money you could save! While the children are small, home parties are a sweet option.
Decorations: Visit your local dollar store or Target or Walmart. Find items around your home that match your theme. greet your guests with a few helium balloons. Decorate ONLY the table. Keep it simple is the key.
Food: Birthday party tables aren’t meant to be “all you can eat” buffet lines. It’s okay to serve only finger or snack food, and if you can somehow find some that match your theme, bonus! Search online for simple and inexpensive snacks that are easy to make and that kids love. The easier the better.
Invites: Send out invites via social media. No stamps. No cards. No worries.
Birthday Cake: We all want that absolutely perfectly decorated, delicious birthday cake, but kids just want to blow out the candles! If you or someone in your family are not cake makers, think about ordering from your local grocery store! I’m amazed at what my local grocery store bakery can create and for very reasonable prices. Simple. Stress free.

Party on, but keep it simple. :)