10 Tips To Plan A Birthday Party On A Budget

We all want to give our kids incredible memories for years to come and to celebrate the day they entered the world. But, let’s face it, the birthday party trend has gotten out of control. With large groups, rented facilities, mounds of presents, moon bouncers, over the top gift bags and custom cakes do our kids really need all of that excess? Sorry, but no. Not to mention when parents start off large, your child’s expectations will grow each year wanting a bigger celebration than the last. Bigger isn’t better. Making a memory is what’s important.

Here are some tips for all ages to make a memorable day.

10 Tips To Plan A Birthday Party On A Budget

Keep it Small. Invite a few friends and family. You and your child will enjoy more one on one interaction instead of screaming chaos.

Make The Cake. Let the birthday kid help out. Add a few drops of food coloring to customize to their favorite color. They’ll love to lick the frosting.

Make Your Own Decorations. I’m not crafty so I’ll print out pictures for the kids to color and hang up. A few balloons go a long way to entertain both little ones and older kids.

Limit presents. Lots of presents are overwhelming and quite honestly they lose their value. Pick one large gift and have party guests buy accessories for that present.

You Be The Caterer. You don’t need to go out to eat to make it special. Let your child choose their favorite meal. Every kid has a favorite meal mommy makes.

Bring On The Junk Food. Teen parties are pretty cheap and easy. Let them hang with friends in their room watching movies, playing games while eating mounds of junk food.

Have A Sleepover. This is for the brave parents who don’t value sleep. Only invite a few close friends. Make sure it’s an even number of kids so no one feels left out.

Organize Games. Board games, Simon Says, you name it. You can make the party fun without having to spend a dime. Everyone will love watching grandpa play Wii.

Have A Treasure Hunt. This was a big deal when I was a kid and I LOVED figuring out the clues to find my “treasure” present.

Take Pictures. In the end this is how you will remember the day. The cake will be eaten, the gifts eventually broken, but the smiles from everyone there to celebrate your child will never be forgotten.