Planning a kids’ party is not only exhausting, but it can also strain a household’s budget. Thankfully, there are some little things that you can do to reduce how much strain you put on your budget. If you have a child’s birthday party coming up and you are in charge of the planning phase, you are in luck. Here are some great tips for keeping the costs down while still having an unforgettable day.
Pick the Perfect Location
If saving money is your goal, then you have to start off with the right location. You want to pick someplace that is not going to cost a lot but is also going to give people the ability to move around and not feel cramped. If your house is small, then maybe a local park would be the ideal backdrop for the party. You can always opt for a relative’s house if they offer, which can also save on expenses.
If having a party at home or a park is not going to work, then you may want to look at what types of venues you have available in your city. You may have a local pool you can use. Some parks have community rooms you can rent for a few hours for very little money. Even the VFW in many towns have options that cost very little, so look around. You may be surprised by what you find.
Create a Theme Your Child Loves
Each child is unique, so the theme for their birthday should be unique as well. Think about what they love most and go with that. Do they want princes and princesses? Maybe they love superhero themes? Perhaps your child is more into sports or dance? No matter what your child loves most, their birthday should be a reflection of their passions.
Talk with your child and let them help develop a theme they will love. Then, ask them their thoughts on how to make that theme come to life. Ask them about the colors they want to see and what kinds of decorations they would like. For example, if they love sports or dance, you can get decorations with equipment or ballet shoes at many dollar stores. These are fun, easy to put up, and inexpensive to boot.
Make Attire to Go with the Party
Once you have a theme picked out, have fun with it. Pick decorations that match but are not expensive. Streamers are always a hit with kids, as are balloons. However, if you want to kick the party up to a new level without spending a fortune, create something fun and unique for the kids to wear. Think about a hat or t-shirt that matches the theme.
In order to keep the costs down, you can even make them yourself. All you need is a printer, some sublimation ink with corresponding paper, an iron, and some clothes. Then, you print out whatever design matches your theme, press it on the clothes, and you’re done! The kids think you spent a ton of money on something cool and you get to be a parent of the year in their eyes.
Save Money on Photos and Ask People to Send What They Take
Nearly everyone has a cell phone these days. One more way you can save money is to ask people to send along whatever pictures they take when the party is over. Instead of spending $100 or more on a photographer, save that and enlist your closest friends and family for help. You are sure to get some great pictures that are sure to leave you with a smile on your face, plus leave you with a few extra dollars in your wallet.
Keep the Guest List Down
While this one may be a little more difficult, it is also important. Keep the guest list to those who matter most. Inviting your child’s entire class is amazing, and when you have the budget for it, please do so. However, if you are on a tight budget, then ask your child to only invite a small number of their closest friends. You can also invite a few family members to make the party feel larger. That way, your child does not feel slighted by this request.
Having a great kid’s party can be done, even if you have a smaller budget. However, it can only be done if you have enough time to plan things out in advance. Your child is going to love whatever you can put together, so don’t sweat the small stuff and instead, enjoy the victories.
