Bargain Birthday Bashes
My little girl is turning 3 next month, and despite the fact that I swore last year was her big birthday party before her brother arrived, I'm still thinking about throwing a themed bash again. For her? Well, sort of. I think planning a themed party with lots of touches ignites my creative side and gives me a project to work on. And yes, all the cake and fun makes the birthday kid pretty excited, too.
It's exciting and nerve-wrecking to throw a party ... especially when you join in the comparison game. When we have the Internet to show us hundreds of kids' parties with professional photographers, fancy bakery cakes, vintage decor that covers a whole home or party locale — it's easy to feel like you will never measure up! Not to mention the photos of celebrity parties that are available everywhere you turn.
Let's all plan parties we can handle and that bring our families joy; not ones just to make the neighbors jealous, OK? I want to look at extravagant parties like this gorgeous yellow one and take inspiration, not envy, as a party favor.
Here are some tips from Andrea Woroch on how to throw a great birthday party on a budget.
1. Plan Ahead
Wait until the last minute and you'll likely spend more on unanticipated extras. Decide what you want to accomplish, set a budget, and slowly chip away at all you need to accomplish. You might also enlist the help of family and friends to keep your stress level down.
2. Limit the Guest List
Does the entire class really need to attend? Invite only your child's closest friends, but be tactful. Mail or e-mail invites, rather than have your child distribute them in school where everyone can see.
3. DIY Invites
Personalized invites are as close as your computer. Use a special photo or download free clip art to make your own creation or, if you want to go electronic, check out websites like the very popular evite.com.
4. Dollar Store Decor
Party stores have unholy markups on the simplest supplies. Shop a dollar store for all your basics and save up to 70 percent on everything from balloons to party favors. You'll also find a decent selection of wrapping paper and reusable gifts, as well as plates and cutlery for the birthday treats.
5. Banish the Bouncy Castle
Don't spend a fortune on those celebrity-style extras. Instead, hark back to a simpler day by organizing a simple game from times past. (Pin the tail on the donkey? Bobbing for apples? Still fun!)
6. Take Back the Cake
Kids look forward to the birthday cake, but not because of any icing artistry; they're just interested in the sugar. Make your own cake or cupcakes, toss on a few sprinkles and add the candles. That should satisfy all but the pickiest child while saving you over 80 percent at the bakery for a custom order. For an added touch of excitement, let the kids play pastry chef with a cupcake decorating activity.
7. Simplify the Food
Kids don't care about fancy appetizers. They'll be equally happy with potato nuggets and other finger food. Buy generic — they'll never know — and use grocery coupons to save a few extra dollars.
8. A Party for Two ... or, Three
If your son or daughter shares the same birthday (give or take a few days) with a school friend, neighbor, or relative who is close in age, consider hosting a joint birthday celebration and share the costs with the other child's parents. Make sure everyone is on the same page though as far as the budget, guest list, and other party expectations to avoid any uncomfortable situations which may arise from a lack of communication.
Do you party big, small, or not at all?
