We all want to spoil our kids on their birthday, but it’s so easy to get side tracked and spend more than you need to on things like party supplies, with those small yet dangerous £1.99 transactions. We impulse buy, and that’s especially true when it comes to sorting the kids presents out. With the rise of social media, there is a constant pressure to hold the best party going and the ‘competition’ intensifies year-on-year but, sometimes you have to be realistic with the budget. This probably means smaller and simpler but other parents will also appreciate not having to try and out do you when it’s their turn. Just because you are cutting down on the costs, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice any of the fun. Take a look at our top budget-friendly tips for a birthday bash to remember.
The venue
To cut out the cost of venue hire, hold the party at home. This will save you the hassle of venue viewing and you won’t have to worry about when it is or isn’t going to be available to you.
Timing is key
Try to arrange the party for mid-afternoon, between 2pm and 5pm. That way you aren’t expected to provide a full-blown lunch or tea, just small snacks like cocktail sausages, carrot sticks and pineapple chunks to keep hunger at bay and occupy some of the time.
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Go digital
Canva is home to lots of free templates that you can customise to create birthday invitations and thank you cards. When you’re happy with your design, just save it down as an image and email it out to your guests or simply print. Facebook is another useful platform for creating events and inviting friends.
Canva
Group gifting
Group gifting is one that divides parents everywhere. Some think that it’s a great eco-friendly idea as their money will be put towards a gift that the child actually wants, yet others are totally against it. Some children’s biggest wishes cost more than what most family or friends want to spend on a gift. Consider organising a group gift using Twish, the mobile app you can use with other parents in your child’s class. If each person chips in what they can afford to spend, the smaller amounts will either add up to the cost of the gift, or to a significant contribution towards the item. Think of it as the financial equivalent of a group hug!
Play traditional party games
Instead of the expense of hiring an entertainer, why not organise traditional party games? Musical statues, pass the parcel and pin the tail on the donkey are all old favourites that work really well. Alternatively, Gatha creates affordable and environmentally friendly step by step party packages (RRP £98) that’s a little bit different and full of fun, that kids will want and that makes parents’ lives a little bit easier. Each Gatha box includes party games, a party menu, candles and a take home gift. You can buy boxes for children aged between 4-6 years old or 7-10 years old so there really is something for everyone!
Gatha
Avoid inviting the whole class
A really easy way of keeping the costs down is to keep the guest list small. Less people means less food and drink and goody bags. Ask your child to invite their closest friends.
Prep some craft activities
Kids love nothing more than colouring, painting and getting hands on with glitter so why not prepare a couple of craft activities for the children to take home with them? It’ll keep them occupied and covers the expense of goody bags. Download and print our free Teletubbies, PJ Masks and Schleich activity sheets, then buy each child a pack of crayons and some sweeties. Why not download our template to make a Peppa Pig party hat too?
Party décor
You don’t have to spend a bomb to make your party venue look good. Balloons and bunting will do just the job. Remember to keep it simple and try not to stick to a theme as this will only limit your choices and end up costing you more. Take a look on websites like Party Delights, Amazon and Party Pieces for stylish party decorations.
What are your tips on hosting a kid’s party on a budget? Let us know over on Facebook and Twitter @UKMums.TV.