When a child's birthday rolls around, parents always want to make it the most special day ever -- filled with fun, excitement and memories that will last forever.
But when money is tight, is it still possible to celebrate in style without breaking the bank?
Kit Bennett, of
Amazingmoms.com, said it absolutely is, and sometimes parties on a budget can be more personal and intimate.
Even though the trend once shifted to bigger, more expensive parties, Bennett said, it is changing back, and people are giving up on keeping up with the Joneses.
"People are focusing more inward and on family these days," Bennett said.
With some planning ahead and your creative cap on, you can have a party your child will remember forever, she said.
Brad Maxwell of
BirthdayPartyIdeas.com said that you should come up with a theme, and plan the invitations, decorations, food and favors around that that.
That can help you stay focused and save some cash.
Give yourself plenty of time to find the best prices and to plan what you will need.
"This will save last minute trips to the party store and things like that," Bennett said.
Home Is Where The Party Is
Having a party at home is the best way to save and can be more intimate and personal, Maxwell said.
Location parties such as laser tag, arcades and salons can sometimes cost more than $30 per child.
"Renting venues can often be a waste of money, because you may have to bring your own decorations, food and cake anyway," Bennett said.
If you are leery about having a bunch of children in your house, close some doors.
"It is OK to block off parts of the house during the party," she said. Be creative with other parts of the house as well. You could have the party in the garage, hang up some twinkle lights and decorate with bright colors.
If you can't host at home, try other venues that may be free or inexpensive such as a public park or a YMCA.
When it comes to decorating for the big day, try decorating with things you have on hand or that you can get for very little money.
Decorate with the toys your child already has. For example, if your child loves Legos, have them build a creation to use as a centerpiece. Sprinkle some sequins or M&Ms on the table and you are good to go, Bennett said.
Dollar stores and other discount stores can also offer fun, inexpensive decorations.
When it comes down to it, don't go crazy decorating, especially if the child is young, Bennett said.
"Little ones don't notice stuff we do," she said. "You can end up wasting money on things they wont even notice."
Plan Around Mealtimes
Choosing the right time of day for the party can save you more than $50.
Avoid mealtimes completely, Bennett said. Plan your parties between 10 a.m. and noon, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. to avoid having to serve a big meal.
"Kids are picky eaters anyway and would rather play," she said.
Encourage parents to drop the child off and go.
"Tell them to enjoy alone time," Bennett said. "Otherwise you have to feed the parents, too."
If you can't plan around mealtime, don't call the delivery guy just yet.
Get creative with food to save some cash and get kids excited. Make punch out of clear soda and vanilla ice cream and name it Pirate Punch or Ruby Slipper Punch to match whatever your theme is.
Coloring cut up hot dogs is also a quick way to add a little flair.
"Suddenly you've taken very inexpensive thing like a hot dog and made it go with your theme," Maxwell said. "It is all about being creative.
Buying a store-bought cake can be one of the biggest costs of a party. Both Maxwell and Bennett said that if you cannot bake one yourself, buy an undecorated to save as much as $15. Decorate it yourself with toys you can find at the dollar store or your child's toy box.
Don't Invite The Whole Block
Don't feel like you have to invite the whole neighborhood, your child's entire class and her whole Girl Scout troop.
"If there are too many children, it stops being fun," Bennett said
Her rule of thumb with invites is the child's age plus two. Allow your child to choose and let them know they don't have to invite everyone.
"It is OK for children to know everyone is not their friend," Bennett said.
Once you have a list, skip the traditional store bought invites and save yourself a few bucks.
E-vites are becoming more popular and are a perfectly acceptable way to ask people to your party, Bennett said.
Or, break out the craft box and make your own. Use cookie cutters for tracing out shapes and add glitter, sticker or other colorful things. To keep it simple, pen a cute note and attach a little sachet of candy.
Maxwell said to make sure they are personal and special.
"Invitations really set the expectation for the party you plan on throwing, Maxwell said. "It really gets people excited."
One way of inviting that is never acceptable is a phone invite, Bennett said.
"That can be tacky," she said. "People may also forget as soon as you hang up the phone."
Favors Can Play Double-Duty
Many children have drawers filled with the little junky toys that once stuffed favor bags. Filling a bag can sometimes cost parents as much as $20 a child.
Don't skip the favors just to save this cost. Instead, Bennett said, party activities make inexpensive, personal take-home favors.
Snap a picture of each child and have a helper print the picture during the party. Children can decorate a frame from the craft store, which usually cost under $1. Pop the picture in their homemade frame and you have a great personal party favor.
Children can also bake cookies or cupcakes and take home a box of their treats or make friendship bracelets and exchange them at the party.
"Take-away party favors work wonders," she said. "Then you have an activity they can do and a something they can take home."
Having fun activities and things to do can help cut costs on things like decorations and a huge meal.
"If they are active they don't need all the other stuff," Bennett said.
