Strategies to Help Save Money on Children’s Birthday Parties

Strategies to Help Save Money on Children’s Birthday Parties

The New York Times recently published a story regarding a growing trend among wealthy Southern Californians to spare no expense throwing their children’s birthday parties. The newspaper reported these sprawling affairs come complete with elaborate, movie-style sets, multiple activity stations and a range of live performances. The price tag for such extravagance can easily run from $10,000 up to $40,000.

With spring upon us and summer on its way, the next few months represent the ideal time of year to throw an outdoor birthday bash for your youngster. For those of us with limited means whose mailing address is not a Bel Air manse, here are a few ways to save money on those birthday celebrations.

Solid Colors: Even though your daughter might want all of those Disney “Frozen” paper plates and cups, choose solid colors instead, which are much less expensive. Also buy white or clear plastic silverware, which you can purchase in bulk and always use the extras for school lunches, picnics or big family dinners.

Free Fun: While there are plenty of Etsy retailers happy to sell you adorable, party-themed material, check out the platform’s free options first. You will find a range of free party packages available that include invitations, birthday banners, water bottle labels, favor tags, food cards and cupcake toppers.

Forget the Favors: It might seem de rigueur to send each child home with a bag filled with candy and small prizes, but the fact is most of that junk is forgotten before the partygoers reach their front doors. So why not embrace reality and save a few bucks by eschewing favors altogether or perhaps purchasing one small toy for each guest from the $1 bins at Target or Dollar General?

Just Desserts: As any party host will tell you, feeding your guests is often the most expensive item in your budget. That said, if you schedule your event wisely, you will not need to provide anything but cake and ice cream. To achieve this, schedule the party for an early to mid-afternoon start that slots in nicely between lunch and dinner.

Do It Yourself: Take the incentive and bake rather than buy a cake. It will save you money and, besides, the children don’t care if it’s not top of the line – they just want to see candles blown out and cake distributed. Another idea is to buy a plain birthday cake from your local grocery store and decorate it yourself with little toys. And don’t forget that cupcakes make a great alternative.

Be Selective: As the mother or father of the birthday boy or girl, you certainly don’t want to hurt any feelings, but inviting your child’s entire class to the party can be expensive. Think quality over quantity by trying to limit the party to just a couple of close friends. That also will make it much easier for you to control the event.

Stick to It: As with so many other aspects of life, when throwing a child’s birthday party, it is important to work out how much you wish to budget for the bash and then stick to that number.

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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.