It’s no secret that just about everything has been impacted by inflation. As a family, you’ve probably cut out some unnecessary expenses, like eating out or going to the movies. While kids birthday parties are not necessary expenses, it can be hard to cut them out of the budget. A birthday comes around once a year, and you want to make your child feel loved on their special day. Fortunately, a little creativity goes a long way for parents trying to save money while providing tons of fun during their child’s big day.
Don’t worry about breaking the bank to give them memories they’ll treasure forever. Consider these budget-friendly birthday ideas for your child’s upcoming party. You’ll ensure everyone has a great time without paying for costly entertainment, food, or decorations.
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Party at Home
The easiest way to cut costs is to have a birthday party at home. While laser tag and amusement parks can be fun, don’t spend a fortune buying tickets for all your child’s friends.
A classic backyard birthday party can be just as fun. Make use of what you already have at home, like board games, outdoor toys, or old Halloween costumes for a dress-up party. While putting up decorations can be fun, they’re really not necessary, and they won’t be the part that kids remember most. With some games, snacks, and a birthday cake, everyone is sure to have a good time.
Bake a Homemade Cake
The store-bought cakes at birthday parties might look cool, but they’re nothing you can’t recreate at home. Follow a recipe or YouTube video to bake your child’s favorite cake flavor and decorate it with fondant. You’ll avoid the costly bakery fees and get just as delicious a result.
You can get premade fondant and the gel food dye necessary for the cake’s design. Work the fondant like playdough to create colorful shapes or a base layering on your cake. If you get a decorating tool kit, you can use it for every birthday party you throw for loved ones.
Picnic at a Park
If you don’t want to host at home, a public park is the next best thing. It’s free and can provide hours of entertainment for kids. Check the website for your child’s favorite playground to see if you need to make a reservation for its covered picnic area. As long as the space is available on your preferred date, your guests can meet there for hours of free fun.
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Swim in a Local Lake
Lakes with public swimming areas are free venues ideal for low-budget birthdays. Check for reservations on your town government’s website to reserve the area if needed. Ensure parents bring a towel and sunscreen for their child, and have lots of drinks on hand.
Upcycle Holiday Supplies
Consider if you just celebrated a recent holiday. Do you have any leftover supplies that could double as party favors or decor? If your child’s birthday is after Halloween, you could give the leftover candy in your pantry as favors in plastic bags covered in stickers. After New Year’s, you might have some sparklers or party poppers, which are generally safe for kids to use outside.
If you don’t have anything on hand, hit up the clearance section to score some deals. After Valentine’s Day, you could find heart-printed plates and cups that would work great for a pink-loving child’s birthday – even if it’s months away. It pays off to plan in advance.
Make a Homemade Piñata
A piñata is a classic party staple, but it’s hard to justify the cost of something you can only use once. But have you ever considered getting crafty and making your own?
Use leftover cardboard boxes and a pair of scissors to cut them up into whatever shape you want. Decorate the outside with tissue paper and fill it up with candy. In an hour or less, you’ll have a fun game for everyone to play when your child’s party begins.
Make Crafts for Favors
Getting party favors in addition to a paying for a group activity can add up. Combine the two by providing a group craft. Your child’s friends can decorate T-shirts with markers and take them home as favors. Get thrifty by buying some secondhand mugs or plates and set out some paint to have your own color-me-mine party. There are plenty of options to consider before spending a small fortune on goodie bags.
Host a Slumber Party
Sleepovers are the ultimate party for kids. Invite your child’s closest friends over to spend the night for their birthday. Entertain them with a movie you already own or go stargazing in your backyard. Whether they end the night with a flashlight and spooky stories or bowls of store-brand ice cream, your child will have an incredible time without adding financial stress to your life.
Visit a Free Museum or Attraction
Take your child and their friends on a fun excursion to a free attraction in your city. Whether you pick a museum or a fun tourist spot, going on a day trip is a great way to do something different without spending a lot. What kid doesn’t love going on a field trip? Chances are, they won’t know it didn’t cost you a cent.
