Genius Hacks Guaranteed to Make a Parent's Job Easier—Tips to Throw a Kids' Birthday Party on a Budget

Every parent wants their kid to have a fantastic birthday that they'll remember forever. It usually includes a lot of stress and expenses. If you're close to your kid's next birthday party, you're probably thinking how to stay within the budget without exhausting yourself and still amaze your kid. Well, these tips will help you exactly with that.

Make your own decorations

Most kids enjoy making things, cutting, gluing and all that comes with it. Take advantage of that and spend additional valuable moments with your kid even before the birthday party. Make birthday decorations together—cut construction paper into lovely shapes, make origami cranes or flowers out of colorful paper, decorate balloons and crepe paper with glitter. Your kid will be proud of themselves because all those splendid decorations will be the work of their tiny hands.

Get imaginative with food

Kids love eating, especially if the food is funny-looking. You don't have to spend money on ordering food. Instead, cut cheese sandwiches into funny shapes or set up a cookie-decorating station where the kids can get creative, too. Spread healthy, delicious snacks around the room, making them available at every corner.

Send digital invitations

Buying and writing birthday invitations will take some time and money. Try a different approach—there are a couple of great sites offering you to construct your own digital invitation with the RSVP option to send out to other parents—quick and easy!

Pay a visit to a dollar store

Dollar stores are usually equipped with decorations and party supplies. Kids don't care how much the decoration cost, so get balloons, plates, cups, tablecloths, and utensils over there. It will look festive—as long as it's colorful.

Pick one professional

A great birthday party doesn't mean you'll have tons of animators playing with kids. Kids don't really need an adult leading them if they are provided with board games and a piñata. You kid will be equally amazed if you get just one professional that will entertain them at some point. There are many fun birthday activities, like face painting provided by artists from Creative Faces.

You can always browse on the net and discover more fun activities and pick the one your kid will like the most.

Pick a smart DIY party theme

The party should have a theme, so instead of picking one that requires a lot of shopping (costumes, plates, decorations), opt for a theme that allows you to use what you already have.

For example, if your kid loves the pool, then throw a big pool party. Turn on the sprinklers, tell everybody to bring their swimming costumes, spread sun umbrellas around, and make kid's cocktails. Or you can organize a camping party—set up a campsite, place the chairs around and put up a tent. Lastly, place a couple of big blankets on the grass and fill them with food and drinks. If your kid is into art, then collect all your coloring and painting equipment, get a couple of rolls of paper, and put up a few cardboard easels.

Use the backyard

If you have a backyard and you know the weather will be pleasant, no need to use the interior of your home. Kids are easier to handle outside, and they are free to roam around. You can organize a sports tournament (for example, badminton or volleyball) or a freeze-dance. The scavenger hunt is safer to play outside, and usual games like freeze tag, musical chairs, and three-legged race are best when played in the outdoors. There is also less chance something valuable will get broken.

Browse great deals all year long

In case you have a couple of months (or even longer) until your kid's birthday, start gathering supplies step by step. From time to time, pay attention to sales when it comes to decorations and specific colors you know your kid loves. A lot of party supplies are on discount after the New Year's or other big holidays.

Double up with another parent

In case your kid's birthday is close to one of his buddy's birthday, talk to the other kid's parent—maybe you can come up with an agreement about the birthday theme. That way, you can split the cost of decorations, utensils, and you can also share the responsibilities. Just make sure you have two cakes—no kid wants to split the birthday cake with somebody else.

Final words

The sooner you start with the planning, the greater are the chances you'll come up with cheap but creative solutions. And the greater are the chances you'll come up with something that will amaze your kid.