Kids’ parties really don’t need to be picture perfect to be brilliant, as much as social media would have you thinking otherwise. Kids’ parties have really changed in recent years, and too many parents now feel pressure to turn them into huge events designed for Instagram. But the reality is that what makes parties fun, special and memorable to kids are all of the things that usually wouldn’t make it onto a carefully styled picture like bright colours, slightly tacky decorations and a theme based on their favourite cartoon. It’s the mess, the noise and the chaos that make it fun! Scaling things back and making the party all about your kids, rather than worrying about how it photographs for pictures to put online, can actually save you so much money too, because parties add up so much. If you’re on more of a budget, here are some ways you can save.
Keep the guest list smaller
Having fewer guests will definitely reduce your costs. There’s less food to buy, fewer party bags, and if you’re paying per child at a venue that’s less to cover there too. While it can feel tempting to invite your child’s whole class, a smaller party with children who are genuinely their friends and people they actually want to spend time with can be even nicer. It’s easy to get caught up in birthday party politics and feeling like you have to invite certain people for one reason or another. But base the guest list on your child’s preferences as well as your budget, because you can’t please everyone.
Cheap entertainment
You don't have to spend a huge chunk of the budget on a bouncy castle, keep it simple if you prefer. Some music to have a disco and some basic party games like Simon says, musical chairs and pass the parcel are all classics. Put together a few sweet cones for prizes it will cost next to nothing.
Pick a low cost venue
Your party venue can easily be one of the biggest expenses. Sometimes hiring somewhere makes sense, especially if the party is bigger or you don’t have the space at home. Venues can also make things easier as they often handle the clean up and may provide food and drinks, which takes a lot off your plate. Places like soft play centres and trampolining parks also double up as entertainment, keeping the kids busy without extra planning. That said, costs can climb quickly. You might need to meet a minimum number, pay upfront, and if children drop out last minute you’re still stuck covering the cost. Community halls or parties at home decorated with fun supplies like balloons and banners are usually the cheapest options, so it’s worth weighing this up when you’re planning.
Cut back on party food costs
Food is another big expense when it comes to kids’ parties. It can be tempting to go overboard, but with children it’s usually best to keep things simple. If you’re doing a buffet, sandwiches, cake, crisps, chopped fruit and squash are really all you need. One good idea that people are doing these days is individual lunchboxes, grab some cheap cardboard treat boxes from a hobby shop or Temu and fill them. If you give each child a sandwich drink, crisps, piece of fruit and a sweet treat it saves there being a load of waste and is more than enough for little ones. Another option is making it a pizza party, either cook up some budget supermarket pizzas or check out offers at your favourite local pizza places and order in which is even easier!
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