Saving money seems to be on everybody’s mind these days. Birthday parties can sometimes go a little over the top and parent’s feel like they need to spend a lot to make the party perfect.  We’ve found the contrary to be true.  It’s time to get back to basics and remember the reason you are having the party to begin with!  It’s a day to celebrate the birth of your child. It’s doesn’t have to be over the top to be a great party.

7 Tips for keeping the costs down:

1) Have the party in your home or in a public park.   If you child has a summertime birthday, hook up the sprinkler and create your own water park!  If they have a birthday in the cooler months, blow up inexpensive beach balls and let them go wild!  Put on their favorite movie and let them eat popcorn. A neighborhood park is a great place for frisbee, tag and cupcakes! Think simple!

2) Hold the party in between meal times.   That way you can just serve dessert and maybe one or 2 light snacks.

3) Make the food yourself.   Cake mixes are pretty inexpensive and can go a long way!

4) Co-host.  If your child has a friend with a birthday in the same month, try holding a joint party.  Meet up at a park and play a few games.  Or look into splitting the cost of renting a room at your community center to accommodate larger groups.

5) Use what you have.  If you are having a jungle animal theme, decorate the house with your child’s stuffed animals.  Make leaves and vines with construction paper.  Maybe you are doing a construction themed party, use your child’s trucks and toys as decorations! Get creative!  

6)Just play.   You don’t have to have fancy favors or crafts to make your child’s party fun.  If you have a Wii game system, have a bowling tournament.  If you are near park, play games like freeze tag and red rover.  Kids love getting to just play and be with their friends.  They don’t need too much more to be content!

7)Online Invitations.   Everything is digital these days so why not use technology to your advantage!  You can find great online kids birthday invitations for free! 

Most importantly, have fun!  Enjoy this milestone of your child. Happy Birthday!

Check out PurpleTrail’s online invitations - easy and elegant invitations perfect for any event!  Also check out our great printable birthday games.  They are an inexpensive way to provide a whole lot of fun!