Hosting a birthday party for your child can be an exciting event, but it can also be a costly one. From the decorations to the food, the expenses can quickly add up. However, throwing an unforgettable party doesn’t have to break the bank. In this post, we will share frugal birthday party ideas for kids that will help you plan a fun-filled celebration without spending a fortune.

Frugal Birthday Party Ideas for Kids: How to Plan a Fun and Affordable Celebration

Setting a budget for your party

Before you start planning your child’s birthday party, it’s important to set a budget. This will help you determine how much money you can spend on food, activities, decor, and invites. When setting a budget, be realistic and considerate of your finances. Remember that it’s okay to keep things simple and not go overboard.

Planning ahead

Don’t wait until the last minute to start thinking about the party. Instead, give yourself plenty of time to research ideas, make decorations, and shop for supplies. This will not only save you money, but will also give you more time to focus on making the party special for your child.

Frugal Food Ideas

DIY pizza party:

Instead of ordering expensive pizza from a restaurant, buy pre-made pizza crusts and let the kids add their own toppings. You can also set up a DIY salad bar to go along with the pizza.

Make your own ice cream sundae bar:

Buy a few different flavours of ice cream, and some toppings like sprinkles, chocolate chips, and fruit, and let the kids make their own sundaes. You can also offer different sauces, like caramel or hot fudge, to add to the sundaes.

Cupcake decorating station:

Buy plain cupcakes from the grocery store or make them yourself, and set up a station with different frosting colours and toppings. The kids can decorate their own cupcakes, and it will be a fun activity for them to do together.

Homemade popcorn bar:

Set up a popcorn bar with different seasonings and toppings, like butter, salt, cinnamon sugar, and even some candy toppings like M&Ms or gummy bears. This will allow the kids to create their own unique flavour combinations.

DIY fruit skewers:

Buy some fresh fruit like strawberries, pineapples, and melons, and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Then, have the kids assemble their own fruit skewers by threading the fruit onto the skewers. This is a fun activity that the kids will love, and it’s a healthier option than sugary snacks.

Easy and affordable snacks:

In addition to the DIY food stations, there are also plenty of easy and affordable snack options for a birthday party. Some ideas include:

• Veggie and dip platter
• Chips and salsa
• Pretzels and hummus
• Cheese and crackers
• Trail mix
• Popcorn balls
• Fruit cups

Frugal Activities:

DIY photo booth:

You can create a backdrop using streamers or balloons and set up a camera or smartphone on a tripod. You can also provide props like hats, glasses, and mustaches for the kids to use in their photos. This set is great and affordable. This is a fun way to capture memories of the party and keep the kids entertained.

Scavenger hunt:

You can create a list of items for the kids to find, and hide them around the party area. You can also create clues or riddles to help the kids find the items. This is a fun and interactive activity that the kids will love.

Balloon games:

Some ideas for balloon games include:

• Balloon pop relay race
• Balloon volleyball
• Balloon stomp
• Balloon toss
• Balloon animals

DIY party favours:

You can make things like homemade playdough, friendship bracelets, or even create personalized bookmarks. The possibilities are endless, and the kids will love receiving a handmade gift to take home.

Craft stations:

You can provide supplies for the kids to make their own jewelry, paint their own picture frames, or even decorate their own t-shirts. This is a fun and creative activity that will keep the kids busy for a while.

Outdoor games:

If the weather permits, hosting some outdoor games is a fun and free way to keep the kids entertained. Some ideas include:

• Red light, green light
• Simon says
• Freeze tag
• Duck, duck, goose
• Hula hoop contest
• Bean bag toss

Frugal Decor:

DIY decorations:

You can create banners, garlands, and centrepieces using materials like construction paper, tissue paper, and balloons. You can also involve your child in the decorating process, which will make it even more special.

Themed table settings:

You can use coloured tablecloths, napkins, and plates that match the party theme. You can also create themed place cards or write the names of the guests on the plates using a marker.

DIY party hats:

You can create hats using construction paper, tissue paper, or even recycled materials like newspapers or paper bags. You can also provide supplies like stickers and markers for the kids to decorate their own hats.

Balloon decorations:

You can create balloon garlands, arches (get these kits), or even balloon animals to decorate the party space. You can also create balloon bouquets by tying them to chairs or creating balloon centrepieces. I bought this air pump machine from Amazon and can easily decorate for a party, balloon arch and all, in under an hour.

Reusable decorations:

Investing in reusable decorations can save you money in the long run. You can purchase decorations like birthday banners, tablecloths, and party hats that can be reused year after year. You can also create your own reusable decorations using materials like felt or fabric.

Frugal Invites

DIY invitations:

You can use materials like construction paper, markers, and stickers to create unique and personalized invitations. You can also involve your child in the invitation-making process, which will make it even more special.

Digital invitations:

You can create invitations using online platforms like Evite or Canva, and send them via email or social media. Digital invitations are also convenient because guests can RSVP online, which makes it easier to keep track of who is coming to the party.

Printable invitations:

You can purchase printable invitations online or create your own using templates on websites like Etsy or Pinterest. You can then print the invitations at home or at a local print shop.

Remember It’s All About Making Memories

Hosting a memorable birthday party for your child doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavour. By using these frugal birthday party ideas for kids, you can create a special and enjoyable celebration that your child will love. From fun activities and tasty treats to creative decorations and invitations, these ideas will help you stay within your budget while still having a great time. So, get ready to plan an unforgettable birthday party for your child without breaking the bank!

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Josie Smith