How to Plan a Kids Birthday Party on a Budget
- By Dave Matthews
- Published 04/15/2010
- Entertainment
- Unrated
There's always going to be a little bit of pressure when you are planning your child's birthday party. On one hand you will want to spoil them rotten make it a day that they will remember for years to come, on the other hand if you know that at least a couple of dozen of their friends will be attending then you will be conscious of the impact it will have on your wallet. There is no need to worry as with a little careful forward planning there is no reason at all why you wont be able to throw a birthday party that all the children can enjoy - and they will have no idea that you managed to do it on the cheap!
The first thing to do is decide on your budget. This is especially important if you have a significant number of guests. Once you have decided on how much you can afford to spend then make a point of keeping that budget and sticking to it. The next task will be to pick a suitable location. Try to avoid venues that are likely to require a hire fee and opt for alternatives such as hosting the party at your own home. If the weather is likely to be pleasant then a garden party or a picnic in the park is always a good idea. Parks and gardens are absolutely perfect for large groups of children as there is plenty of space to play and even better - they're free.
No doubt you will want to have some games for the children to play. The old favourites from back in the day when you were a child are still good choices today. Kids still love pin the tail on the donkey, simon says, what time
is it mr wolf or good old musical chairs. If you are stuck for game ideas then perhaps it could be worthwhile speaking to other parents who have recently hosted a birthday party to see how they kept the kids entertained. If you decide to buy a few games to play then have a look round some discount stores.
No birthday party is complete without food and drink. If you are catering to a large party of children then it could get expensive quite quickly if you buy all your food from the local supermarket. Try to make most of the party food yourself, especially the cake as your child will no doubt enjoy helping you to make it. If you do have to buy your food from the shop then try to do it in bulk. This is especially advisable for premade foods and do rememeber that children are usually more than happy with cheap foods like pizza, hot dogs or past salads. It's very easy to buy snack foods such as crisps and soda in bulk.
The next task is to write and distribute your invitations. By all means design and print them on your computer as this will save time, however if you want to add a personal touch and there is a relatively small crowd attending then you may wish to hand write the invitations yourself.
At the end of the party you will want to give out some goodie bags for the children to take gome with them. Try to use paper lunch bags as it may be a fun activity for the children to decorate them at the party. Fill them up with sweets and candy that you bought in bulk earlier and why not try adding some low cost gifts in the bag too as things like stickers are always a surefire winner with children.
The first thing to do is decide on your budget. This is especially important if you have a significant number of guests. Once you have decided on how much you can afford to spend then make a point of keeping that budget and sticking to it. The next task will be to pick a suitable location. Try to avoid venues that are likely to require a hire fee and opt for alternatives such as hosting the party at your own home. If the weather is likely to be pleasant then a garden party or a picnic in the park is always a good idea. Parks and gardens are absolutely perfect for large groups of children as there is plenty of space to play and even better - they're free.
No doubt you will want to have some games for the children to play. The old favourites from back in the day when you were a child are still good choices today. Kids still love pin the tail on the donkey, simon says, what time
No birthday party is complete without food and drink. If you are catering to a large party of children then it could get expensive quite quickly if you buy all your food from the local supermarket. Try to make most of the party food yourself, especially the cake as your child will no doubt enjoy helping you to make it. If you do have to buy your food from the shop then try to do it in bulk. This is especially advisable for premade foods and do rememeber that children are usually more than happy with cheap foods like pizza, hot dogs or past salads. It's very easy to buy snack foods such as crisps and soda in bulk.
The next task is to write and distribute your invitations. By all means design and print them on your computer as this will save time, however if you want to add a personal touch and there is a relatively small crowd attending then you may wish to hand write the invitations yourself.
At the end of the party you will want to give out some goodie bags for the children to take gome with them. Try to use paper lunch bags as it may be a fun activity for the children to decorate them at the party. Fill them up with sweets and candy that you bought in bulk earlier and why not try adding some low cost gifts in the bag too as things like stickers are always a surefire winner with children.
Dave Matthews
Dave Matthews is writing on behalf of American Soda, a leading UK supplier of American Sweets.
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