Party on a Budget
Some Mother's get very competitive on the playground when it comes to throwing birthday parties. Even a small party can cost the price of a weekend away unless parents look for money saving tips.
No parent wants their child to be upset because they can't invite their friends to a birthday party, but many despair at the cost.
What should be a fun few hours can end up being a playground competition, with other parents eagerly comparing invite lists, party activities and the all important party bag contents. The cost of hiring an entertainer and a venue or paying for an organised party can be too expensive for many people.
Things do get easier as kids get older. They may then simply want to take a couple of close
friends to the cinema. But in the early years, many kids will want o invite the whole class to their birthday party and parents may feel pressured to agree. How can parents throw a fun party that the kids all enjoy and that doesn't break the bank?
Indoor Party Ideas For Kids
Some parents simply prefer to throw indoor parties for their kids or may be forced to do so if the weather won't cooperate. There are still plenty of ideas to keep kids happy here.
These include:
Traditional party games: Kids actually take a long time to grow out of traditional party
games such as pass the parcel and musical statues. Tying these into an indoor treasure hunt or a game of hide and seek may also work well as that will get the kids moving and could help burn off some of their energy.
* Craft parties: These kinds of parties can be a lot of fun. Parents can pick up craft kits
and equipment relatively cheaply if they shop around online. Buying a load of cheap
white t-shirts and some t-shirt paints, for example, may not cost a lot but will keep the kids busy and give them something to take home. Mugs and cups that can be painted may also be worth looking at here.
* Pizza making parties: These parties won't just keep the kids happy but will also take care of tea! Parents can make the dough in advance and let the kids simply roll it out or they can buy ready made pizza bases if they prefer. All they have to do then, is give the kids a choice of toppings and let them build their own pizza.
* Film parties: Hiring a new release film on video and having a film premiere party can work well with many kids. Making some popcorn and providing drinks in paper cups won't cost the earth and the kids will be quiet for at least an hour – and don't forget to get a roll of red paper to lay outside your front door and ask them all to come along dressed up for
the occasion.
The actual number of kids that parents can invite to an indoor party may depend on
the size of their home and how much of it they will call "out of bounds" so this is worth
thinking about in advance, you don't want to find a bunch of five year olds throwing the
contents of your knicker drawer on the landing.
Outdoor Party Ideas For Kids
If the weather is nice, then there is no reason why parents can't hold an outdoor party. Their own garden is a perfect free venue. If it is too small, then a local park will do
the trick and will also be cost free. Last year one of my daughters friends had
her party at Beacon park in Lichfield, her Mum and Dad made a wonderful
picnic, the children played rounders and tig, it was cheap and cheerful and the
kids absolutely loved it.
* Sports parties: Kids love running around and sports parties will get rid of their
energy and give them a good time. Football fans could have a themed football party with mini matches. A garden could be used as the site of an obstacle course. Many kids will already own some garden games so these could also be used to stage competitions. A local park could also be used to stage roller skating, scooter and bike races.
* Treasure hunts: Even the smallest garden can be used to host a treasure hunt party.
Parents simply need to put together some clues to help the kids to find the treasure. This kind of party can suit all ages. Younger children can be given picture clues whilst older kids may enjoy more complicated problem solving ones.
* Park facilities: Many town parks offer some kind of facilities such as splash parks,
basketball nets, skateboarding parks and even crazy golf. Even a trip to a large playground can be fun. If parents are taking a large group of kids out for a party
and they need help, then bear in mind that other parents may well volunteer to stay around.
Extra Money Savings Ideas for Kids Parties
There are a range of other things that you can do to cut costs.
* Make invites instead of buying them. There are a few online sites with free templates that can help you to do this.
* Don't spend too much on party bags (this really isn't a competition). Shopping online for ready made party bags or buy each child a book, The Book People and other online book sellers do some amazing deals on packs of books, they can work out at less than £1 a book.
* Balloons are cheap and a great party decoration. Blow up enough to give each child one to take home tied round their party bag.
* Making party food at home can work out a lot cheaper than buying it. Kids actually don't care much what they eat at parties if they are having a good time. You can also buy cheap party boxes that you can fit one sandwich, a piece of fruit, a small drink and a fairy cake in, that way you don't make enough sandwiches to feed the whole street, that just end up getting thrown away.
* Try making the birthday cake. There are a lot of online sites with tips and hints that can help even the novice baker produce a masterpiece.
