Budgeting Tips for a Frugal Birthday Party

Birthdays come along once a year. If you have more than one child, that can be a financial nightmare. But, it doesn?t have to be. Here are some tips to budget for the best birthday party ever.

Many times our dreams for our children are bigger than theirs when it comes to birthday parties. For instance, a one-year-old child doesn?t need to have twenty friends over for a shindig. Your credit card will be maxed out in no time.

As a parent, the first step to a great birthday party is to consider the child and their age. A young child may be happy with two friends and a cardboard box. We are not suggesting you invite kids over and let them play in your television box but you get the idea. Keep it simple.

With that in mind, here are some tips to help you always have what you need for any birthday party.

Frugal Party Tips

* Plan ahead ? When you have time to get a list together and shop around you can usually find a good price on everything you need. Hit the dollar store. You can buy large and small plates for a good price for as many guests as you need. Don?t worry about buying matching plates, especially when your child is less than six years old. Look at items you might need with an eye for what can be used more than once for another birthday party.

* Use your resources ? If you have friends who own flower shops or who have a creative talent, use them. A baker friend could make your birthday cakes. Someone who loves to entertain can handle the games and activities for you.

* Create invitations at home ? There are several card programs to make cards that are just as good as the ones you buy for more in the store. Send them out in enough time to receive an RSVP. A good rule of thumb is to invite only as many kids as your child?s age. For example, invite only three kids if your child is turning the age of three.

* Have a family party ? This is one that you have at home with just the immediate members. As long as there is fun and a cake, your child will have a good time. This is a very good idea for young kids who are not even in school yet.

* Have cake and ice cream ? Some parents go all out and try to cater the event. This is not necessary if you don?t have the money. Specify on your invite that it will be ice cream and cake so that guests can be sure they eat before coming.

A birthday party doesn?t have to be expensive to be successful. Start with these frugal tips.

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