You don’t have to spend a lot of money to host a birthday party for your kids, with some low-cost options and proper planning you can throw a fun party without breaking the bank.

Don’t Compete

Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. It doesn’t matter if others host extravagant parties for their kids, never feel like you must hold yourself to a certain standard. Your children learn from you by example and frivolous spending is not a lesson you want to teach.

Don’t Start too Early

Babies and toddlers don’t need parties, celebrate simply with your family.

Alternate Years

You don’t have to throw a party every year, you might do it every other year or just a few timed during their childhood. That doesn’t mean you won’t celebrate their birthday each year with family. Many families don’t host birthday parties at all, they simply celebrate birthdays with cake and presents. You set the tone on how birthdays will be observed.

Choose Inexpensive or Free Venues

Host the party at your house or look for free or low-cost venue options like parks, the beach, your church or community center, an arcade, bowling alley, roller rink, or a local zoo or museum. Some venues offer discounts and special pricing for children’s parties.

Make Your Own Party Favors

Head to the dollar store and make a goodie bag for each child, fill it with stickers, crayons, coloring books, small toys and games, candy, and snacks.

Decorate Simply

The dollar store has all kinds of simple party decorations like balloons, banners, birthday themed cups, plates and silverware, party hats, streamers, party horns, piñatas, and other party supplies.

Simple Foods

Plan the party in between lunch and dinner time so you don’t have to provide an entire meal and offer snacks like chips and dip, cookies, finger foods, sandwiches, cupcakes, cake and ice cream.

Play Games

Simple party games are always fun, pin the tale on the donkey, treasure hunt, musical chairs, dance or coloring competitions, memory games, obstacle course, tag, sleeping lions, sack race, limbo, there are tons of fun activities to choose from.

Keep the Guest List Small

Invite your child’s closest friends, the children that they play with regularly. Larger does not mean better.

Weigh the Cost of a Paid Venue

Sometimes you may save money by using a paid venue if it includes food, cake, entertainment, activities, and party favors. Shop around.

Popcorn & Movie

You could host a movie and popcorn party. Show a Disney movie on a large screen and serve theater foods like popcorn, soda, cookies, and candy. Kids could even dress as their favorite Disney character.

Have a Family Party

Consider inviting just family members to the party, you might have a potluck style dinner or back yard picnic.

Host a Sleepover

A birthday celebration does not have to include a party, host a sleepover with a few of your child’s close friends.

Host a Backyard BBQ

If you have a yard host a BBQ, most kids love hot dogs, hamburgers, and picnic food, bake a cake.

Have a Pizza Party

You can order pizza or make your own, a simple pizza party with games and snacks is something most kids enjoy. Bake a cake or cupcakes and have fun.

Skip the Party

If you have older kids, they might not even want a party, instead they can invite a few friends to go out to dinner, see a movie, take a trip to a local amusement park, arcade, or other venue.