Throwing a Thrifty Kid Birthday

My son is going to be three in April, so of course like a good mommy, I am planning. There is a place in our town much like a Chuck e Cheese. My son LOVES this place and they have awesome little themed party rooms, plus pizza and they will even provide your very own Cold Stone cake. Sounds really awesome doesn’t it? But it’s expensive! The price is $14 per child or adult for food, games and admittance to the fun zone. When you add together 20-25 adults and children, that’s quite a bill for a party for a three-year-old.

So now, I am on a mission to save money for this party any way I can. Here are some tips to save money for your little one’s birthday party.

1. Skip the fancy venue. This especially can apply if your children are really young. We had both of our children’s first birthdays at home. They weren’t going to remember it anyway and we saved a ton. If you are going to spend a lot on a nice location it would probably be best if they could remember it.

2. Save money at the fancy venue. If you really want to do something outside the home, call around and find places you can bring your own food in. We found out just by calling, although it’s not on the website, that our local Chuck e Cheese style place will allow groups to use their main eating area for parties on a first come first serve basis. We can even bring our own cake in. We don’t have to use their party rooms. Although they didn’t say this on the website, it was worth calling to check. Call around your local places and see if you can get a similar deal. Also check local parks for their party areas. Sometimes they can even be free, but you still have to reserve the space.

3. Make your own cake. The mark up on cakes is RIDICULOUS. If you have even the slightest ability to cook, you can make your own cake. If you absolutely can’t make cake or want some sort of fancy design ask your friends. Someone you know would probably help you out.

4. Shop at the dollar store for goodie bag treats. Every birthday party my kids have ever been to, their goodie bag contents have always ended up thrown around the house and finally into the garbage. You can get great little toys that kids will love just as much as expensive ones from the dollar store.

5. Don’t send out paper invitations. Facebook is an awesome place to make events and invite people to your birthday party. Skipping the paper invites can easily save you $30! You can even make a electronic invite for free with places like Evite.

6. Buy party supplies on clearance. Most party stores have a clearance section that you should check out. We bought all of my daughters first birthday supplies on clearance for half-off the original.

What are some ways you’ve saved money on birthday parties? Share them with us!