When we think about celebrating our kids special occasions we don't have to spend a ton of money to make a special and memorable event for them. But you know what? My life experiences have taught me that the key to a great party isn’t all about the money; planning is everything.
Whether it’s life among the elite or a small group of friends huddling in the candlelit basement to stave off the chill, there are a few ideas I’ve collected for the best children’s party, one that calls back to a time when money wasn’t an object, or was at least decently hidden.
DIY Decorations
Decorations are one of the costliest parts of any party. But I’ve learned that DIY décor can be a huge money-saver and make things feel personal. You can typically find a plethora of cheap supplies at craft stores or dollar stores.
We were planning on only using colorful paper for these—decorations?stringing up and scattering on table?to pretty the kids’ place settings for parties we host—out of respect for the fact that it was Halloween-themed, because I find the trend of kid birthday parties allegedly themed around holidays to be maddening, but whatever. It not only reduced the cost, but it was good clean fun that the entire family could enjoy making together.
It is such a wonderful idea to bring nature into your decorations. Pick leaves, flowers or branches from the garden to bring the outdoors in. Children could assist painting rocks or pine cones in vibrant hues, and now they’re cute table toppers. This is something that’s not just great on the pocket, but also helps them learn the act of recycling and upcycling stuff from and near the house.
Homemade Treats
Party catering can add up fast. Now I choose homemade kid-friendly snacks and desserts rather than store bought. “Baking cupcakes or cookies at home is now our family’s tradition. In the past, we’ve hosted a decorate-your-own-cupcake station to keep the kids busy. The more that I can get them involved, the less I have to do and the more fun they have!
I have a secret weapon: I have the kids make their own pizzas. There are few ingredients you need for pizza dough, sauce, cheese, and some toppings and each kid can create their own masterpiece.
It’s an activity and a meal combined into a single delicious experience. Homemade snacks such as popcorn balls or fruit-on-a-stick can also add to the intrigue without breaking the bank.
For those with slightly older children, like tweens, considering birthday ideas for a 12-year-old that include unique themed activities could appeal greatly. Incorporating age-appropriate DIY crafts or interactive games can enhance the celebration, creating lasting memories as they transition to their teen years.
Outdoor Venues
If the weather cooperates, hosting the party outdoors could save you tons of money. You have a large area to run around, play, and explore whether in parks or even in your own backyard. A favorite party of ours was the best idea ever - a picnic in our neighborhood park. We made sandwiches and took chips and juice boxes, and packed frisbees to play with and a kite to mess around with. Outdoor play is free and helps the kids stay active.
Beach bash Another inexpensive option with a summer birthday is a beach party. As the kids build sandcastles or wade in the shallows, you might consider some simple games, such as "beach bingo," in which children search for and pick up various beach items. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and towels for a safe and fun trip out in the sun. The abundance of nature is a beautiful free backdrop.
Clever Party Themes
A good party theme can take a celebration from ordinary to extraordinary. When my children passed through a superhero stage, we held a “Superhero Training Camp.” There were homemade costumes made from old clothes and bedsheets and the kids loved it. Themes shouldn’t have to ride costly waves of fashion; the greatest ideas are often the simplest.
I've thrown a "Mini Explorer" party, in which every child was given a hand-sewn explorer's hat and sent on a hunt for buried "treasures" in the yard. Pool noodles turned into spyglasses for pirate expeditions and paper plates were steering wheels for racecar adventures. Do the themes more creatively and let the imagination decide the themes, it is to be a memory to be cherished by children.
Secondhand Finds and Rentals
Thrift shopping is my go to for party planning. Good-quality plates, cups and themed decorations can often be found at a fraction of what they cost new. I have recently rented costumes for a "Pirate Adventure" birthday for so much less than it would have cost me to buy. Renting, instead of buying outright, big-ticket products also takes those dollars very far.
Engaging Activities
The best kids’ party relies on fun over everything else. DIY games, such as a treasure hunt or another simple DIY photo booth, bring the kids hours of fun and keep them entertained and engaged. One minute, armed with a cardboard box and some paint, the kids chipped in to create a mini photo booth. That corner was the party, little kids playing photogs with disposable cameras I got on the cheap.
Another fun option is to create a “creative corner,” where children can go to let their inner artists come out to play. Give them a stack of drawing sheets, some crayons or washable markers and allow them to make their work of art. Or, perhaps, throw a talent show, where young stars get to sing, dance, or tell jokes. It’s a great way to get every child involved and spotlight what each child can do best.
Conclusion
Celebrating our kids’ accomplishments should be a time filled with laughter, joy, and togetherness, not a time of breaking the bank. The number of DIY decorations, homemade food, outdoor venues and creative themes I've experimented with over the years has taught me that the best parties are those that come from the heart and a bit of thought. Nothing worthwhile is ever free, and memories are the finest inheritance we can ever leave our children.
