Yesterday was my son’s fourth birthday party at my house. I’m exhausted, but I have to say it was worth the work – the kids had a blast and my son had a very special day. Age four seems to be when it starts getting fun. They have a better understanding of what’s going on and the excitement and energy is through the roof!
Here are some tips for saving on your next in-home party:
Plan ahead – As much as possible start picking up things you’ll need for the party months in advance. For example, my mother-in-law spotted Cars plates/napkins on clearance right before Cars 2 came out. Thankfully she snagged them up at 50% off! Plan ahead for snacks and food too –
Face paint – I had snagged a Face Painting (Klutz Kit) back in February through a daily deal site. It’s a How To Book that comes with the face paint. You might be able to find this at Michaels or JoAnn Fabrics using a 40% off coupon (just guessing but worth a check). Amazon has it Face Painting (Klutz Kit) for $16.47 (ships free with $25 purchase). The kids LOVED this. The book has step-by-step instructions that made me look like a pro. AND, although there is an initial investment, this face paint and book will last us easily through many more events. Look around Halloween for discounted face paint – it shouldn’t go bad, so you can stock up for your summer parties.
Costco pizza – $9.99 for a 18-inch pizza isn’t bad. I didn’t have to heat up the house with Papa Murphy’s and it was super easy. The kids loved it. I also served Pirate’s Booty, veggies and pretzels. Instead of juice boxes (which can be expensive) I just had a bottle of juice and cups. For the adults I made this Quinoa Pistachio salad (I used spinach) and Mandarin Chicken salad.
Dollar Store – I’ve been lucky the last two years my son has picked themes that were popular enough to be found at my local Dollar Store. I found Cars crayons and stickers at my local Dollar Store that I put in goodie bags. Also, I bought streamers and balloons at the Dollar Store. Read my post about my favorite Dollar Store deals.
Watch Groupon and Living Social – Instead of a cake this year I ended up doing gourmet cupcakes! I was able to score a sweet half-price deal through Groupon back in April! Yes, back in April. I knew when I purchased them that it would be for my son’s birthday and it was so nice to get my cupcakes for 50% off and not have to bake. Of course, baking your own cake is going to be the most frugal but in July on hot days it’s not at the top of my list. We had red velvet cake with blue buttercream frosting (see photo above) and white cake with red buttercream frosting.
Sprinkler, yard toys, be creative! – I went through the house and any type of toy that could translate to an outdoor activity I moved into the backyard. Things like the art easel or play tents can be a fun activity outdoors. On our birthday invitation I asked the kids to bring swimsuits for a nice day and they ended up running through the sprinkler at the end of the party.
What are some of your ideas for a frugal, fun birthday party?
Karrie@HappyMoneySaver says
Love those pictures!! Great tips too.
Debby says
summer birthdays – plan a sleepover party to work with your local free movies in the park. Pizza / cake / gifts / take a group to the park about 45 minutes before the movies for some run time. Popcorn /waters/ blankets and you are done. Bring them home tired. Pancakes in the AM and parents pick up. 🙂 You’ll have a very happy kiddo.