How to do a cheap kids party
To be honest, we don’t like the word cheap because it implies a more inferior quality, so instead of “How to do a cheap kids party”, we’re assuming you’re asking about affordable options. And that’s what we’re going to dive into today. Fun doesn’t need to cost a fortune, so here are our practical tips for budget-friendly dos.
How do you throw a low budget kids party?
Even just tweaking a few expenditures in your event can take it from a bank-buster to low budget kids party. Here are a few areas to have a look at:
Set a realistic budget
Before you do anything, decide on a total spending limit. Be honest about what sacrifices you can and can’t make this year. Then, make a list of your estimated costs for food, decorations, entertainment and party favours. If you have older kids, you can teach them budgeting skills by involving them in prioritising what’s most important and reallocating some budget from other areas.
Choose an affordable venue
Instead of buying out a wacky warehouse, try hosting at home, meeting up at a park or getting a village hall on the cheap. The benefit is that it’s easier to make small spaces party-ready, and you’ll spend less on the venue itself.
Go digital or handmade for invites
One or two quid per card can really add up. Look at free digital invitations you can make and email on Canva or via a service like Paperless Post. You could even DIY paper invites with your child’s artwork or just start a new group text or private event thread on social media.
DIY decor
Poundland is great for balloons, streamers and paper crafts. To make a play station, repurpose toys you already own or think about a themed DIY photo booth with a homemade backdrop. If you’ve got a small venue, hiring someone to deck it out won’t cost that much if you need to save time.
Budget-friendly food
Have a look at our list of simple, kid-friendly snacks like popcorn, fruit skewers and more. You could also bake your own cake or cupcakes, turning it into a “cake decorating activity” instead of having one big (and more expensive) cake.
Free entertainment
If you don’t have a budget for an entertainer, try classic party games like musical chairs, scavenger hunts or relay races, set up DIY crafts or colouring stations and look at our free playlist for kids party songs everybody will love.
Simple party bags
Favours don’t have to break the bank, try DIY favours like homemade playdough, baked cookies or stickers, or you can even combine their take-home gift with the main activity. You could have the kids decorate their own tote bag or a cupcake to take with them.
Hopefully, that list helped you think of what you might trim. At the end of the day, kids remember fun, not how much was spent.
Have a little budget left and want to do something special? Put a request out to our suppliers here.
