Guest post from Kelli of Freebie Finding Mom:
Whether it’s a birthday, a new baby, or a wedding anniversary, life offers us plenty of moments worth celebrating and commemorating. Unfortunately, if you’re on a tight budget, finding the funds to do those moments justice can be a challenge.
Don’t despair; there are simple steps you can take take to ensure your special day is filled with joy instead of financial anxiety. From birthday bashes to baby showers, here are 3 tips to help you throw a rocking party on a bare bones budget!
Tip #1 – Use Free Printables
The Internet is filled with free printables that can help out with nearly every single facet of your party.
Regardless of what kind of party or event you’re hosting, a quick Google or Pinterest search will turn up tons of appropriate printables for things like invitations, decor, and games.
For example, if you’re throwing a baby shower, snag a set of these free printable diaper raffle tickets. They encourage guests to bring diapers, something every mom-to-be is in desperate need of, in exchange for a chance to win a prize.
In addition to saving you money, these printables can save you time. Instead of carving time out of your schedule to hit up a party store, you can take care of business right from home!
The cost for these printables? Paper, ink, and perhaps your email address. That’s it.
Tip #2 – DIY
If saving money is your main priority, it’s time to DIY.
Obviously, DIY projects may cost you more time than store-bought alternatives, but they’ll definitely help relieve the strain on your wallet.
DIY projects can help out with every area of your party from the food to the favors. For example, if you’re throwing a child’s birthday party, consider DIY mini pizzas as the food. The kids will have a blast decorating their own pies and you’ll save on those delivery fees.
DIY party favors like Mason jar play-dough are a frugal and fun option that are much more exciting than cheap plastic toys or sugar filled treats.
When it comes to DIY, the trick is to get creative.
For each aspect of your party, take a moment to ask yourself “How can I make this?” If you need centerpieces consider snagging Mason jars or vases from the thrift store and filling them with colorful wildflowers or found nature objects. If you need entertainment, turn to the Internet for free playlists from Spotify or Pandora.
If you aren’t a DIY diva, I feel your pain! I can be pretty dangerous with a glue gun myself. Luckily, plenty of DIY projects are stunningly simple. However, if you encounter something that is beyond your skill level, ask a crafty friend or family member to donate his or her time to the cause, perhaps in lieu of a gift.
Tip #3 – Opt for Generic Themes Over Brand Names
Okay, this last tip mostly applies to children’s birthday parties, but it can save you so much money that I just had to mention it. Are you ready?
Avoid those Disney princesses and superheroes like the plague! 🙂
Elmo, Eeyore, Elsa, and Iron Man (I couldn’t think of a superhero that starts with “E!”) come with a brand name price tag that’ll blast your budget to smithereens. Instead, opt for generic party themes like:
- Dinosaurs
- Favorite colors or rainbows
- Animals
- Beach or underwater
- Cars and trucks
Opting for these more generic themes will save you money on decor, invitations, and potentially even food, and trust me, your kiddo will still have a fantastic time!
Are you ready to rock and roll all night (or at least until 8 PM)?
You don’t need the budget of an internationally known rock star to throw an epic party people will talk about for years to come.
Nope, just use these 3 tips to save big on your next bash!
Kelli Bhattacharjee, the proprietor of freebiefindingmom.com, is a former investment professional with nearly ten years of experience who has a passion for showing others how to live a frugal yet fabulous life.
Pamela Moreno says
Even though my daughter is older now, I had some favorite party themes when she was younger.
Littlest Pet Shop Party- snagged two large sets after Christmas. Found an adoption certificate online along with lots of party printables like personalized bookmarks that I laminated. Each party guest picked out a pet and received an adoption certificate, bookmark and candy in their goody bag. I always make my own cake and invitations.
Garden party- bought two six packs of flowers and a bag of potting soil. Made a lot of free printables. Found children’s potting tools in the dollar section at Target. Made cupcakes with a real flower for decoration.
Luau party-lots of party stuff at Dollar Tree. I’ve recycled this theme over the years-beach party, flip flop pool party, luau, pineapple party,sweet 16. I live on the coast so we picked up sand, driftwood, shells and sea glass for decor. Used things from my luau box and bought things at the Dollar Tree. Have made cupcakes with teddy graham swimmers, flip flop cake, pineapple cupcakes.
Glow in the Dark Party-perfect preteen party. Glow sticks, anything neon, simple crafts like design a pillowcase or t shirt with fabric paint.
SF Giants party-we’re big fans so I had a lot of decorations already. Just bought orange and black party ware at Dollar Tree and grilled hot dogs and had peanuts served in brown lunch bags, popcorn. Made a cake with a purchased Giants logo and added orange gerber daisies.
I know my post is long but I need to add that my daughter loved her parties. I made as much as possible and planned far in advance. Some years I had more money than others so had a jump house or sleepover. For my daughter, it wasn’t the amount of money spent but the attention to details-making invitations, painting signs, having crafts. I hope my post helps.
Meg says
These are such COOL ideas! Thank you for sharing! -Meg, MSM Team
Holly says
Dollar tree has a ton of superhero or princess decor! That’s where I buy my stuff on a budget
Meg says
Thanks for sharing! -Meg, MSM Team
Holly says
Superheros that start with E – Elongated Man, Elastigirl, Elektra, and Emma Frost!
Meg says
Great idea! -Meg, MSM Team
Heather says
Budget-friendly raffle prize ideas?
HokieKate says
I can think of a few ideas coming in under $5. My grocery store has some pretty candles for a couple of dollars. Chocolate in a mason jar tied with a ribbon could be a good prize. Check the clearance racks at Hobby Lobby or Joann Fabrics for pretty decor items.
Cathy @ tips4livingbetter.com says
Throwing a party for a child can be a bit expensive but the tips you have mentioned in this post are very helpful in cutting the overall budget for the party.
I like to prepare party food and bake the cake for the party, this saves you money.
Amy says
For tableware, I’ve thrown parties for kids where I have bought just the licensed character napkins, and then purchased coordinating solid color plates, cups, etc. at the Dollar Tree. It tends to be a good alternative if a kiddo has their heart set on a “licensed character” themed party without breaking the budget…just a thought.
Rachel says
I have also done this. Or I have gotten the themed plastic tablecloth then gone to Dollar Tree to get matching solid plates, etc. Kids were happy and my budget was happy too!
Meg says
Thanks for sharing that tip! -Meg, MSM Team