Kids Party Ideas That Will Save Money

How to Come up With Low Cost Party Ideas For Kids

Sep 8, 2009 Carol Finch

There can be a lot of competition in the playground when throwing birthday parties. Even a small party can cost the earth unless parents look for money saving tips.

No parent wants to do their child out of inviting their friends to a birthday party, but many despair at the cost. What should be a fun few hours can end up being a playground competition, with other parents eagerly comparing invite lists, party activities and party bag contents. The cost of hiring an entertainer and a venue or paying for an organised party can be too expensive for many people.

Things may get easier as kids get older. They may then simply want to take a couple of close friends out for a treat. But, in the early years, many kids will want to invite the whole class to their birthday party and parents may feel pressured to agree. How can parents throw a fun party that the kids all enjoy and that doesn't break the bank?

Outdoor Party Ideas For Kids

If the weather is nice then there is no reason why parents can't hold an outdoor party. Their own garden is a perfect free venue. If it is too small then a local park will do the trick and will also be cost free. Popular ideas include:

Sports parties: Kids love running around and sports parties will get rid of their energy and give them a good time. Football fans could have a themed football party with mini matches. A garden could be used as the site of an obstacle course. Many kids will already own some garden games so these could also be used to stage competitions. A local park could also be used to stage roller skating, scooter and bike races.
Treasure hunts: Even the smallest garden can be used to host a treasure hunt party. Parents simply need to put together some clues to help the kids to find the treasure. This kind of party can suit all ages. Younger children can be given picture clues whilst older kids may enjoy more complicated problem solving ones.
Park facilities: Many town parks offer some kinds of facilities such as splash parks, basketball nets, skateboarding parks and even crazy golf. Even a trip to a large playground can be fun.

If parents are taking a large group of kids out for a party and they need help then bear in mind that other parents may well volunteer to stay. It's also a good tip, if the child's friends have teenage siblings, to see if they can be persuaded to help out for some extra pocket money. This could save the parents a lot of running around!

Indoor Party Ideas For Kids

Some parents simply prefer to throw indoor parties for their kids or may be forced to do so if the weather won't cooperate. There are still plenty of ideas to keep kids happy here. These include:

Traditional party games: Kids actually take a long time to grow out of traditional party games such as pass the parcel and musical statues. Tying these into an indoor treasure hunt or a game of hide and seek may also work well as that will get the kids moving and could help burn off some of their energy.
Craft parties: These kinds of parties can be a lot of fun. Parents can pick up craft kits and equipment relatively cheaply if they shop around online. Buying a load of cheap white t-shirts and some t-shirt paints, for example, may not cost a lot but will keep the kids busy and give them something to take home. Mugs and cups that can be painted may also be worth looking at here.
Pizza making parties: These parties won't just keep the kids happy but will also take care of tea! Parents can make the dough in advance and let the kids simply roll it out or they can buy ready made pizza bases if they prefer. All they have to do then is to give the kids toppings and let them build their own pizza.
Film parties: Hiring a new release film on video and having a film premiere party can work well with many kids. Making some popcorn and providing drinks in paper cups won't cost the earth and the kids will be quiet for at least an hour!

The actual number of kids that parents can invite to an indoor party may depend on the size of their home and how much of it they will call "out of bounds" so this is worth thinking about in advance.

Extra Money Savings Ideas for Kids Parties

There are a range of other things that parents can do to cut costs. Useful ideas include:

Make invites instead of buying them. There are a few online sites with free party invite templates that can help do this.
Don't spend too much on party bags (this really isn't a competition!). Shopping online for party bag gifts in bulk can work out cheaper.
Balloons are dirt cheap and a great party decoration. Blow up enough to give each child one to take home tied round their party bag.
Making party food at home can work out a lot cheaper than buying it. Kids actually don't care much what they eat at parties if they are having a good time.
Try making the birthday cake. There are a lot of online recipes that can help even the novice baker produce a masterpiece.

Finally, remember to involve kids in planning their own parties. They will know best what they will enjoy.

The copyright of the article Kids Party Ideas That Will Save Money in Personal Budgeting/Finance is owned by Carol Finch. Permission to republish Kids Party Ideas That Will Save Money in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.