How to throw a fun birthday party on a FRUGAL budget

Kids’ birthday parties have gotten out of control these days. For that matter, ALL birthday parties have gotten out of control.

And I’m not a fun-hater. On the contrary, I love to party!

We throw mighty parties and never end the night feeling like we wasted a ton of money.

Here are our best frugal tips for throwing a birthday party on a budget!

-Scroll to the end of the post for the free printable speed party planning checklist.

Where will you have the party?

There are many reasons to throw a party at a fun venue such as an indoor trampoline park or bowling alley. The mess is contained and you don’t have to clean the house.

However, using a different venue (other than home) is going to cost so much money. It is fair for these places to charge for their time and services, I’m just saying it will be cheaper at home.

Other free options would include going to a local park and setting up an obstacle course. This is all dependent on the weather’s cooperation.

But, truly, there is no place like home. 

Having the party at home is a great way to stay on budget.

If you are not used to having people to your home, just know that many of us have felt the same. But your sweet people on your guest list will be glad to be in your home. Trust me. 

Having a child’s birthday party at your home is one of the best ways to save money and keep it simple.

What can you reuse? 

Buying theme-colored tablecloths doesn’t seem like a large cost upfront, but once you add on the colored paper plates, colored napkins, colored cups, etc. it adds up quickly.

Simply reusing a nice cloth tablecloth will be a much more frugal option.

Rummage sales and thrift stores are an excellent source for tablecloths and serving dishes. 

You can also hand make a few of your own decorations to go along with your special day. 

If you really want to add a little pizazz, you can layer a little wrapping paper on top of the tablecloth to add a cheerful moment without having to purchase anything new or specific. 

BUT WHAT ABOUT THE THEME?!

Don’t panic. You can still get plenty of a color or theme with a few simple decorations. Truly, a little goes a long way. 

Carefully selecting a few intentional themed decorations and placing them above the cake table will be a sufficient “pop” of your desired theme.

This is an easy way to really harness a cute theme without being super wasteful.

The birthday cake or cupcakes can go big on the theme and (in my opinion) that’s the best place to really put the energy.

This will look different for every family, but I believe this is where the children will most appreciate the efforts.

A homemade custom cake can be that really special touch that really knocks the party out of the park.

However, there can be as much love and joy in serving a cake that is not a themed cake. This, too can be as simple as you make it.

I’ve even seen DONUTS served and it was a great birthday party. 

You don’t have to have ice cream to go with the cake. This is one of those things that is well-received, but people will likely not notice if it’s not offered.

Using a reusable “celebrate” banner can be used for literally any party. If you get one in gold or silver it will be able to match anything. Also, they make decent felt birthday banners that are more sturdy to keep using for years. 

Also, don’t be afraid to modify things a bit. We purchased a felt birthday banner for a “luau” themed party. After the party we simply removed the flamingos and leaves for a fun and colorful birthday banner to be used for many more gatherings!

What supplies to avoid.

There are so many easy ways to accidentally blow the budget on adorable decorations. 

Those little sprinkle glitter things you can get to decorate the tables? What nonsense.

Would you ever take a dollar bill and cut it into tiny pieces and toss it all over a table?

No, but many of us have taken a dollar and purchased the silly table sprinkle and then swept it into the garbage at the end of the party. 

These are the types of purchases we are trying to avoid.

As previously mentioned, the specific colored or themed plates, cups, napkins etc.

The themed paper plates are WAY more expensive than a simple white paper plate. And, they all eventually end up in the same place.

Even just purchasing ONE of these items in the theme or color will get your theme across without breaking the bank. 

Don’t be afraid to use the classic white paper plates. Don’t be afraid to use simple white napkins.

Remember, your family and friends are there to bless the birthday boy or birthday girl, not critique your party throwing skills.

What about invitations?

These can get really expensive really quickly! You can save a lot of money by simply calling or texting (even texting a graphic) with the information for the party.

Invites are really cute and fun, but they are not necessary.

Food simplification

It took a few years of throwing kids birthday parties before my mom gently reminded me …. “Ya know, you don’t always have to make a full meal for the party.”

I didn’t? 

Nope, and you don’t either! I hereby free you from that expectation.

You’re welcome!

You can still do a nice assortment of snacks.

But you can save a ton of money (groceries are SO expensive!) by not making an elaborate meal.

People are always happy to enjoy a handful of pretzels and a cupcake. Keep it simple!

Simply plan the party for an in-between meal time. A party from 2-4 is a great time for a kids birthday party.

You don’t have to make a color-themed homemade punch in a fancy punch bowl. A pitcher of water will do just fine.

Ok, you can add in some sliced lemons to make it special. Or you can hand out juice boxes for the kids. 

-For outdoor parties, juice boxes are preferable to punch bowls because of the FLIES.

Extras

Now, this whole article is devoted to “saving money” on a kid’s birthday party. If you love doing any of the “extra” things, please continue doing so. However, the “extra” things are just that. Extra.

Goodie bags.

Party favors are the easiest thing to forego.

How often do you leave a party wondering why you didn’t get a favor? Literally never.

When the kids do get goody bags the response is always a surprise. It was not expected because it was a different child’s party.

It’s a really sweet notion, but totally “extra”.

Themed outfits for the whole family. 

Themes are so fun, and it’s a good time to get everyone dressed to match. But this is not necessary. Honestly, most people probably won’t even notice. 

Pinata

The cost of filling a pinata is huge.

Admittedly, A pinata is such a fun thing to have at a party. But the kids will have a great time without one as well.

It’s going to be great.

Entertainment at the party

Now, when there are lots of kids all running wild in a sugar frenzy, I understand you will want to channel that energy so things don’t get broken in your home.

You can have an awesome party with all kinds of fun free games. You don’t (necessarily) need to get a bounce house or juggling clown. 

There are many last minute games you can put together, or you can play some of your own games from the game cupboard. 

It may seem like I have talked a lot about things to forego when it comes to throwing a birthday party.

There are still plenty of wonderful things you can do to throw a great party on a budget. I would even argue that the less expensive or free things are going to be much more meaningful than just buying everything at the dollar store in the desired theme or color.

​You can do this!

There are many great ideas we can employ to stay on budget AND give the birthday kid a wonderful party. 

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