Money Smarts Blog

Do you remember when McDonald's used to do birthday parties? A bunch of kids in bowl cuts and bangs running around the play place, every so often stopping to scarf down some french fries...what a treat from my childhood! And that, my friends, was a splurge. Most often, I remember parties being spent at the birthday kid's house. 

It was a simpler time; certainly, one before Instagram existed to document every custom-designed, tiered cake or professional character appearances. “Pics or it didn’t happen,” after all …We parents have enough on our plates without trying to pull off the most picture-perfect, elaborate celebration. I won’t judge if that’s how you want to celebrate your kid, but low-key and (most importantly) budget-friendly are my main requirements for a successful event.

Here are my tips for planning a special birthday bash that’ll make your kid — and bank account —happy.

1. Pick a theme

This one’s easy — just ask the birthday boy or girl. And then ask them again. And again, a week later. Anyone else’s soon-to-be 5-year-old change their mind a lot or just mine? Mermaids, superheroes, princesses, monster trucks … the options are limitless. Once you’ve landed on a theme, scroll through Pinterest for decorating ideas. If you possess even an ounce of creativity, there’re so many cute, affordable ideas out there (a ton of free printables, too). And don’t forget to shop your local dollar stores for basic party supplies, like utensils, tablecloths, gift bags and more.

2. Keep your guest list small

Have you ever tried to throw a party for 20 5-year-olds? More power to you if you have, but that situation doesn’t sit well with my wallet (or my sanity). Now that my daughter’s in elementary school, I felt the pressure to invite her whole class. To compromise, we settled on inviting just the girls from class this year.

 PRO TIP: SEND DIGITAL INVITATIONS Send digital invites to save money on printing and mailing costs. Remember, this is a kids's birthday party, not a wedding-you don't have to drop $200 on top-of-the-line stationary! Texting or emailing an invite is perfectly acceptable.

3. Don’t party at mealtime

Planning a noon event? Be prepared to feed a crowd. But if you party a little earlier or later, like 10:30 a.m. or 2 p.m., you can avoid blowing your whole budget on a fancy catered meal. You should still offer snacks or a grazing board, and of course there has to be cake! Cupcakes, cake pops, traditional cake — you decide. I’m opting for basic, store-bought mini cupcakes with the intention of jazzing them up with themed sprinkles.

4. Plan a fun activity or two

Cupcakes will only keep the kids occupied for so long. Yard games, a scavenger hunt, minute to win it games or fun crafts are just a few simple ideas to entertain party guests. My daughter wants a paint-your-own treasure chest station and pin the tail on the mermaid game to get the most out of her mermaid theme.

PRO TIP: SKIP THE FAVORS You have my permission to skip the party favors. Most parents don’t want another piece of, well … junk sitting around their house. They’ll thank you if you pass on the mini cup of Play-Doh or glow-in-the-dark bouncy ball. And your wallet will thank you, too.

Do you remember when McDonald's used to do birthday parties? A bunch of kids in bowl cuts and bangs running around the play place, every so often stopping to scarf down some french fries...what a treat from my childhood! And that, my friends, was a splurge. Most often, I remember parties being spent at the birthday kid's house. 

It was a simpler time; certainly, one before Instagram existed to document every custom-designed, tiered cake or professional character appearances. “Pics or it didn’t happen,” after all …We parents have enough on our plates without trying to pull off the most picture-perfect, elaborate celebration. I won’t judge if that’s how you want to celebrate your kid, but low-key and (most importantly) budget-friendly are my main requirements for a successful event.

Here are my tips for planning a special birthday bash that’ll make your kid — and bank account —happy.

1. Pick a theme

This one’s easy — just ask the birthday boy or girl. And then ask them again. And again, a week later. Anyone else’s soon-to-be 5-year-old change their mind a lot or just mine? Mermaids, superheroes, princesses, monster trucks … the options are limitless. Once you’ve landed on a theme, scroll through Pinterest for decorating ideas. If you possess even an ounce of creativity, there’re so many cute, affordable ideas out there (a ton of free printables, too). And don’t forget to shop your local dollar stores for basic party supplies, like utensils, tablecloths, gift bags and more.

2. Keep your guest list small

Have you ever tried to throw a party for 20 5-year-olds? More power to you if you have, but that situation doesn’t sit well with my wallet (or my sanity). Now that my daughter’s in elementary school, I felt the pressure to invite her whole class. To compromise, we settled on inviting just the girls from class this year.

 PRO TIP: SEND DIGITAL INVITATIONS Send digital invites to save money on printing and mailing costs. Remember, this is a kids's birthday party, not a wedding-you don't have to drop $200 on top-of-the-line stationary! Texting or emailing an invite is perfectly acceptable.

3. Don’t party at mealtime

Planning a noon event? Be prepared to feed a crowd. But if you party a little earlier or later, like 10:30 a.m. or 2 p.m., you can avoid blowing your whole budget on a fancy catered meal. You should still offer snacks or a grazing board, and of course there has to be cake! Cupcakes, cake pops, traditional cake — you decide. I’m opting for basic, store-bought mini cupcakes with the intention of jazzing them up with themed sprinkles.

4. Plan a fun activity or two

Cupcakes will only keep the kids occupied for so long. Yard games, a scavenger hunt, minute to win it games or fun crafts are just a few simple ideas to entertain party guests. My daughter wants a paint-your-own treasure chest station and pin the tail on the mermaid game to get the most out of her mermaid theme.

PRO TIP: SKIP THE FAVORS You have my permission to skip the party favors. Most parents don’t want another piece of, well … junk sitting around their house. They’ll thank you if you pass on the mini cup of Play-Doh or glow-in-the-dark bouncy ball. And your wallet will thank you, too.