Children’s parties can be pricey. Not everyone can spoil their child with an extravagant birthday party, but that isn’t to say you should be a party pooper parent and forgo the event altogether. There are still many ways to make your child’s birthday a day they won’t forget whilst cutting costs. Here are some of those methods
Plan early
Planning early gives you time to save up for presents, cake and party ideas. You can go comparison-hunting and book things in advance that may run the risk of getting booked up nearer the time. You don’t want to be running around last minute being forced to buy what’s left on the shelves when you could have got a better deal a week earlier shopping online.
Take out a loan
Alternatively, if it’s currently too late to start saving, you could consider taking out a small loan to tie you over in the meantime. You can get a cash advance online that could help you meet all your party planning needs or promise to owe back a family member or friend.
Double up
Is a family member or close friend also having their birthday soon? Doubling up birthdays could be an option to save costs – you can split the spendings with another parent. This can be a great way of arranging trips and days out that might otherwise be impossible to fund. Just don’t get too tight-fisted and make the kids share a cake.
Use your network
You may know a friend or family member that works in a particular trade and is able to offer you a deal as a result. Another mum who happens to be into baking might be able to offer you a half price cake. Someone that works at the theatre might be able to get you a discount on theatre tickets. You may be able to get creative and take a tour around the local fire station. Those who are very lucky may even know a local magician who can come round and out on a small show.
Order online
Shop around online for party decorations – you may be able to find specialized packages that aren’t in the shops. Shopping online can also help you avoid impulse purchases. It’s easy to go around the supermarket and see lots of different snacks that you’d like to buy, only for half of it to uneaten.
Avoid party scams
Of course, you should be careful of some overpriced birthday paraphernalia such as party bags that may cost five bucks but in fact only add up to half that once you count up the actual price of the contents. Some party planners may also try to lump on added extras such as party bags and photos, so be careful of this.
Go home-made
In some cases, you may be able to save money by going home-made. If your child has siblings that are into arts and crafts, why not get them to build some decorations. You may already have some basic arts and crafts materials such a glue, paper and glitter. This may allow you to personalize your decorations and make custom banners and party hats (you can even get involved and join in the fun).
When it comes to activities, there are many no-cost activities that you can may be just as fun as a pricey day out. Think of games like duck duck goose, musical chairs and sleeping lions that take little or no tools to work with. You may be able to tire out the kids and then put on a film until the parents arrive if you’re sly enough.
As for the cake, baking your own can be a great way of personalizing the event. Ingredients are easy and cheap to come by – there are also pre-made cake mixes available that allow you to semi-cheat. Try to bake the cake the day before if you can as it will allow you to buy a replacement emergency if it all goes wrong. There are lot of free sites for cake ideas online as well as video tutorials if you need extra help. If you’ve not already got a passion for baking, you may develop one in the process – just make sure that you don’t become that parent that all the other mums and dads go to for customized cakes!
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