ALT-1 Throwing a Birthday Party
In today's economy cutting down on expenses is something we are all doing but giving up on your child's birthday party doesn't have to be one of them. By incorporating some of the ideas and tips below you can have a fun, memorable party that fits in any budget.It's all about the fun and we all know that having fun doesn't equal the amount of money being spent.Start off with the budget you are working with. Next decide how many kids you will be inviting. Once you know the approximate number of kids and the budget you can get to work planning.1: Decide where you will hold the party. If you can have it at your home, by all means do so, but if your home isn't big enough, what about a family member or good friend. Keep in mind the time of year and the dreaded possibility of rain or inclement weather. If the party is planned for outside your home or someone else's home, make sure there is a back up plan and room inside in case of rain.If having the party at a home isn't possible, check out community clubhouses and even pavilions at local parks. These are often very reasonably priced, sometimes as little as $50.00 for a 4-hour period.2: Decide on a theme. This is usually something your child enjoys, maybe Disney characters, a sport or even an event like a pizza party.3: Next organize the events and games you will be playing. Kids want to be entertained but they also enjoy participating and creating. Games shouldn't cost much if anything and you can even have them create something to bring home while they are at the party. A craft with clay, decorating his or her cupcake or even a spin art set are all great and inexpensive options.4: Music is great to have and is easy to bring your own and it creates a festive atmosphere.5: Food will depend on the time of day but keep in mind, sometimes getting a bunch of snacks can be as expensive or more so then a simple kid friendly meal. Try making sandwiches and using cookie cutters that match the theme of the party. You can make egg salad, turkey or ham and cheese, serve with chips or pasta salad and you have a fun inexpensive meal. .6: Look for one or two things that you may splurge on or spend the bulk of the money for a wow factor. This could be a bubble machine or a photo booth or even something special in their goody bag. A company that specializes in entertainment for kid parties may be willing to work out a discount, you just need to ask. Network with friends and co-workers, do they entertain or have a special skill they can share? What about face-painting? Kids love this and it's cheap and easy to do.7: Decorations are the last item and they can cost a lot. Check on line at party discount stores for decorations and paper goods, you'll probably save a lot of money that way.The key is planning and being creative. Think about the parties you have been to with your child and what was fun and not about each one. Ask for ideas from co-workers, family and friends and ask your child what they want to keep them involved.
In today's economy cutting down on expenses is something we are all doing but giving up on your child's birthday party doesn't have to be one of them. By incorporating some of the ideas and tips below you can have a fun, memorable party that fits in any budget.
It's all about the fun and we all know that having fun doesn't equal the amount of money being spent.
Start off with the budget you are working with. Next decide how many kids you will be inviting. Once you know the approximate number of kids and the budget you can get to work planning.
1: Decide where you will hold the party. If you can have it at your home, by all means do so, but if your home isn't big enough, what about a family member or good friend. Keep in mind the time of year and the dreaded possibility of rain or inclement weather. If the party is planned for outside your home or someone else's home, make sure there is a back up plan and room inside in case of rain.
If having the party at a home isn't possible, check out community clubhouses and even pavilions at local parks. These are often very reasonably priced, sometimes as little as $50.00 for a 4-hour period.
2: Decide on a theme. This is usually something your child enjoys, maybe Disney characters, a sport or even an event like a pizza party.
3: Next organize the events and games you will be playing. Kids want to be entertained but they also enjoy participating and creating. Games shouldn't cost much if anything and you can even have them create something to bring home while they are at the party. A craft with clay, decorating his or her cupcake or even a spin art set are all great and inexpensive options.
4: Music is great to have and is easy to bring your own and it creates a festive atmosphere.
5: Food will depend on the time of day but keep in mind, sometimes getting a bunch of snacks can be as expensive or more so then a simple kid friendly meal. Try making sandwiches and using cookie cutters that match the theme of the party. You can make egg salad, turkey or ham and cheese, serve with chips or pasta salad and you have a fun inexpensive meal. .
6: Look for one or two things that you may splurge on or spend the bulk of the money for a wow factor. This could be a bubble machine or a photo booth or even something special in their goody bag. A company that specializes in entertainment for kid parties may be willing to work out a discount, you just need to ask. Network with friends and co-workers, do they entertain or have a special skill they can share? What about face-painting? Kids love this and it's cheap and easy to do.
7: Decorations are the last item and they can cost a lot. Check on line at party discount stores for decorations and paper goods, you'll probably save a lot of money that way.
The key is planning and being creative. Think about the parties you have been to with your child and what was fun and not about each one. Ask for ideas from co-workers, family and friends and ask your child what they want to keep them involved.
