13 Epic kids’ birthday ideas That Won’t Break the Bank

By

Andreas Jones

Hey! I’m Andreas Jones and I am the founder of KindaFrugal.com. I’m passionate about all things personal finance, side hustles, making extra money, and lifestyle businesses. I have been featured in major publications such as Forbes, Entrepreneur On Fire, Lifehack.org, Influencive and Goalcast.

| Published on August 25, 2024

Kids birthday party

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more info.

Everyone wants to throw their kids magical birthday parties they will look back on lovingly. But you don’t have to go broke in the process. Pulling off a perfectly themed party with matching decorations, party favors, and activities just takes a little thrifty know-how.

We’re here to inspire you with kids’ birthday ideas that are fun, affordable, and memorable. Throw a kind of frugal but totally awesome birthday party that the kids in the neighborhood will be talking about for weeks. All the parents will be asking how you did it!

Here are 13 epic birthday ideas that are inexpensive and easy to do. So, make your kids’ or grandkids’ next birthday party one they will remember with these great ideas.

Let’s Make Notes

Woman Journaling
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

So grab your notepad and start brainstorming birthday party ideas, as we will give you lots of hints and tips to arrange the best kid’s birthday party for the little angels in your life. Because organizing a kids’ birthday party on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing the fun and excitement, with a bit of creativity, you can throw the best birthday party theme to have the kids at school talking about it for weeks.

Borrow Supplies From Friends

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Don’t hesitate to borrow items from friends or family, such as tables, chairs, garden bean bags, or party games. You can also repurpose items you already have at home instead of buying new ones.

Make Your Invitations

Young boys doing craft
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Create your handmade invitations, or let your child know. Birthday parties are the highlight of your year when you are young, so let them be involved. You can also consider sending digital invitations via email or social media to save on printing and postage costs.

Choose a Low-Cost Venue

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

You can also host the party at your home in your backyard or a local park. With careful planning, you can either book a venue off-peak or host a home party and create show-stopping decorations in line with the theme for the ultimate child’s birthday party. It’s also a great idea to buddy up with a parent from school whose child has a birthday close by and split the venue’s hire costs.

Set a Theme for the Birthday Bash

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Whether it’s your child’s favorite character or hobby, a themed party always looks super slick and well-arranged. Once you have a theme in mind, the rest is easy. Make all the decorations around your theme, and source some low-cost decorations.

Get Creative and Make Your Party Decorations

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Print off free downloadable party banners to suit your party theme to decorate the venue. There are many, and you can create magic with some A4 cards, a printer, and string. Decorate with colored balloons and streamers to match the colors of your theme. You can also use items you already have at home to decorate the party space. It’s incredible what you have stashed away.

Plan Simple, Low-Cost Birthday Party Games

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Organize simple and fun activities that don’t require expensive equipment or supplies. Classic games can entertain the kids without breaking the bank.

  • Musical chairs
  • Coloring competitions 
  • Charades
  • Sleeping lions
  • Dancing competitions 
  • Memory games 
  • A treasure hunt
  • Obstacle courses
  • Hot potato

Make Your Party Favours

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Instead of buying expensive party favors, consider making your own. It could be as simple as assembling small goody bags with inexpensive treats like personalized sticker cards, making kits, or creating customized candy bars or mini toys that the children can take home.

Make a Homemade Birthday Cake Topper

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Buy a cake from the store and make your cake topper. It’s incredible how you can jazz up a simple cake and make it look amazing. You can also consider baking and decorating your cake or cupcakes. 

Make Your Buffet

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Opt for a simple menu with homemade snacks and treats instead of ordering expensive catering. Finger foods, sandwiches, and homemade cupcakes or cookies can be tasty and cost-effective. If your party is themed, google themed party food, and you will find many suggestions. Alternatively, order pizza; kids love pizza, and it’s a low-cost meal with a significant impact. 

Plan a Craft Party

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Instead of hiring expensive entertainers, look for free or low-cost entertainment options. You could organize a DIY craft station; kids love a craft. Set up a table with pom poms, cards, glue sticks, toilet rolls, and pipe cleaners from the dollar store and let the kids create.

Hold a Movie Party

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Plan a movie screening with a kid-friendly film. Which will keep the kids occupied for the whole party. Have an interval with hot dogs and nachos, and serve ice cream and popcorn mid-film. 

Take Advantage of Sales, Discounts, and Coupons

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Plan when purchasing party supplies; you can pick up some great birthday gifts in the sales. Look for bargains at dollar stores, discount shops, or online. Buying in bulk and in advance can also help save money.

In Conclusion

50th Birthday Trip Ideas: Celebrate in Style with These Fun and Memorable Destinations
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

With some planning and organization, making a kiddie’s party a special day on a budget is doable. We hope our tips helped. Happy planning.

13 Home Renovations That Are Not Worth the Money

Man doin home renovation
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

There’s something to be said about making your home your own. However, certain renovation projects simply aren’t worth the money and time invested.

Being pragmatic about the projects you decide to invest in around your home can be a considerable challenge. There’s always the temptation to add the features you’ve dreamed of having. Then there’s the reality of costs, maintenance, and the long-term appeal of realizing your dream.

I approached compiling the way I would suggest anyone start when contemplating a renovation. I dug into years of real estate sale and construction data from the last few decades to see how costs have fluctuated compared to buyer demand for certain home features. These were the resounding renovation losers, not worth the money.

18 Gen X Trends Whose Time Has Past

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Every generation has distinctive trends and behaviors – some timeless, others not so much. The Gen X cohort, those born between 1965 and 1980, definitely left their mark on the culture of the time. However, like all trends, some of this era have become outdated and should be reconsidered. Here are 18 Gen X trends that might have outlived their relevance.

Never Put These 15 Things Down the Kitchen Sink if You Want to Avoid a Huge Repair Bill

Many people don’t think about what they put down the kitchen sink. They just scrape all of their food waste into the sink, turn on the garbage disposal, and watch it all disappear. But many things can damage your garbage disposal or plumbing.

Here are 15 things you should never put down the kitchen sink if you want to avoid a huge repair bill.

You may also want to read