We’ve all been there: your kid’s nagging you about their birthday party and giving you a list of a million things to hire or buy, and all you can think is: how much will all this set me back?
It might not be possible to put a price on your child’s happiness on their birthday, but you sure can put one on the cost of their parties! The average cost for a primary-school-age kid’s birthday party is £320, and that number keeps rising as inflation continues to bite.
Also, for milestone birthdays, you could end up shelling out even more, especially if your child has something special in mind, like a trip to a specific venue. With more than one kid, the costs can quickly add up.
And that’s all before they become teenagers and start wanting high-tech gifts! Even young kids’ birthdays get out of hand, particularly as today’s parents often compete with one another on social media to host the perfect celebration for their little ones.
It’ll come as no surprise to mums like me that 55% of parents panic about the cost of birthday parties, and it’s the second biggest stressor when it comes to planning the perfect do.
Luckily, I’m here to tell you that there are plenty of strategies you can use to plan a unique kid’s birthday party on a budget without disappointing them or their friends!
Be Firm About The Guest List
It’s difficult to say no when someone asks if they can bring a sibling, or pal, to a party, especially since it’s only one extra mouth to feed. Still, it all adds up, and if a few parents ask, you could potentially be hosting several extra kids before you know it. So, while it’s never fun to be ‘that parent’, you need to be. Stand firm on the guest list, and ask that parents let you know in advance when they’re coming, and that they can only bring the children stated on the invite. Being firm means you’ll be able to plan accordingly and won’t run out of anything at the party.
Know When To Spend Money
To make the party feel fun and be more engaging for your kids, you will need to spend some cash: the important thing is to know when and what on. Entertainment is an area that you shouldn’t cut back on, as doing your own will probably take a lot of time and, unless you’re a pro children’s entertainer, probably look lame to your little ones. So, splash the cash on a professional who can make the day extra special. For example, if you want to host a magical birthday party in the Midlands, you might want to hire a Birmingham-based magician. He can captivate any audience and give every guest a memory they won’t forget!
Make Your Own Food, Cake And Party Bags
The main areas that parents overspend on, and which they don’t need to, are food, cake and party bags. Party gifts are fun for kids, but they’re expensive, so consider whether you need them at all, particularly for very young children. When it comes to food and cake, it’s easy to save time by buying it in, and some professionals can create impressive-looking cake designs. Still, with a little perseverance and imagination, you can do a pretty good job yourself, and for a much lower price. So, try making your own where you can to save cash and give your kids yummy treats to enjoy during their party!