It’s not always easy to cope financially when you’ve got kids to care for. New clothes and shoes seem to be on the shopping list every term! But when it comes to their birthday, chances are you’ve put a little aside for a special gift. It might be something they’ve been pestering you about for ages. Or it might be something you’ve had your eye on for quite a while. Unfortunately, the gift isn’t the only expensive thing you’ve got on your mind. Most kids love to have a big birthday party. So how can you afford both when you’re on a budget?
Birthday parties don’t have to be elaborate. They don’t have to take place at your local play centre or involve expensive entertainers. There are plenty of parents just like you that have mastered the art of the budget get together. Fantastic memories are made, and you can still have a room of very happy (and excited) kids without getting into debt. Here’s how:
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Catering – Making your own snacks from basic ingredients can save you a fortune. Some of the supermarkets offer party platters, but they can tend to be seasonal. Instead, make some sandwiches. Have your child help you make a pizza from scratch to cut up into party-sized portions. And don’t be afraid to use supermarket brand treats. Even the birthday cake can be made at home, saving you several pounds. And if your little one is helping to decorate it, he or she will definitely love it. You could also get some Tabetha’s Touch personalised sweet bags which you could use for party bags as well as snacks.
Party Games – Party games are simple and easy ways to control the mayhem of having lots of children in your home at once. You can look up stores like www.ohmygift.co.uk online to get ideas for little gifts that work for Pass The Parcel. Why not try a treasure hunt? The kids can solve their own clues to find their party gift bag. A few clues and some clever hiding places are all you need. Best of all, it can fill the afternoon with carefully managed fun! Preparing for the games in advance can give you the peace of mind you need when the party is in full swing.
Gifts – You might choose to give your own gift before or after the party. And you might prefer that all the gifts your guests will bring will be opened after the party too. This is quite standard these days. Other kids get bored watching one child opening lots of presents. Of course, it is essential that you thank all the children that have brought a gift. You can make your own thank you cards, or print off a free template from a website. Make a little note of who brought what and be sure to thank the person for that particular gift. It makes it far more personal.
Birthday parties on a budget can be practical and easier than you think. There are plenty of online resources you can use for free like treasure hunt clues or invite templates. And you can even find free recipes for party food and birthday cakes. Enjoy.
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