Do you cringe when it gets close to birthday time for your kids? It’s easy to spend a couple hundred dollars or more for a birthday party when you figure in location, food, decor, and party decorations. You can have a party on a tight budget without breaking the bank.

Have the party at home

Places like Chuck E. Cheese or you local family fun center will run you $15 or more per child, even for the cheapest option. When you add that up over 8-10 kids (or more), you’ve spent $150 already. And that doesn’t include any charges for additional adults.

Instead, plan a fun party at home. Kids can enjoy hanging out with friends and playing games without being at a party location.

If you don’t have room in your home, check your local church or community center for rentals. You may be able to use their facilities with a security deposit or for a small fee. Many apartment complexes also offer meeting rooms as a perk to their residents.

Have a birthday party at the park

In summer, check your local parks for pavilion rentals. You’ll get free entertainment with being at the park and you can bring sports/outdoor equipment to play with in lieu of party games.

Have the party in between meal times

Plan the party for the early afternoon after the lunch hour. You should finish up before dinner and not have to pay for a meal. Even if you still provide a few snacks, you’ll save money on food.

Go with a pizza deal

If you are having a meal as a part of your party plans, pizza is a common choice for a kid’s birthday party. Most of the big pizza chains have medium pizzas at the $5/6 price point when you order two or more. You’ll be able to feed more people for less money than buying the large pizzas.

Make your own cake or cupcakes

The cakes at the grocery store will set you back at least $15 for a small round cake and more for a sheet cake. Even if you go the easy route with a boxed mix and canned frosting, you’ll only spend a couple bucks for the cake.

Skip the themed decor

Keep the decorations simple: try a birthday banner that can be reused, balloons, and/or streamers. Skip the My Little Pony wall decorations that won’t ever be used again.

Use plain paper products

The kids don’t need Mickey Mouse plates, napkins, and cups for the party. Use plain ones or get colored ones that match the theme-get red and yellow plates for a Mickey theme or pink and white for Minnie. These usually come in larger packages so you won’t have to buy multiple packs like you do with the character paper products.

No more goody bags

Why do feel that we have to give goody bags to party attendees? You’ll spend a few dollars to fill each bag and the party favor packs you find at the store are junk parents will end up throwing away after the party anyway.

Shop at the Dollar Store

Party supplies are in abundance at your local Dollar Store. You’ll be able to get paper products, balloons, and decor without breaking the bank. If you want to do goody bags, you can find better items here than the themed party packs.

Save money on birthday parties for kids

Kids want to have a birthday party to celebrate their special day. Even when you are on a tight budget, you can save money by having the party at home, skipping character items, and making your own cake. Look for deals if you are planning on serving a meal and check out your Dollar Store for cheap decorations. Kids can still have a fun party without all the extra fluff-it’s the experience that matters!