Are You on the Birthday Go-Round Yet?


Well it's back to school time and you know what that means- the round of one-up-manship kids birthday parties. You know what I mean. The first party in the school year has it easy, everybody after that is trying to top the party before them, and on and on...So I was happy to bring you this guest post with some really great tips to keep YOUR sanity, while planning a great birthday party!


birthday party


Kids' birthday parties have gotten out of hand. Celebrities began the trend with birthday bashes that outsized Hollywood movie openings. Thanks to the trickle-down theory, private parties for the little people must now have everything from a guest performer to a theme with lots of bells and whistles. Before you rent that bouncy princess castle or buy all-thematic accessories, consider the following nine bargain-basic tips.


1. Plan Ahead
Wait until the last minute and you'll likely spend more on unanticipated extras. Decide what you want to accomplish, set a budget and slowly chip away at all you need to accomplish. You might also enlist the help of family and friends to keep your stress level down. (seriously, we started almost 9 months early for Kiddo's Hello Kitty party, because we had to track down HK items, because naturally the box stores didn't have them, then, 2 months AFTER her party they're all carrying them...SIGH)



2. Limit the Guest List
Does the entire class really need to attend? Invite only your child's closest friends, but be tactful. (my best friend always let her boys invite how many kids as was their age, ie 6 for age 6) Mail or email invites, rather than have your child distribute them in school where everyone can see. (note: some schools, like Kiddos have a policy in place where you can only distribute invites at school, if the ENTIRE class gets them. SO check before you do!)



3. DIY Invites
Personalized invites are as close as your computer. Use a special photo or download free birthday clip art to make your own creation or, if you want to go electronic, check out websites like AmericanGreetings.com or the very popular evite.com.



4. Use Discount Gift Cards
Buy discount gift cards from sites like GiftCardGranny.com to pay for all the party supplies. You can use them to buy everything from cake mix to gas for running around town.



5. Dollar Store Decor
Party stores have unholy markups on the simplest supplies. Shop a dollar store for all your basics and save up to 70 percent on everything from balloons to party favors. You'll also find a decent selection of wrapping paper and reusable gifts, as well as plates and cutlery for the birthday treats.



6. Banish the Bouncy Castle
Don't spend a fortune on those celebrity-style extras. Instead, hark back to a simpler day by organizing one of these simple games from AmazingMoms.com.



7. Take Back the Cake
Kids look forward to the birthday cake, but not because of any icing artistry; they're just interested in the sugar. Make your own cake or cupcakes, toss on a few sprinkles and add the candles. That should satisfy all but the pickiest child while saving you over 80-percent at the bakery for a custom order. For an added touch of excitement, let the kids play pastry chef with a cupcake decorating activity. (I'm lucky in that Kiddo keeps wanting me to MAKE her cakes/cupcakes, and has been extremely happy with what they look like! Whew- hope that keeps up!)



8. Simplify the Food
Kids don't care about fancy appetizers. They'll be equally happy with potato nuggets and other finger food. Buy generic -- they'll never know -- and use grocery coupons to save a few extra dollars. 



9. A Party for Two...or, Three
If your son or daughter shares the same birthday (give or take a few days) with a school friend, neighbor or relative who is close in age, consider hosting a joint birthday celebration and share the costs with the other child's parents. Make sure everyone is on the same page though as far as the budget, guest list and other party expectations to avoid any uncomfortable situations which may arise from a lack of communication.





Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc., which operates a group of money-saving brand sites called The Frugals. She is available for in-studio, satelite or skype interviews and to write guest posts or articles. As a nationally recognized media source, Andrea has been featured on NBC Today Show, FOX & Friends, MSNBC, ShopSmart Magazine, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more. To view recent interviews or for more savings tips visit AndreaWoroch.com.

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