It’s easy to get carried away and spend a lot of money on a child’s birthday party, especially when Instagram and TikTok are full of picture-perfect celebrations. As parents, most of us want to make our child’s special day fun and memorable, but that doesn’t mean it has to cost a fortune.
With a bit of planning and some smart choices, you can host a great kids birthday party on a budget. Whether you’re watching every dollar or just want to avoid unnecessary spending, these tips will help you save money without sacrificing fun.
Looking to cut costs across your whole household? Our guide on how to save money as a family in Australia covers groceries, power bills, transport, kids’ costs and everyday expenses.
Set a realistic party budget
Decide how much you can comfortably spend and stick to it. For some families that might be $100 or less, while others may have a bit more flexibility. Having a clear budget helps avoid impulse purchases and keeps spending under control when party planning excitement kicks in.
Plan ahead and shop smart
Planning early saves both money and stress. Buy supplies in advance and look for sales. Avoid specialty party stores where prices are often higher. Discount stores like The Reject Shop or dollar stores are great for party basics.
You can also stock up on generic party supplies after seasonal events, such as red items after Valentine’s Day or green decorations after St Patrick’s Day.
Borrow party supplies where possible
Before buying decorations or equipment, ask friends or family if they have items you can borrow. Reusable tablecloths, party decorations, cake stands, games or even a marquee for a backyard party can all be borrowed and returned.
Keep the guest list small
Inviting lots of children quickly increases costs. A simple rule many families use is the child’s age plus one guest. For example, a six-year-old invites seven friends. Fewer guests often means a calmer party and a much lower spend.
Consider a party every other year
Some families choose to host a kids party every second year. One year might be a bigger celebration with friends, and the next a smaller family gathering. This can significantly reduce annual birthday costs.
Skip expensive party venues
Party venues are convenient, but they can be costly. Hosting a party at home, in a local park or at a community centre is usually far cheaper and gives you more flexibility.
Make your own invitations
There’s no need to spend money on printed invitations. Create DIY invites using Canva, let kids make their own, or send digital invitations via text or email. Apple Invites is also a simple option for creating and sending party invitations on iPhone.
Limit balloons and decorations
You don’t need dozens of balloons to create a party atmosphere. A small number of balloons can still look festive. If you want helium balloons, some stores offer inflation services, or you may be able to borrow a pump or helium tank from friends or family.
Avoid expensive themed party decor
Themed party decorations can quickly become expensive. Instead, choose plain coloured supplies that can be reused. If your child really wants a theme, pick one or two themed items, such as a cake topper or centrepiece, and use generic decorations for the rest.
There are also many free printable party decorations available online. For example, the Bluey website offers free templates for invitations, bunting and activities, and Pinterest has ideas for almost every theme imaginable.
Schedule the party between meal times
Hosting a party after lunch and before dinner means you don’t need to serve a full meal. This can significantly reduce food costs and stress, especially when dealing with picky eaters.
Make or simplify the birthday cake
Making your own cake is much cheaper than ordering a custom cake. A simple cake mix with icing, sprinkles or lollies can still look special. If you’re catering for a large group and don’t want to bake, a Costco slab cake is a budget-friendly option that feeds many guests.
Keep party food simple
Kids are often too excited to eat much at parties. Fairybread, fruit platters, lollies, water and cordial are usually more than enough. If parents are staying, put out a few simple snacks like chips and dips.
Plan low-cost party games
You don’t need paid entertainment to keep kids busy. Classic games like pass the parcel, musical chairs, pin the tail on the donkey or a backyard scavenger hunt are inexpensive and fun. Outdoor games like quoits, totem tennis or balloon volleyball also work well.
DIY the party entertainment
Instead of hiring an entertainer, see if a friend or family member has a talent for face painting, balloon twisting, dressing up or magic tricks. Kids love familiar faces just as much as professionals.
Skip the goody bags
Goody bags can be expensive and often end up forgotten. Consider skipping them altogether or replace them with a take-home activity from the party, such as decorated cupcakes, painted rocks or planted seedlings.
Throwing a great kids birthday party doesn’t have to put pressure on your family budget. With a bit of creativity and planning, it’s possible to celebrate your child’s special day while keeping costs under control.