birthday parties on a budget-Poll

britishbride05

What would do if you were on a tight budget? 

 

[Poll]

cocojack10

I voted for the park option.  You can take a few of her toys for everyone to play with... bubble machines are awesome for toddlers.  Maybe orders some pizzas (get the $5 deal) and offer juices for babies, and lemonade for adults... simple.  And have a cake.  For nieces' 3rd bday, SIL did this, and only invited close cousins and friends, and turned out great.  Just go to a local park, no need to rent a pavillion.

Another option that may be even more economical is have a cake at home and only invite immediate family (grandmas, aunts, uncles, cousins).  Decorate cutesy w/ a theme (couple of balloons, and a "happy bday" sign and maybe a tablecloth, and viola you have a party!  LOL 

Either way, GL and have fun!

britishbride05

Thanks, Jackie!! 

The reason why I'm trying to avoid inviting the aunts, uncles, cousins is because  I have 6 older cousins... all are married and have about 3 kids a piece, and 9 younger cousins (one who is married!)  Add 6 aunts and uncles and their spouses and, well, it starts really adding up lol  If I invite that immediate family only (and we're close with ALL of them) the guest list would be 60 people (including me, DH, our parents and siblings!!!!)

MellyMelB

I vote for a birthday picnic at a park. Get there early enough to get a table or BBQ, no need to rent anything. A few $5 Little Caesers Pizzas and a cake - maybe a few balloons? Done. Bubbles or something for the kids if you are not near a playground. In and out in under two hours....and Abby will really enjoy herself.

britishbride05

MellyMelB:

I vote for a birthday picnic at a park. Get there early enough to get a table or BBQ, no need to rent anything. A few $5 Little Caesers Pizzas and a cake - maybe a few balloons? Done. Bubbles or something for the kids if you are not near a playground. In and out in under two hours....and Abby will really enjoy herself.

I think this is a great idea!  Maybe I can get away with doing that and then the night of her bday (since it's during the week) I can just invite the grandparents over for a small cake so they can celebrate with her?

cocojack10

By aunts/uncles/cousins, I mean Abby's aunts/uncles (your and P's siblings) only and their kids.  SMALL.  No need for extended family.  This will reduce cost significantly.

melly&jimmy

MellyMelB:

I vote for a birthday picnic at a park. Get there early enough to get a table or BBQ, no need to rent anything. A few $5 Little Caesers Pizzas and a cake - maybe a few balloons? Done. Bubbles or something for the kids if you are not near a playground. In and out in under two hours....and Abby will really enjoy herself.

I vote for this because this is what we're most likely going to do.  A friend recently hosted her DD birthday party at Pinecrest Gardens.  We met outside the Splash and Play area - had pizza (Little Cesar's), juices, and cupcakes.  The kids then went in the Splash and Play - each parent paid for their own kids (it's like $3) and everyone had a great time. 

Also, another way to cut costs is to celebrate on the actual day especially if its on a weekday.  For example - invite your mom's group or other SAHMs (of course coordinate with your DH's schedule). 

VandRicky

melly&jimmy:

Also, another way to cut costs is to celebrate on the actual day especially if its on a weekday.  For example - invite your mom's group or other SAHMs (of course coordinate with your DH's schedule). 

THis option has become very popular amongst my mommy group. We all meet at the park. SOme just do cookies, cake and juice, some do pizza, etc...it reduces the costs significantly, the birthday kid has a blast.

The advantage you have is that Peter can be there too because he doesn't work every day.

britishbride05

VandRicky:

melly&jimmy:

Also, another way to cut costs is to celebrate on the actual day especially if its on a weekday.  For example - invite your mom's group or other SAHMs (of course coordinate with your DH's schedule). 

THis option has become very popular amongst my mommy group. We all meet at the park. SOme just do cookies, cake and juice, some do pizza, etc...it reduces the costs significantly, the birthday kid has a blast.

The advantage you have is that Peter can be there too because he doesn't work every day.

ooh great idea!!

thanks, everyone!

 

and jackie- oohh ok lol  abby's 1st bday we invited EVERYONE lol  and that's what we're trying to avoid this time around!

taxbride

I'm all for doing what works for you.  If it's better to do it at home with just you guys,  your siblings and parents, then do that.  Make whatever dinner you'd have made anyway (just more) and make a cake (cheaper than buying).  I haven't done any park parties myself b/c I cannot be bothered to leave my house--LOL---but I have seen them done inexpensively (pizza delivered to the park) and on a weekday (no rental fee for the shelter plus you get the best shelter nearest to the playground). And by that time, the weather should be better!!

The party is for you to mark the occasion.  She is not going to know the difference.  So do what works for you.

Tania

karenlisa714

Hey Jenny, I'm facing the same thing - I don't want to spend a lot on Z's party either especially since it would be more for us and he won't remember it. What I'm planning is to have a small dinner/BBQ at my house with my mom & dad, my grandma, my best friend (Z's godmother), my hubs' best friend, his wife & their daughter, and that's about it.

We have other aunts, cousins, etc with kids who live here but I don't want to deal with a bunch of kids messing up my house, and I just want a small get together. I'll get a cake from publix and we'll probably order some pizza or grill some burgers or hotdogs and ask each person to bring something to make it a potluck.

It'll be much easier that way and much more economical. No party favors, big productions, etc. 

orchidwedding

We are not that big on b-days but the photos matter (you can not tell from the bump pic but I forward those to friends and family) so in our family we usually do just cake and immediate family.  Spend the money when they can remember it and know what it means.  Also, at daycare, we bring in mini cupcakes for those old enough to eat them...   It is not a big deal and we do not feel bad about it because we are already spending a lot of money (with some help) on items for LO as he is growing so fast. . .