The go-to guide for you and your child

10 Low-Cost Birthday Party Tips

Birthdays  are such a special time and need to be celebrated in style, however they can be expensive, so we’ve pulled together a low cost list of ideas to help within a tight budget…


Keep the Guest List Small

Fewer kids = fewer goodie bags, less food, fewer activities.
Instead of inviting the whole class, invite:

  • A few close friends
  • Cousins only
  • “As many guests as the child’s age” (e.g., 6 guests for a 6th birthday)Host at a Free Location

Avoid paid venues. Great free or nearly free spaces include:

  • Home or Garden
  • Public park
  • Neighbourhood community room
  • Nature trail (great for scavenger hunts)
    Choose a Theme You Can DIY

Pick themes that are easy to decorate with handmade items or things you already have. Examples:

  • Movie night
  • Dino dig
  • Superheroes
  • Art party
  • Pokémon
  • Princess tea party
    Plan Simple, Low-Cost Games

Kids don’t need expensive entertainment. Ideas:

  • Scavenger hunt
  • DIY piñata
  • Sack races
  • Obstacle course
  • Musical chairs
  • Simon Says
  • Beanbag toss
  • Treasure hunt
    Combine Food & Activities

A themed food craft is fun

  • DIY tacos
  • Build-your-own sundaes
  • Decorate cupcakes
  • Make mini pizzas
    Save on the Cake

Instead of buying a Supermarket/bakery cake:

  • Bake one at home
  • Use a boxed mix & decorate nicely
  • Tray bakes or Cupcakes instead of a full cake
  • Make a brownie or sponge cake in one pan
    Skip Goodie Bags (Or Do Low-Cost Alternatives)

Most goody bags get tossed anyway. Alternatives:

  • One nicer item per child (e.g., a book or colouring pack)
  • A party activity they take home (art project or slime)
  • A bar of chocolate/ bag of sweets after the piñata

Or skip favours entirely—totally acceptable now.


Decorate Smart

Avoid themed plates, cups, banners, etc. They add up fast. Instead:

  • Buy solid-colour partyware
  • Print your own banners or signs
  • Use pound store décor
  • Borrow folding tables/chairs if needed

A few well-placed themed items make the whole party feel decorated.


Use Digital Invites

Skip printed invitations. Free sites include:

  • Canva
  • Facebook events
  • Email or text
    Shop Strategically

The best party deals are usually at:

  • Supermarkets
  • Thrift shops
  • Facebook Marketplace
  • Ebay

You can often buy like-new party décor used cheaply or free.


💡 Final Tip

Focus on fun and presence, not perfection. Kids remember:

  • Laughing with friends
  • Running around
  • Eating cake
  • Feeling celebrated

They don’t remember:

  • Fancy balloon arches
  • Designer character plates

Here’s wishing you and your little ones a wonderful Birthday Party! 

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