A few weeks ago I realized that Greyson’s last birthday was the last one I would get to spend the whole day with him … for 7 years!!! *ugly sobs* He will be in school during the day for the next 7 years (when his birthday falls on a Saturday). I instantly felt sad. I cannot believe this – and it breaks my heart. One of my favorite things in the entire world is celebrating his Birthday – and celebrating him, for the whole day. I am going to truly truly miss it!
Birthdays are a big deal to me. I feel like everyone deserves a day, every year where they are celebrated – spoiled – and dotted upon. Birthdays are the perfect day to do so. I really enjoy celebrating other people – and especially my kids. Even if your budget does not allow for an extravagant day – there is still SO much you can do to create a magical day for your little ones, with little to no money!
Kids Birthday With You’re Broke:
You might not be able to buy – but you can certainly plan ahead and DIY (Do-It-Yourself!)
First Up- Make a beautiful and celebratory surroundings. Decorate your house, their room, the dinner table. Breakout the markers, and get creative! Your child will never forget it!
If the creative juices do not run through your veins, hop on Pinterest!! The ideas are endless. Remember, just start early so you can be sure to plan and get it all done.
Decorating
- Balloons – Skip the Helium! It costs too much money, and it is simply just not worth it.
- Cover their bedroom floor. (I do not like the door idea incase they wake up in the middle of the night)
- Using string or yarn hang balloons from the ceiling. It would be great do to in doorways, or above your breakfast table!
- I think THIS is such a fun idea! BUT, it costs 16 bucks (plus shipping!) Make your own for a fraction of a fraction of the price. See how here.
- Crepe paper / Tissue Paper – Please of heavens sake buy this at the dollar store!
- Cover their door with this (instead of the balloons)- they get to burst through it in the morning. They can still see through, and would not be as scary if they awoke with a nightmare.
- I absolutely LOVE this tissue paper number. Such a little bit of money that has such a large impact.
- Party Hats – Make your own
Birthday Traditions
- Special Birthday dishes
- Everyone gets to use them when it is their birthday. Great for all family members
- They get to blow out candles at every meal. Candles in the pancakes – candles in their PB&J – candles in their pot roast, and of course candles in their homemade cake!
- Food
- Breakfast – Pancakes shaped in their Birthday number or a stack of mini pancakes with sprinkles. Don’t forget the candle!
- The birthday boy/girl gets to pick their meals. You might not be able to afford to take the whole family out to a restaurant, but that does not mean you cannot make their birthday meals special.
- Forgo the restaurant – sing happy birthday at home, and play a game DURING the meal.
- Is your birthday baby in school?! Wrap their lunches, and then put it in their lunchbox. *wrap the utensils, the applesauce cup, the sandwich, etc)
Throwing A Party
If you want to throw your child a birthday party, but money is tight. Consider saving money by using some of these tips!
- Invitations
- It is 2016 – Setup a facebook event for the party. You can still create an adorable image for the cover page, and you can upload images of the birthday boy/girl. It saves a ton of money – and time.
- Dessert only party
- Set the party time for that sweet time following lunch, but before dinner. Make sure you list on the invitations (Facebook Event) that this is a dessert only party. People will not mind at all (who does not love dessert) as long as they know not to expect a full meal.
- Milk and Cookies Party
- You can even narrow down a dessert party to a milk and cookies party. It is great because it is more narrowed theme (easier to do, and looks more planned out) – but it is even less expensive!
- You can get some really adorable milk cups at Michaels Arts and Crafts store for .99 – if you pair that with a 50% off coupon, they are .50 cents! I LOVE them, they look adorable, and are so much fun for kids. Paired with a fun straw and a chocolate chip cookies, you have an amazing party for very little money!
- Pizza Party – MAKE The pizza! Do not buy it. Kids will LOVE making their own little pizzas
- Use Grands biscuit dough! There are always coupons for them. OR make your own dough for just pennies.
- It is all about presentation. Make a fun pizza station. Put the toppings in bowls, and have spoons for scooping. Try your best to make the table fun / pretty / exciting. Shop your house for decorations!
No boredom!
- – Plan for a fun filled day. Make sure you have a bunch of activities at the ready to make it fun and surprising for them. Work harder the day before to get your housework done – work-work completed, so you can just enjoy the day with your little one!
- Nice & Warm Weather Ideas!
- Picnic Lunch
- Swimming
- Beach
- Hiking
- Water balloon Fight
- Bike Ride – FULL day at the playground, complete with picnic lunch and snacks galore.
- Yucky & Cold Weather Ideas!
- Setup a play tent or fort in your house and have a picnic lunch in the living room!
- Popcorn and a movie of their choosing
- See if there is a local rec center that is available for kids to get together and play. We have one in the area for the winter months. It cost a dollar a day per child. – Grab their bikes / scooters / outdoor balls and head there for some fun and active play
- Wrap up their favorite games. Tell them to pick one and you’ll play it as many times as they want. *make sure they know that they are not new games, so they are not disappointed when opening the present.* Kids LOVE the act of opening presents – and the element of surprise. 🙂
I’d love to know your favorite Birthday traditions! Leave a comment to let us know.
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