How to Throw a Birthday Party at Home on a Budget

A great kid's party doesn't need a venue, an entertainer or a big budget. Some of the most memorable birthdays happen in living rooms and backyards, with simple games and homemade cake. Here's how to throw a fun party at home without overspending.

Set the budget first

Decide on a total before you buy anything, then split it roughly like this:

• Food and cake: the biggest share
• Activities and supplies
• Decorations
• Favors: the easiest place to cut

Writing it down keeps the small purchases from adding up.

Keep the guest list sensible

The number of guests drives almost every cost. A smaller party, like the "age plus one" rule (five friends for a four-year-old), is cheaper and often more fun. If you're inviting the whole class, a simple park party keeps the cost per child low. See should you invite the whole class?

Time it to skip a meal

A party from 2 to 4 pm, or 10 am to noon after breakfast, means you only need snacks and cake, not a full lunch. Say the time clearly on the invitation so parents plan meals around it.

Food that goes far

• Homemade pizza or a make-your-own pizza bar (it's also an activity)
• Popcorn, fruit and veggie trays
• Pasta salad or sandwiches cut into shapes
• Water and one juice, rather than lots of drinks
• Homemade cake or cupcakes: a boxed mix and a little decorating with candy or toys looks great. Cupcakes are easier to serve than a cake.

Kids eat surprisingly little at parties, so don't over-buy.

Free and cheap activities

• Scavenger hunt with clues around the house or yard
• Freeze dance and musical statues with a playlist
• Craft table with paper, crayons, stickers and things from your recycling bin
• Obstacle course from cushions, chairs and tape
• Relay races: sack races with pillowcases, egg and spoon races
• Fort building with blankets and chairs
• Treasure hunt: hide a "treasure" (the favors!) at the end
• Movie and popcorn to wind down

Two or three activities are plenty for a two-hour party.

Decorations on a dime

• Balloons and streamers in one or two colors go a long way.
• Paper chains and handmade banners: a great pre-party activity with your child.
• Use what you have: their toys as centerpieces, string lights, a tablecloth in the theme color.
• Dollar store plates, cups and napkins in a single color.

Favors that don't cost much

Skip the bag of small plastic things. Instead:

• Something they made at the party (their craft, their decorated cookie)
• A single item: a bubble wand, a book from a used bookstore, or a pack of stickers
• Or no favors at all: a slice of cake to take home is plenty

Save on invitations and gifts

• Digital invitations are free and easier for parents to answer than paper ones.
• A no-gifts or book swap party saves every family money, including yours on thank-you gifts. See no-gifts wording ideas.

How Birfy helps

Birfy is free: you get a party page with the invitation, RSVPs, a gift wishlist and a planning checklist, all in one link you can text or email. No printing, no postage, and you know exactly how many kids are coming before you buy the food.