There was quite a bit of hoopla last year about the cost of kid’s parties, where I ended being interviewed for national papers, magazines and radio programs about some of the extravagant kid’s parties we have organised over the years. I have always maintained that you should only spend what you can really afford on kid’s parties and you can create quite a magical event on a budget. Given that the Christmas credit card bills will soon be arriving, I thought I would share some budget tips with you for your kid’s party this year:

Watch your guest list.
Your guest list will dictate how large your party gets. Put alot of thought into how many people you want at the party - kids and adults included - and don’t suddenly let the guest list blow out because you feel pressure to have extra people.

Hold the party at your own house.
If you host your own party at home, then you’ll save on the cost of paying for a venue.

You don’t need to hire entertainment
There are plenty of budget ways to entertain the kids during the party without having to hire entertainers. You could set up an Arty party with cheap art/ craft supplies from the local $2 shop or you could dress up your teenage cousin as a fairy to face-paint for the kids.

Don’t overdo the favours and decorations
Theming is my favourite part, but it can be really expensive if you let it be. Be creative and pur together your own designs and make the favours with your kids. A lovely favour idea is a take-home cupcake or a cookie which the kids decorated themselves at the party.

Cook your own food and bake your own cake
This will take some time, but it will save you a fortune in catering costs. There really are no excuses not to bake your own cake with the help of The Australian Women’s Weekly Kid’s Party Cake book which should be in every home in Australia!

Make your own invitations and thank you notes
People will probably appreciate the personal touch of a handcrafted invitation or thank you note. I certainly do!

Above all else, have fun!

Happy Celebrating!

Kathryn