8 Tips for Planning Your Kid's Birthday Party on a Budget

Planning your child's birthday party can be a wonderful experience, but it can also come with its fair share of stress, especially when trying to stick to a budget!

However, with a little creativity and careful planning, throwing a memorable birthday bash for your little one doesn't have to break the bank.

In this blog, we'll share eight valuable tips to help you plan your kid's birthday party on a budget. From picking the party venue carefully to getting the best deals on supplies, we've got you covered.

Whether you're hosting a small party at home or organising a bigger celebration, these tips will ensure that your child's special day is unforgettable – without leaving an enormous dent in your bank account.

At Farm Toys Online, we've hosted our fair share of children's parties, from large gatherings for entire classes to birthday sleepovers with a few friends.

With our extensive experience, we've learned how to create memorable celebrations that are both fun and budget-friendly.

Read on for our top tips on planning a fantastic birthday party without over spending.

Timing your party between lunch and dinner is a good idea for keeping costs down, as parents won't expect you to provide their child with a full meal. This allows you to focus on providing light party snacks and refreshments, which are more budget-friendly.

This timing is also convenient for parents, as it avoids conflicting with family mealtimes and makes it easier for guests to attend.

Consider hosting a joint party if your child's birthday falls close to a friend's. By doubling up with another parent, you can create a more fun-filled event for all the children attending.

Just ensure that each child receives their own birthday cake and presents to make the celebration special for everyone involved.

If hosting a large group of children at home isn't feasible, opting for a venue may come with higher costs, but there are affordable options available.

Consider low-cost options like renting a local Scout Hut. These venues often offer reasonable rental rates and provide versatile spaces for hosting various activities or even overnight stays!

Prices can vary significantly among different venues, so it's essential to shop around for the best deal.

Alternatively, if you're confident about the weather, hosting a picnic at a park or woods near you means no rental fees at all. However, this option is a bit risky due to the unpredictable British weather.

Parents often spend over £5 per party bag, which can quickly add up. For a class party with 20 friends, that's over £100 just on party bags!

Here are some top tips to keep those costs down while still treating your guests!

Rather than waiting until the birthday bash is upon you, take advantage of key sales times throughout the year to pick up treats.

At Farm Toys, we typically run fantastic Black November deals and always have a great January Sale.

The best way to stay informed about these sales is by signing up for our newsletters. This way, you can stock up on party bag goodies at a fraction of the cost!

You can divide toys usually sold in sets into affordable party bags This approach can be much more budget-friendly than buying items separately.

Our favourites for our children include:

By picking up items like these and dividing them, you can create unique and exciting party bags without breaking your budget.

Take advantage of free printables when planning a low-cost party. Many websites, including ours, offer a variety of free activities, colouring pages, and party invitations that can be easily printed from home, saving you money on party supplies.

For instance, preschoolers adore treasure hunts. With a little creativity and effort, you could easily create a party game using our free printables, such as the Tractor Ted Signs of Summer.

Simply paint the different signs onto rocks and provide each child with a printout to check them off as they find them.

Instead of spending lots on an entertainer, try planning a joint activity for the children to engage in during the party.

Consider options like den building, potion making, or painting, which are not only fun but also encourage creativity and teamwork.

Our own children especially love/loved:

These activities can be easily set up with minimal cost and provide hours of entertainment for little guests.

Don't underestimate the impact of postage costs, as they can significantly inflate your overall spending.

Even seemingly "free" postage is often factored into the item's price. To save on shipping expenses, consider purchasing all your party supplies from a single retailer.

Our favourites for our children include:

For instance, if you're buying a main gift from us, do also browse our selection of party bag fillers and party supplies, such as our Tractor Ted party plates, napkins and cups.

Plus, by supporting small independent retailers like us, you're not only saving on shipping but also contributing to the growth of local businesses.

With our tips, we hope to have demonstrated that organising a memorable birthday celebration for little ones doesn't need to cost the earth.

From timing the party perfectly to finding affordable supplies and activities, there are lots of ways to make the day special without overspending.

By putting these suggestions into action, we're confident that your child's party will be a joyful but affordable day. Happy party planning!