1. Hosting the party at home or in a park could save hundreds of dollars.

2. Plan your party around meal times such as 1:00-3:00, 2:00-4:00
or even 10:00 – 11:30 for younger children. – Prepare cheese & crackers and/or sliced fruit and veggies for the kids to munch if they get hungry.

3. Hire a favorite babysitter or friend to help with fun-filled party games and activities instead of hiring an entertainer – you’ll save a bundle and the kids will have a ball!

4. Save on games and activities by using things you already have in your house, and adapting traditional games to fit your theme. Traditional party games such as musical chairs,Simon says and Follow the Leader are fun to play, easy to prepare and require no additional expense.

5. If you want to give game rewards, keep them small with stickers, small candies, homemade cookies or a container of homemade playdough.

6.  Decorations
With a little creativity, you’ll be amazed how many things you have around the house that can be included in your party  decorations .Keep these items in mind when decorating…
     A sheet makes a great table cover.
     Make a centerpiece with fresh or homemade tissue paper flowers.
     Scatter candy, confetti or sequins on a table for festive touch.
     Use pieces of fabric to cover furniture or make a party table canopy.
     Use your child’s toys, posters and stuffed animals for added decorations.
     A piñata can be a decoration and a party activity.
     Poster board, markers and photos will make a great party banner.

Party Kits for Under $25.00

Barnyard	Cinderella	Pirate
Choo-Choo Train	Cupcake 1st Birthday	Cowboy
See all  party theme boxes for under $25.00 >>

7. Including a craft activity at a party is a lot of fun, but can really add to the expense when you don’t have the supplies at home. If you purchase craft kits you’ll only get exactly what you need for the craft and you won’t have to purchase extra supplies.  

Also, free coloring sheets or on-line printables and a box of crayons can go a long way when entertaining kids.  Printable coloring sheets >>

8. Party Favors
Party favors are important; it's your child’s way of saying "thank you for coming to my party". However, they are not presents and need only be a small gesture of appreciation. Say thank you a fun decorated cookie, homemade playdough, a container of beads and some lanyard, seed packets in a small terracotta pot… I have tons of ideas but here are my favorites…all of them cost less than $2.00 each.

9. Cake
Want to save dough on a birthday cake, but don’t have decorating skills?
Frosted cupcakes presented in a cupcake stand look really festive and they are easy to serve.  The cupcake stand can be used for every occasion, so it’s worth the initial investment.  Another easy option is topping a frosted sheet cake with toys that match your theme; farm animals, a tiara and wand, small super heroes,PlayMobil, My little Pony, Fisher Price figures all make perfect cake decorations and provide a birthday gift when the party is over.
These birthday cake ideas from Birthday In a Box  will help you get the job done >>

10. And finally keep the guest list to a minimum.
Six - eight children is really ideal – it’s enough to have plenty of fun but  the right amount to keep cost  down. 

Birthday In a Box has standard party theme boxes for under $25.00.
The box will have the basics you need to set a table for eight  including plates, cups, napkins, table covers, cutlery, balloons, streamers, candles, and curling ribbon. Choose one of their many fun themes!

Related Links
Budget Party Main Story
Budget Friendly Party Themes
Budget Friendly Party Favors
10 Money Saving Party Tips
Big List of Kid's Party Themes
Party Games Kids Love