WAS THAT PARTY ON A BUDGET?
“Can I have a Spiderman party dad?” Your heart already racing at the thought of your child’s birthday party, especially with the financial aftermath of December still fresh in your mind? Well, you don’t need to break the bank. And yes, you can still give “Sam or Sarah” the party they’ve been dreaming about.
It’s really in the timing
Have a party around lunch time, and that’s what you will be serving! Work around times like 2pm to 5pm or 9am to 11am. This way, what you serve your guests will be light, and a lot lighter on your pocket. By doing this, you also take away the expectation of being served a full-on meal. Let’s also not disregard planning parties at popular venues on a public holiday! These areas are almost always swamped with people, which takes the ‘special’ out of any occasion.
Will he even remember?
Ok so this is a shout out to all first-time parents as we have all been there (and sadly only something we realise when we have had a second child)! Your precious one year old won’t remember riding a pony, jumping on a castle or the clown’s first act. Make it about family (and saving for the two’s, three’s and fours! Scrap doing the big traditional party in the first year and do something special with family and close friends. Rather have a small party savings for the two’s, three’s and four’s. You will thank yourself later!
Did you just print that?
There is really no need to print invitations these days, and thank goodness for that! Have you seen printing costs recently? Luckily, Whatsapp groups and Facebook events have made it so easy to create an online birthday invitation with no added costs. You can also go as far as creating your own invite on paperlesspost.com! However, printing one or two for grandpa and grandma won’t hurt.
Want to save? Do it all online.
Ever walk into a shop for some milk and walk out with braai marshmallows, a bag of doughnuts and a cappuccino to enjoy in the queue? Same goes for your kid’s birthday party! Shop online and avoid impulsive spend. Going to the shops elevates your spend to new heights, where more rational decisions are made when you are able to go online, compare prices and ultimately make the best choices saving you many Rands. Comparing prices walking from outlet to outlet is a drag.
Party together, split costs.
Your child’s bestie has a birthday in the same month? Well why not go in it together doubling up the excitement and dividing the spend. Let the kids decide on a theme and make sure they get equal gifts! Here you might have cash to spare for an extra special birthday present.
Who said you can’t bake?
There are more than enough recipes and ideas online! You can really save here, do it yourself, make extra special memories with your little one blowing the candles out on mom’s home baked cake! It will be a picture to frame.
Free-tainment!
As a parent, we have quickly forgotten the fun things we did growing up because we are too focused on what was done at the last kid’s birthday party. There are countless birthday activities that create heaps of fun without spending a cent. A few to mention, Freeze dance, musical chairs, red rover, Simon says and the three-legged race.
A family affair
You will be surprised at how family members feel valued when asked to help with your child’s party preparations. Don’t take everything on yourself, get aunties, uncles and grandparents involved. You might save a bit by doing this but gain a lot by making everyone feel inclusive to your child’s joy!
What does she ACTUALLY want?
“Mama, I want a Peppa Pig birthday cake!” But who knew Peppa Pig had a petting zoo, a five layered ice-cream cake and live entertainment? Sometimes we spend so much on parties and what our children might actually want is a handful of friends, some sweets and a themed cake. Keep it simple and ask the right questions before allowing your budget to run wild.