Not Made Of Money

We recently celebrated a birthday in our family. I love to throw a great party but, of course, in frugal fashion. The key to saving money on children’s parties is to focus on the same colors of the theme while minimizing the expensive “character themed” party supplies.

I start by having my child decide what theme they want for the party. This year’s choice was Curious George, that cute but naughty little monkey from the books of the same name. I looked through our toys and books and found several Curious George items. I set these items aside so I could use them to decorate. I’ve borrowed library books before for other party themes. You could also ask friends if you could borrow books or toys related to the birthday theme you’ve picked.

After the theme has been chosen, I visit either a local party store or an online party store to see what items they have in the character theme that has been chosen. I make notes on the colors and other decor elements used. For Curious George the colors are yellow, red, and blue. The decorating accessories are bananas and monkeys. I also write down the prices of all the party accessories so later I can decide which items to purchase for the character theme.

Then, I head to the dollar store and select party goods in the same colors as the theme picked. I decided that I wanted to purchase the Curious George napkins from the party store, so I bought all the other paper goods from the dollar store. I chose a pack of red plates, blue streamers, and a solid yellow table cloth. I also picked up plain yellow gift bags for the treat bags and an assortment of small toys to fill the goody bags. I selected items such as bubbles, sidewalk chalk, jump ropes, etc.

On the day of the party, I decorated the kitchen table with the yellow table cloth and made a festive centerpiece of the Curious George books and toys. I fanned the Curious George napkins around the table and clustered the yellow goody bags in one area. I prepared all the food myself including the birthday cake. I just focus on simple things like finger foods which go over well because the kids are all too geared up to sit down and eat anyway. We play fun games and have cake and ice cream. Everyone has a great time and we don’t spend a fortune for it.

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