How to throw a kids' party on a budget
We can work it out...
If you're planning to hire a venue, plus a children's entertainer, you're likely to kiss goodbye to at least £200. Having the party at home - or investigating cheaper local options, such as village halls - can save you a fortune. Figure out your budget, then work out what you'll need to buy - it'll stop costs from spiralling out of control.
According to children's charity Lumos, 13% of parents manage to wrap it all up for under £50. If you involve your child in the planning, she'll be just as excited as if it were a blow-the-budget extravaganza.
The numbers game
If you're planning a DIY party, be realistic about how many children you can accommodate. 'But Gracie was allowed to invite the whole class,' your child might exclaim. Point out that smaller gatherings, with truly close friends, often feel more special.
'We've gradually upped the numbers as Sophie has grown older,' says her mum Phyl, of her ten year-old daughter. 'When she was five, inviting six or seven children was quite enough. Now she's ten, having a dozen or so friends over is no trouble at all.'
Fresh air and fun
A party in the garden is generally the least stressful option. While it's always wise to have a written 'running order' (games, tea, cake cutting etc) to give some structure, being outside allows for some spontaneous 'running around time' too.
Garden games can be incredible simple - tug-of-war or shooting goals can be a focal point of a party. Pop-up tents, bright cushions and blankets strewn around make the garden look welcoming and fun.
You'll still need a contingency plan in case of rain, though - ie, a room made party-ready. Fingers crossed for sunshine...
The party touch
If you're a dab hand at running up bunting and table decorations, then great. You can also make use of what you already have, such as filling glass kilner jars with sweets.
For budget decorations, try www.woolworths.co.uk. Eg, 10 Peppa Pig balloons, £2, skull and crossbones bunting, £3, wipeable Star Wars tablecover, £3 and 10 Disney Princess Plates, £2.75.
For a little over a tenner, you'll have your living room looking party-tastic.
What's your theme?
Having a theme helps a home-made party hang together. It triggers ideas for games - for instance, at a pirate party you can draw a treasure hunt map and hide gold doubloons (chocolate coins) around the garden.
'Our best idea was an Ancient Egyptian party when Harry was eight,' says his mum Lisa, 37. 'Fancy dress amounted to an old sheet ripped up to turn him into a mummy. We played games like 'pin the beard on the sarcophagus' and made up an Egyptian-themed playlist on the iPod. The house buzzed with Tutankhamens and Cleopatras - as the theme was such fun, we hardly had to offer anything else.'
A slice of delight
If you have the ingredients, it's far cheaper to make your own cake. But what if you don't possess the baking gene? Jamie Oliver's Party Cake (in The Return of the Naked Chef) is reportedly foolproof, and as it's decorated with chocolate topping and fresh strawberries, artistic expertise isn't required.
Bear in mind, though, that any cake will be greeted with delight if it's simply covered with brightly-coloured sweets.
Alternatively, buy plain fairy cakes and ice them yourself, then display on a cardboard cake stand (www.tescoparty.com has a wide range, from £3.99).
Running off steam
If weather permits, take inspiration from schools sports days. Favourites like sack races (use old pillowcases), egg-and-spoons and three-legged races are great fun, especially if small prizes are offered (you'll find medals, rosettes and mini trophies at www.tescoparty.com, from £3.25 for a trophy six-pack).
Have jugs of squash on hand to keep everyone hydrated. On a super-hot day, you could even referee a giant water fight or even get out the hose - but that's not for the faint-hearted...
Tantalising toppings
Excited children are more keen on playing than sitting down to eat, and most of us set out far too much party food. However resourceful you are, there's not much you can do with leftover sandwiches and bashed-up fairy cakes.
Instead, you could forgo the sarnies and have a pizza party - just give each child a base, plus tomato sauce and bowls of toppings. It keeps them busy and guarantees virtually no waste, as you can use up any leftover toppings later.
What do you want to be today?
Setting up a face painting table costs nothing more than a palette of paints, and shy children often enjoy a gentler activity. If you're not artistically minded, ask another parent to step into the painting role. The key to a brilliant DIY party is to never be reluctant to ask for help.
It feels less daunting if other parents pitch in to, utilising their own skills, knowing you'll do likewise when it comes to their own child's birthday bash.
Top of the pops
Popcorn is yummy, healthy - and cheap as chips. It's easy to pop your own on the hob (do this before your young guests arrive, though).
Just add three tablespoons of cooking oil to a large lidded pan, plus a cup of popcorn kernels. Turn on the heat to medium and give the pan a shake to distribute the oil. When the first kernel pops, whack on the lid. Flavour your popcorn with melted butter and salt, or add mini marshmallows plus a dusting of caster sugar.
You'll find mini popcorn bags or boxes on www.amazon.co.uk - they make a great alternative to pricey party bags.
Bags you win
Party bags are a contentious issue. In fact, it's not unheard of to see mums checking their contents as they leave the party. However, don't feel pressurised to festoon guests with pricey take-home treats. You might decide to opt out altogether, or send each child home with a cupcake they have decorated themselves.
Bubble mixture delights both little boys and girls, or have a lucky dip, where everyone delves into a bucket of tissue-wrapped goodies. While children will remember the party, they rarely recall what was in their party bags - so do cut yourself some slack.
Next Up: 40 delicious fairy cake recipes
Try one of these cute fairy cakes next time you're in the mood for something sweet
See also:
- Getty Images,
