If you think birthday parties are just for kiddos, think again. When asked at what age people should stop making a big deal about celebrating their own birthdays, a majority of adults—55%—say “never.” And even more adults—86%—say they’d be very or somewhat happy if someone threw them a surprise birthday party. At the next opportunity, throw a birthday bash for yourself or someone you know. Doing so doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are tips for a budget-friendly birthday party.
Go the DIY invitation route
Canva® and other online design tools can be a big help if creating digital invitations. There are also AI tools capable of generating and manipulating images. For instance, create a funny image of whoever is celebrating—maybe you age them 50 years or dress them up like royalty.
For physical invitations, buy blank cards and decorate using stickers, markers, printed photos and other crafting techniques. Combining digital creations and hand-made art is another option.
Build a simple guest list
When planning a budget-friendly birthday party, it’s key to keep the guest list in check. It’s simple math: The more people, the more food, beverages, activities and even space your party will require. If the party is for a friend or loved one, consult with the closest members of their social circle to determine who makes the list. If there’s concern about those left out, consider a secondary event at another time, like a dinner, group outing or other activity.
Make the cake yourself
Professional bakers can do amazing things. But when celebrating a birthday on a budget, preparing the cake yourself is an easy cost-cutting measure. Scour the internet for a simple vanilla or chocolate cake recipe, then gather the ingredients and get to work. A sandwich bag with a snipped corner is a great DIY tool to pipe icing. Top with sprinkles, small candies, fresh fruit or whatever else you choose. Add candles and you’re good to go!
Gather supplies on the cheap
If you’re going to decorate, choose a theme. It might be a traditional birthday party, meaning balloons, streamers and cone hats. Or it could be something more specific, like a favorite movie, TV show, historic era or sports team. Create a list of essential items and brainstorm how to minimize costs. Do you have leftover supplies from a past event? Put them to use. If deciding between a few themes, search online for plates, glasses, decorations and other items to see which are most affordable. If costumes are involved, take into consideration what people already have in their closet.
Plan fun but affordable activities
From food and drinks to the entertainment, keep it simple. A potluck-style party can save the host a lot of work and money. Depending on the size of the guest list, a group text or spreadsheet can help organize who brings what.
If you have a game-playing crowd, crowdsource among the group. Ask guests to bring a favorite board game or video game from home. If hosting a movie night, ask everyone to bring a film and hold an in-person vote.
Budget-conscious birthday party ideas require imagination
There’s a lot to consider when planning a budget-friendly birthday party. But, like any gathering, the most important thing is the time you’ll spend celebrating together. While your budget may have its limitations, the sky’s the limit with a little creativity.
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