Cheap And Easy Ideas For Kids Birthday Parties

Is your child obsessed with Princess and The Frog or Spongebob? Will they be sorely disappointed if their birthday party isn't decked out in tiaras or squarepants? Don't worry, you can give them the party of their dreams without emptying your wallet!

When planning my daughter's first birthday party I wanted to be able to have a fun and unique theme party without breaking the bank. Her nursery is decorated with a froggy-pond theme. I wanted to have the same for her first birthday party. Like many typical parents I started looking for all of the froggy-themed party stuff I could find. I made a list of all the stuff I wanted to get, then I did the math. I nearly choked! If I purchased froggy-themed invitations, tableware, favors, decorations and a cake I would have spent well over $200. I definitely did not have that kind of money laying around!

So, I started brainstorming ways to have a fun and pretty froggy party, but keeping my budget intact.

The first thing I started with was the invitations. I decided I could make invitations for a lot cheaper than buying pre-made theme invitations. I also decided I wanted to make keepsake invitations...I didn't want my hard work thrown away! I simply went to a craft store and purchased supplies. See my hub, Homemade Birthday Invitation Idea, to learn how I made my daughters invitations!

The second thing I did was plan for party favors. I decided that I would only do favors for the kids that would be attending. I didn't think parents and other adults would mind if they went home with nothing other than pictures and memories, after all, they weren't the birthday kid! I started perusing craft stores and online stores. I found great deals on Amazon and purchased the following:

The next step was how was I going to decorate? For me it was easy, I was simply going to choose decorations in the colors blue, green and pink with a pond theme thrown in here and there. But what if you child is just dying for the Princess and The Frog?

That's easy, too! My suggestion is to choose one or two big Princess and The Frog decorations. For instance, a Princess and The Frog "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" banner and a pinata would be something I would consider. These items are large enough that everyone will know the theme of the party, but aren't super expensive. From here we move on to tableware.

Why in the world do you need Princess and The Frog plastered on every single thing from cups to spoons? You don't! Instead, opt for light blue disposable table covers, light green cups, pink plates, and faux silver (plastic) silverware. Splurge for Princess and The Frog napkins if you'd like, or keep them pretty and pink.

Now the most important part, the cake! Here you can truly have it and eat it, too! Buying a giant Princess and The Frog (or any other themed) cake can be very expensive. Instead, entertain the idea of making your own.

You may not necessarily be The Ace of Cakes, but purchasing a tiara or frog shaped pan makes it easy for anyone, plus you have the added bonus of being able to make another themed cake in the future for nothing but the cost of ingredients. If the thought of making your child's cake scares you, there are other options!

One of my favorites is to purchase a small, professionally made cake and surround it with enough cupcakes to cover the number of servings needed. Cupcakes are usually cheaper than a large sheet cake (and definitely a 3-d cake!) For instance, purchase a small Princess Tiana cake and surround it with cupcakes iced green and pink.

Finally, the third option is to purchase a small professionally decorated cake and prepare sheet cakes yourself to cover the number of servings you need.

I am opting for the cupcake idea and am making the cake my daughter will destroy!

Princess and The Frog favors are super easy, too! For instance, some craft foam, dollar store head bands, beads and pipe cleaners turn into Princess Tiana's tiara in no time! And think how easily some faux pearls and jewels, craft wire and beading twine turn into Princess Tiana's necklace!

The biggest barrier to creating a fun themed party for less money is creativity. Unleash your creative side and you can throw a beautiful themed party without draining the bank!