How to Have an Inexpensive Birthday Party for a Girl

Step 1

Limit the guest list. The fewer people who come, the less money you’ll have to spend on food and goody bags. Try to determine a way to invite a few people without anyone getting her feelings hurt. For example, you may want to invite only your daughter’s closest friends. Alternatively, you could invite only the girls in her class rather than the entire class.

Step 2

Make the food at home. When you cater the party–even if it’s just ordering a pizza–the costs can quickly add up. Incorporate the cooking into the party plan. For example, you can allow children to choose their own toppings for a taco or to decorate their own cupcake.

Step 3

Entertain guests with cheap games. You don’t have to purchase a pre-made “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” game. You can make one by yourself that’s tailored to your child’s likes. You can also play classic games like “Musical Chairs” or “Hot Potato.” Neither requires that you buy additional material.

Step 4

Allow guests to make their own goody bag items. Rather than purchasing several cheap toys, you can spend the time creating items that her friends can take home. For example, you could set up a jewelry-making station with beads and string or give each girl a white mask that she can decorate with paint, glitter and feathers. You can purchase supplies for this cheaply.

Step 5

Think twice before buying unnecessary items. You may realize you don’t have enough chairs for all the children to sit, but this doesn’t mean that you should go buy new ones. You can borrow chairs from a neighbor or use a creative solution, like sitting on the floor. Try to make do with what you have.