Frugal Birthday Ideas
- You don't have to spend a lot of money to throw a memorable birthday party.birthday decoration image by Renata Osinska from Fotolia.com
A memorable birthday party need not be expensive. Nor does a frugal birthday party indicate a cheap or boring event. In truth, the search for frugal birthday ideas can inspire the party planner's imagination without emptying the wallet. - Use your computer or phone to invite guests.man with laptop and phone image by GeoM from Fotolia.com
Save on party invitations and postage by sending out email birthday invitations and requesting an email RSVP. If some people are without email, give them a phone call and extend a personal invitation. It is a good idea to follow up with a phone call to those who fail to respond to the RSVP. There is always a chance that an email invite might end up in a spam file. - Ask your crazy cousin Harvey to be the clown.clown image by SADIA from Fotolia.com
It is possible to have entertainment without spending any money. The trick is to tap familiar resources. This might be a friend who enjoys performing magic tricks, a favorite uncle who volunteers at the local hospital as a clown, or the pal with an unusual pet to show off. Performing for your party might be in exchange for a favor or for the benefit of exposure. - Cupcakes can be decorated with minimal skill.easter holiday cupcakes image by nextrecord from Fotolia.com
One way to save on the party budget is to bake the birthday cake instead of purchasing a bakery cake. For some home bakers this option is not desirable, due to their lack of cake decorating abilities. Avoid this dilemma by baking cupcakes, which require less decorating skill. Even if you are void of any cake decorating talent, it is possible to dress up frosted cupcakes using novelty candy. There are several advantages to serving cupcakes. You have the ability to bake up several batches, in different flavors, giving the guests more choices. With each cupcake encased it its paper wrapper, there is no reason for paper cake plates or plastic forks. If you end up with any leftovers, cupcakes tossed into a large plastic storage bag, freeze up easily, making handy after-school treats. - Salads are a popular potluck dish.salad image by simas2 from Fotolia.com
Instead of purchasing and preparing all the food for the birthday party, throw a potluck, and let each guest bring a dish. While this might not be appropriate for a child's party, it is suitable for a family birthday party, with both adults and children invited. Most guests enjoy potluck meals for the varied food selection. Some guests enjoy the opportunity to show off their culinary skills. Potlucks tend to be casual and informal, which for some people is a more enjoyable experience. When it is time to clean up after the party, each person takes home his own dish, making clean up less of a chore. - Be creative when selecting game prizes.gift image by Horticulture from Fotolia.com
If you plan to have games at the birthday party, look for frugal game prize ideas. If it is an adult birthday party, pick up some silly white elephant gifts at thrift stores or garage sales. Visit the dollar store to find prizes for a child's party. Instead of toys or store-bought prizes for the youngsters, make up Olympic-style award medals by cutting circles from heavy cardboard, spray painting with gold or silver paint and hanging the mock medals from colorful ribbons, necklace style.
