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A DIY birthday party is a fun way to give your child the party of their dreams – on a budget! I love getting creative and impressing the kids with what I’ve managed to set up for them.
As a mum, money saving is my main priority. It’s not that I don’t like to spend, it’s that I’d rather get the most out of the money I have. I’m aiming for maximum entertainment on the budget I’ve already planned for.
Birthdays can get expensive. The presents are a given, but everything that goes with birthdays can be costly too. When the kids were little I used to hire soft play centres, pay for the meals to be provided, and order a fancy cake. It would cost a fortune.
These days I’m much more savvy with my spending. I can create something equally as impressive (if not more), and spend far less than I used to.
DIY Birthday Party Tips
When you’re throwing a DIY birthday party there is plenty of scope to wow your guests without spending a fortune. It can involve as much or as little DIY effort as you like. No one is going talk behind your back if you get someone else to make the cake. Likewise, no one will complain that your sandwiches are too homemade (unless you’re really bad at sandwich making).
DIY Birthday Party Venue Ideas
Just because you’ve decided to throw a DIY party, doesn’t mean you have to throw it at your own home. Not everyone can fit more than a couple of kids in their lounge (or has the desire even if they could!)
It’s still possible to hire a venue while keeping costs low. Church halls and village halls can be a thrifty option (although it’s best to shop around to check). A lot of these places that don’t offer entertainment themselves are pleased with receiving a rental fee.
Alternatively, if you have any generous relatives with a big garden, you might be able to persuade them to let you borrow it for a while. From there you could set up a gazebo for the food (or for shelter if it rains).
DIY Birthday Decorations
No birthday party is complete without decorations. Use free fonts to design and print your own banner. A personalised banner for the birthday girl or boy is a nice touch that will make your guest of honour feel incredibly special!
Buy brightly coloured table clothes and go for table decorations to finish off the look. Party cups, plates and cutlery look incredibly good in bright colours too.
Food
Food is the main reason I attend any party, so I like to make sure mine is up to scratch when I’m throwing one. I’m not exactly a professional chef, but I can make a tasty spread that looks half decent too.
When you’re dealing with little kids, using cookie cutters to shape the sandwiches can be a great touch. My preference is stars or flowers, but I’ve been known to whip out a Christmas tree for any little guests I have over in December.
It’s essential you cut up some token fruit for the kids to ignore too. Parents like to feel they’re doing their bit by putting a couple of strawberries on their child’s plate (then having a nibble themselves when they’re untouched.
Cake pops and biscuits can make a cute alternative to the traditional jelly and ice cream puddings all British birthday parties tend to have.
A DIY Birthday Cake
Technically this comes under the umbrella of food, although I’d argue a birthday cake is a special type of food.
A birthday cake serves two functions. One, to look good and two, to taste good. So if you’re not up to the job, it’s probably for the best that you leave it to the professionals.
If you like a challenge, you could make a rainbow sponge cake (a firm favourite amongst part-goers). Large cakes not your thing? No problem, cupcakes are cute and everyone loves them, just make sure you make than enough to go round.
Birthday Party Activities
There are so many variables when it comes to planning activities for a DIY birthday party. Age and interests are big factors that affect what your activity choices could be. Your best bet for inspiration is probably Pinterest, as you can tailor your search to whatever is most appropriate. A football-themed activity won’t necessarily go down well at a princess-lover’s party. If you’re really not sure about what your little guests will prefer, keep it neutral with craft activities and maybe ever biscuit decorating.
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