How to Save Money on Children's Birthday Parties

Parents of young children know, that when it is time for birthday parties, the child wants what they want and nothing less. As the parent we try our best to give them what they want, however sometimes it does get a little expensive, especially if there is a new movie out like Toy Story 3 that makes most young children want anything that has anything to do with the movie.

Here are some great ways parents can save money on birthday parties when they have limited resources to go all out on them.

Before going out and spending a fortune on utensils, plates, cups, streamers, table clothes, and balloons, the best place to get all of these things and more are at Dollar Tree stores. You can buy each one of these items and then some for just a dollar each. No hidden costs, no nothing, just a dollar each item. There are many different colors to choose from as well, not just a few. There are even themes that you can choose from that are very colorful and cute for younger or older children. So instead of going to a party store and paying $3.00 to $4.00 for a pack of plates, or paying a few dollars each for each Mylar balloon you want, head over to Dollar Tree stores, and get them for just a $1.00 each.

As far as the cake, parents stop spending $20 or $30 on a cake that you yourself can make for less the $10 at home. Pick up a couple of cake boxes at the store (whatever kind they like), a few containers of icing, and some sprinkles (usually the colorful ones), then pick up some little figurines at the dollar store and place them on top. No matter what, do not buy any figurines where they sell cakes at. Bakeries over charge you tremendously for a toy that cost less then a dollar to put on the top of the cakes. So to those who cannot afford one of those bakery cakes, not a problem, it does not take a brain surgeon to make a cake at home. Read the very simple instructions and enjoy baking your own cake.

Food for the birthday party. Yes this can get expensive if you do not know what you are doing. First and foremost you need a plan. Do not run out on the day of the party and get what you need. Most of the time when you do this, you will just pick and run, eventually spending more on things you could have gotten for less. My advice on food for children's parties is simple, if they can pick it up with their hands, then its on the menu for the day.

1. Bagel pizza's - Couple of bags of bagels, pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese. Open up each bagel and place on a flat baking pan. Place in the over until crusty and light brown. Take out of the oven, add sauce and cheese. Place back into the over for 5 minutes and serve. Add anything you want to them, the kids will love them.

2. Cheetos, Doritos, Corn Chips and Tortilla chips. Get a large dish with at least five compartments in it. Place an array of chips all around with one of the compartments left for dip. For large parties, make two of these platters. You do not have to get the name brand chips either, kids are happy with any kind of chips and dip.

3. Veggie platter - Get some small carrots, broccoli, black olives, cauliflower, or whatever you know your child or children will eat. Place them on a dish with some dip and watch it disappear.

4. Hot dogs - Cheap and easy dish to make. Buy some inexpensive hot dogs, boil or fry them up, cut into inch pieces and place onto toothpick. Set out ketchup and mustard bowls for dipping.

5. Fried tortilla chips / cinnamon - An easy, very affordable, good tasting party food. Buy some flour tortillas, cut them into triangles, fry them for one minute or until light brown, dust with cinnamon sugar. Kids will absolutely love them.

6. Sandwiches - Buy the cheapest sandwich meats you can find. Buy some cheese, and white/wheat bread. Does not have to be fancy since you are cutting the crust off. Make the sandwiches with what you have bought, cut into fours and place on platters. You can even make some egg and tuna salad. Goes a long way for very little money.

Last but not least, make your own cookies and cupcakes. If you are not a baker, then become one. Making cupcakes and cookies with the children is a fun way to occupy some of the party time. Let them decorate their own cupcakes and cookies.

Not only will you love the amount of money you have saved on this party, you will also love the results of how happy the children are during it.