Frugal Birthday Party Tips by Kyle at Rather Be Shopping

/>My little girl turned 1 yesterday, a very proud day for this Daddy. How time flies when you have dirty diapers in your hand and spit-up on your shirt! We are having a birthday party for her this weekend with friends and family. It is going to be a fun and memorable party and will not cost a lot of money. As far as I am concerned, how much money you spend on a child's birthday party, and how fun and memorable it is, have nothing to do with one another. Here are a few money saving methods we are going to use for the party.

~ Skip The Food. The party is going to be after lunch and before dinner, thus our only food expense will be the cake and some snacks and cold drinks.

~ Use Available Resources. In the town we live in, there are 5 parks with shade, picnic tables, and jungle-gyms where you can set up your child's party for free. Personally, we have a nice, big, backyard that is great for birthday parties. This is always a great free alternative where kids can run around and play games.

~ Do-It-Yourself. You can save a lot of money if you make the cake yourself, along with the snacks and drinks. Also, try to incorporate the theme and decorations of the party with toys you already have. For example, if your son loves cars, use his toy cars as party decorations and centerpieces.

~ Create Your Own Fun. Our kids love the old stand-bys. Duck Duck Goose, Red Light/Green Light, and Pin The Tail on the Donkey to name a few. Musical chairs is always a hit as well, have small prizes for the winner. Here is a chance to be creative and come up with your own games as well.

The bottom line is that I would much rather spend less money on a fancy birthday party with all the bells and whistles and use the money saved to buy a gift, like a bike, that the child will be able to use all year long. With that in mind, here are some online coupons that may help your family save some money on both toys and birthday party supplies.


Oriental Trading Company.com
Save $5 Off your $60+ order, or $10 Off your $75+ order, or $20 Of your $125+ order thru this Link (Coupon appears at checkout)
Coupon Code: None Needed
Expiration: 6/30/08
See Additional: Oriental Trading Coupons

Factory Card & Party Outlet.com
Save $10 Off your $50 or more Online Purchase
Coupon Code: AFFTENFTY8
Expiration: 12/31/08
See Additional: Factory Card & Party Coupons

Birthday Express.com
Free Shipping on your $75+ Online Order
Coupon Code: UKL-451
Expires: 6/30/08
See Additional: Birthday Express Coupons

ShinDigz.com
Save 10% Off your $100+ Online Purchase
Coupon Code: SZCJC8
Expiration: 12/31/08
See Additional: ShinDigz Coupons

Wal-Mart.com
Toy Clearance Sale! - Save up to 75% Off your Toy Order
Coupon Code: None Needed
Expiration: 6/30/08
See Additional: Wal-Mart Coupons

Target.com
Save $5 Off your $50+ Online Order thru this Link Only
Coupon Code: None Needed
Expiration: 6/30/08
See Additional: Target Coupons

One Step Ahead.com
Save 15% Off your $100+ Online Order
Coupon Code: 15SAVONE
Expiration: 6/30/08
See Additional: One Step Ahead Coupons

Leaps and Bounds.com
Save 15% Off your $100+ Online Order
Coupon Code: 12SAVKID
Expiration: 6/30/08
See Additional: Leaps & Bounds Coupons