I need some COST EFFECTIVE b-day ideas for my son?!
Here's my issue - with just immediate family - my folks, my inlaws, and the kids, we're only at 9 people, but there are about 20 other people that *should* be invited. We aren't big on the extravegant B-day parties at the pizza places and whatnot - for 30 people that could easily be about $300 and right now money is REALLY tight. Where we live is very small, so fitting that many people in the house would be uncomfortable...and my in-laws don't really get along with my folks, so I'm hesitant to having it at one of their houses...(cont.)
Answers: I'm recently re-married which means I now have a HUGE extended family...who are easily offended if they aren't included in "family" functions. My oldest is turning 8 on December 8th and I need to start planning something. Usually, birthday's in my family involve a dinner, cake, and presents with immediate family only- mostly because he goes to school in a different town than the one I live in due to custody arrangements.
Here's my issue - with just immediate family - my folks, my inlaws, and the kids, we're only at 9 people, but there are about 20 other people that *should* be invited. We aren't big on the extravegant B-day parties at the pizza places and whatnot - for 30 people that could easily be about $300 and right now money is REALLY tight. Where we live is very small, so fitting that many people in the house would be uncomfortable...and my in-laws don't really get along with my folks, so I'm hesitant to having it at one of their houses...(cont.)
I would probably try to do some kind of outdoor BBQ at a public park or other nice outdoorsy place. Try to find a place that has some sort of shelter house though incase of rain. (((Shell))) Hope you are able to think up something!!
I would go with something like a subway 6 foot sandwich and a cake and tell everyone that his birthday so we are hear to celebrate his party not discuss our issues
I would have two parties and that way your son has a win win situation where his birthday lasts much longer. Have a low cost one pot meal to keep down on time and cost. Make 2 cakes and get your son to help with them and especially decorate them. Who cares if it is totally professional children love giving input and on past experience these types of parties are the best kind. Organise party games which do not cost anything and insist adults join in too. this will be one to remember.
I'm from TX too. Do an outdoor BBQ at a park. You can grill hamburgers and hot dogs. Have some balloons and streamers, and if you can budget it in, rent a moonwalk for a few hours to keep the kids happy. I'm in Austin which has a ton of parks with pavilions and power outlets. And you're right about the weather, it's never really super cold.
Should it get cold, do you or any of your friends live in a neighborhood with a community clubhouse? If so, reserve it for that day. Most times it's about $50.00. If you're in Austin, let me know. I know of a great one in Pflugerville.
I can help you with this problem.
First of all, the food must be homemade.
You take something that is cheap to prepare, and simple to make a huge amount.
Spaghetti, with some garlic bread or dinner rolls. Potato salad also comes to mind. Hope you're domesticated enough to handle those easy dishes. ;)
For drinks, go with either kool-aid, or grocery store brand generic pop. It's just as good as the name brand stuff and a lot cheaper, especiall in 2 liter bottles.
For entertainment, go to a local park for a picnic. Or it doesn't have to be a park, it can be a nice area to have a picnic out of town somewhere, in the country on public land, or a public recreation area.
Also...see if you can get someone with a local band to come perform. It's usually cheap, and small local bands are usually just happy to get out somewhere and play music. They might even do it for free.
Simple outdoor games are possibility as well. Let your imagination run!
I would call around to see about local buildings at the parks etc.. most are free or cheap as long as you book in advance.Make sure you keep it simple as you want..If you have to,remind people that the party is for the kids not the adults.Keep snacks down to finger foods,chips,vegis,etc and that helps out of budget.
outside picnic...you do the grilling and ask family members to come and bring a dish...make it from like 1-4..so it will be short and sweet..have a pinatta for the kids and some outside games ready to keep them busy....
this way very cheap to plan...outside so lots of room for people to spread out if they dont get along..and a time limit so everyone knows when to go home and you have some time left to spend with your son
In my family, my parents come over for the meal and then I tell the rest of the family they can come about an hour later for cake and presents! Or, if the entire family has to be present, sounds like it better be a potluck and you provide the cake and ice cream, and of course, the birthday boy!
You could go to your local park for the party. All you would need to do is set up a few tables and chairs, bring the food and make sure the weather is decent. You could do a lot worse as you wouldn't have to pay to go to the park.
For party food, go to a supermarket where prices are low. Try and find special offers in the shop(like 2 for 1, or 3 for a dollar).
Sorry i dont have that much advice for you.
Star for you.
When my son turned 9 last year he wanted to have a birthday party themed like the Donald Trump TV show, "The Apprentice."
There were about five kids and 15 adults attending. My son divided the adults into two teams. The kids spent time in advance of the party thinking up 15 tasks for the parents to complete, e.g. design an airplane (draw it and list its features), think up a Superbowl halftime show, make a library floor plan, etc. The kids would pick the winner and then my son, with advice of his friends, fired someone from the losing team in "The Boardroom."
We put on a light meal for all, cake for the kids, and gave away a bottle of wine to the winner of the Apprentice game. All in all I think everyone had a great time!!
How about including some of your extended family in cooking?
Hi,
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Congratulations!
