You might recall yesterday, we were chatting it up about ways to save on birthdays. Celebrating your children is important but it doesn’t mean you need to borrow money (*ahem* read: use a credit card) or take out a loan to do so. Here are three more ways you can save when celebrating a big day for a little person.
- Consider A One Guest Gig. We often think that for a party to be successful it means we need SEVERAL guests; however, more significant experiences can often be created by inviting only one special friend.
- Set a Gift Limit and/or a Gift Idea. I’m thinking of both parties that attend as well as parties you throw in this case. You might think I’m being rude but we only spend $5 right now (while getting out of debt) on kids’ birthday gifts for parties that we’re invited to attend. The Eldest Princess gets to pick a gift card from Target, Baskin Robbins, Toys ‘r Us, etc. (or sometimes I call and ask the mother of the Birthday Boy or Girl the best place to purchase a gift card form). Target has lots of cute gift cards that are themed and/or in a game format. That way, the child can purchase something he or she really wants (maybe even combining it with birthday money from Grandpa and Grandma) and we don’t break the bank. We get invited to dozens of birthday parties every year. We’d be broke if we didn’t set limits. It makes shopping easier. On the flipside, I encourage others to use the $5 limit or specify a category of gifts (i.e. Books, CDs, Movies, Games, etc.) so that things don’t get outlandish.
- Think outside of the Cake Box. Instead of purchasing an expensive cake, think about other dessert possibilities. We made Strawberry Shortcake the year the Eldest Princess had a Strawberry Shortcake themed birthday. You could make Birthday Milk Shakes, a Cookie Cake, a favorite pie, or any number of items. If you do purchase a cake, I’ve found Sam’s Club to be the most economical for what you get. Everyone has a favorite place to purchase a cake though. 🙂 Many Ice Cream stores (Coldstone Creamery, Baskin Robbins, etc.) have Birthday clubs that not only give you a free ice cream treat on your birthday but also offer coupons on cake, too.
I have several other birthday money saving ideas floating around in my head so I’ll try to share them with you over the next couple of months as we approach the Youngest Princess’ Birthday. What about you?
What Are Three Things You Do to Save on Kids’ Birthdays?
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