When it’s your kid’s birthday, you want them to feel loved and special. And we tend to believe that this translates to expensive gifts and parties. If you have the resources to do that, pull out the stops and celebrate!
However, if money’s tight, or you prefer a minimal lifestyle, there are still lots of frugal ways to create a wonderful birthday. Doubtful? Read on!
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Your kid’s birthday is all about making them feel loved and valued
Sure, a splashy birthday party looks impressive, but deep down, children want -and need – to feel loved and valued. And there are a myriad of ways you can do this. Of course, we should show our children love and affection all year round, but sometimes a birthday is a wakeup call to step it up a notch.
So, how can you make your child feel loved and valued on their birthday? That’s exactly what this post covers.
Because at the end of the (birth)day, if your child gets an expensive gift but doesn’t feel loved, appreciated and valued, guess what? These are the feelings he or she will carry with him for years to come – and not that expensive gift.
Give your child your undivided attention and time
Let’s admit it: we all like to be the center of attention. Yes, even if we deny it. The truth is, we like when people make a fuss over us. And children are the same way. But this doesn’t mean you need to spoil your kid on their birthday.
Instead, give him or her your full and undivided attention. No matter what your plans are, when a child feels like it's their special day, it makes their birthday incredibly special.
Give voucher gifts
If buying one expensive gift for their birthday costs too much money, consider giving your child vouchers they can redeem throughout the coming year.
Not only does this give them something they can continue to enjoy long after their birthday is done, but it also helps your budget.
What can the vouchers be for? One could be tickets to the moves. Another could be a “coffee” date with you. What about baking a favorite dessert together? Or, watching a favorite movie together for a special night in?
Remember, children love quality time with you, and these vouchers can be a great way to give them your love and attention on their birthday and in the days that follow.
Frugal party ideas
A party can be an expensive way to celebrate your child’s birthday. There are food, decorations, party favors and on top of this, the gifts you need to buy for your child.
If you’d still like to have a birthday party for your kid, but want to avoid spending more than you can afford, here are some frugal party ideas.
• Keep the theme simple: Yes, themes are great, but they can add up. First, it’s the balloons, then it’s the matching serving ware, the cake topper, and the table covers. Save yourself a lot of money (and stress!) and choose one item that is theme-based. Then the rest can be simple. Remember, more is less!
• DIY party stationary: Thanks to platforms like Pinterest and Canva, you can easily create your own decorations, invitations, and favors at a fraction of the cost. Plus, they can be even more personalized and thematic this way.
• Make it a potluck party: It can be expensive and overwhelming to prepare and cook food for your party guests. Throw in food allergies and sensitivities, and you add on even more party pressure. Instead of doing it all yourself, invite your family and friends to bring a dish to share.
• Choose dinner or dessert, but not both: If serving a full dinner, along with the essential cake and ice-cream is out of your budget, just choose one or the other. One way to do that is to schedule the birthday party for mid-afternoon. This way, you can serve the sweets and celebrate, while avoiding the two main meal times.
• Let the kids play: Play is an excellent way for children to bond and create lasting memories. Is there an area of your yard or home you can set aside “just for the kids”? They can dance to their favorite music, do a craft (like making their own play dough), or play a simple game like pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey, a three-legged race, or a water balloon toss.
• Edible party favors: Instead of buying knick-knacks for kids to take home, make them a tasty treat instead. Together with your kid, bake a batch of homemade cookies or chocolates, and let your child help you with the labels and tags.
Create birthday traditions and rituals
It’s easy to underestimate family traditions in our fast-paced world. Traditions ground us, make us feel safe and give us something to expect and get excited about.
Think about it: one reason why we love holidays like Halloween or Christmas is that we know what’s coming. And doing what we expect is satisfying and adds a lot of meaning to our lives.
So, if you don’t have a family birthday tradition, why not start this year? The traditions you choose will be tailored to your family and the things you all enjoy doing together.
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Here are some ideas to get you started:
• Balloon Surprise: When your child is sleeping, fill the hallway with their favorite color balloon. When they wake up, they get to walk through a magical wall of balloons.
• Big birthday breakfast: Keep the joy coming with a special homemade breakfast with your child’s favorite meal. On days like this, it’s okay to “break the rules” and enjoy something special and decadent.
• Celebrate birthday eve: There’s something magical about celebrating the night before your kid’s birthday. You can even re-use Christmas lights, play his or her favorite music and enjoy a special cake in the evening. To enrich the Birthday Eve, you can tell stories about the day they were born, tell them how you chose their name, look through baby pictures together, watch old family videos, or share memories you cherish about them. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate your child’s life and to give them your time and attention. It’s a great way to make them feel loved and appreciated – all without spending a lot of money.
Your kid’s birthday can be a super special day when you place the focus on them, rather than on money. And with these frugal birthday tips, you can make them feel loved without any financial stress.
