We got an email from reader Rena asking for tips on how to throw an inexpensive birthday party.

We are having my daughters birthday party this weekend at a park we also rented a bounce house and for food we are just doing hot dogs, pasta salad, and cake. I got soda and hot dogs at Albertsons when they had the special and I had a $1/2 coupon for the hot dogs. But I am still ending up spending about $250 and I would like to not have to spend soo much next year.  Any ideas would be helpful!!

Here are Some Ideas for a More Frugal Party!

Buy It When You See It on Sale

Like Christmas, birthdays come so quickly every year!  If you see party supplies or a present your child would like, get it while it’s cheap.  My son turned 4 in January and we had a Pirate Party.  I bought Pirate supplies at 70% off a few months before and only spent about $15 on decorations, invitations, party bags, etc.

Use What You Have

For activities, we played Giraff-a-laff Limbo, which we already had, and played a cute little game of pretend called “Go to Sleep” my son learned at preschool.  Finally, we had a treasure hunt where the kids searched for their party bags.

Inside the party bags I put juice boxes (free), fruit roll-ups ($.30 a box), crazy straws ($.25 ea.) and pirate rings from the 70% off sale.

The Food

For lunch we had homemade pizza, which costs about $3 per regular sized pizza.  I made cupcakes with cake mix I got for $.25 and homemade frosting.  Compare that to a $20 cake from Costco and you’ve saved a lot!

The food does not have to be out of control.  Kids just like to be together, be fed, and have fun!

A Few More Ideas

Michael’s has 15 ct. glow sticks for $1.00, which make great party favors!  I also saw them at Target this week in the $1.00 section.

Play the fish pond game and buy little candies or prizes at the dollar store for kids to fish for.

For a girl: Makeover Party!  Have some older girls help paint fingernails, do hair, and put on a touch of make-up to help the party girls feel grown up.  Then make a music video and let them watch it when they’re done.  They’ll feel so special!  Or you could do a photo shoot after they’re all made up and make a simple back drop out of a brightly colored sheets and glitter.  I’m just rambling off ideas here…

I spent no more than $40 on my son’s entire party, probably less!  What are your frugal birthday success stories?