$300 total is a reasonable amount for a birthday party for ~15 kids, right?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:ug, good luck OP! If you do manage to pull off an amazing party on budget come back and repost how you did it. I've held some great parties in my home for my daughters where I[d be surprised if we spent that much! We got favors from amazon (I've always leaned toward fewer, better favors), minimal decor, and pizzas/waters/seltzers/chips/veggies and hummus.

I recently lost my job and my husband's business is not making money, so we are trying to cut back. (I'm about to get a job, though -- I was recently laid off). We're trying to cut down expenses, of course. We wouldn't be able to do a $300 party. I fondly remember the birthday parties of my childhood, where we all ate cake and pizza around the ping pong table or on the deck and ran around in the yard -- or played musical chairs or pin the tail on the donkey. So much fun and dirt cheap! Back then, parents never stayed!

What month is your child’s birthday?

We have been to many low key birthdays throughout the years. Cupcakes at the neighborhood playground. No favors. No gifts. Just playground play and singing happy birthday. Spray park with pizza, cupcakes and $1 bubble favors.

Winters are tricker. You could just have a home party and make your own food and cupcakes. It is just more work but can be significantly cheaper. My friend did a make your own pizza and decorate cupcake party.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dollar tree for decorations and paper goods (though sometimes Target and other places are cheaper for plates in larger sizes).

$5 pizza's - several pizza places have deals right now - 3 double cut
Fruit, veggies, chips, sandwich platter from Costco or where ever
Bottled water and maybe a few sodas/ice tea for adults
Costco Cake $20

Then activities

The above is not the OP— I know, because I am the OP!— and the above food sounds like a very bare minimum of $80 just for the food. If minimal decorations and paper goods (we are also doing Dollar Tree) and minimal for favors, I think that still sounds like $120+. With $0 activities, maybe that’s it? If it’s even $3-5 per kid for activities and games, you’re butting up against that $200 minimum I mentioned. So, I feel better, because that sounds pretty minimalistic.

We are not doing anything crazy IMO, but it’s still about $6 per kid for food, drinks and cake, $6 per kid for special activities and games, $3 per kid for favors. Then that leaves $75 for fairly fancy (diy) decorations and tableware and extra food for adults.

Not at all the bare minimum. You can cut your own fruit and veggies so its cheaper than a platter - carrots and celery, maybe cucumber or green beans depending on price. Bags of pretzels at Aldi's are often $1-2, just need 2. A few ago they are $.60. If you want to go fancy, then you can spend more but if you are looking for a budget. Kids in K. want simple so you just go fancier for the adults- some adults will eat pizza, some not so we usually get subs too or something else for adults.

If you want fancy, then you have to be very creative.

Just don’t do fruit. You don’t need decorations either. Dollar store favor. Cake. Pizza. Done.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dollar tree for decorations and paper goods (though sometimes Target and other places are cheaper for plates in larger sizes).

$5 pizza's - several pizza places have deals right now - 3 double cut
Fruit, veggies, chips, sandwich platter from Costco or where ever
Bottled water and maybe a few sodas/ice tea for adults
Costco Cake $20

Then activities

The above is not the OP— I know, because I am the OP!— and the above food sounds like a very bare minimum of $80 just for the food. If minimal decorations and paper goods (we are also doing Dollar Tree) and minimal for favors, I think that still sounds like $120+. With $0 activities, maybe that’s it? If it’s even $3-5 per kid for activities and games, you’re butting up against that $200 minimum I mentioned. So, I feel better, because that sounds pretty minimalistic.

We are not doing anything crazy IMO, but it’s still about $6 per kid for food, drinks and cake, $6 per kid for special activities and games, $3 per kid for favors. Then that leaves $75 for fairly fancy (diy) decorations and tableware and extra food for adults.

Not at all the bare minimum. You can cut your own fruit and veggies so its cheaper than a platter - carrots and celery, maybe cucumber or green beans depending on price. Bags of pretzels at Aldi's are often $1-2, just need 2. A few ago they are $.60. If you want to go fancy, then you can spend more but if you are looking for a budget. Kids in K. want simple so you just go fancier for the adults- some adults will eat pizza, some not so we usually get subs too or something else for adults.

If you want fancy, then you have to be very creative.

OP again. I guess my question was more "$200-300 for 15+ people is not extravagant, right?" I have been broke. My mom grew up poor. I know I can do it for less, just needed a reality check that $200-300 is "reasonable."

As for what you described, I shop Aldi and stand by that $80 figure.

This is what you said:

$5 pizza's - several pizza places have deals right now - 3 double cut
Fruit, veggies, chips, sandwich platter from Costco or where ever
Bottled water and maybe a few sodas/ice tea for adults
Costco Cake $20

So, that's...

$15 in pizzas
$5 in water and sodas
$30 is what I'm seeing on the Costco website for a sandwich platter.
$6 for fruit and veggies for 15-20 is really cheap IMO, but okay-- $2 for carrots, $4 for apples?
$4 total for pretzels/chips
$20 for cake

That is literally, exactly $80.

If anyone can do that *amount* of food for *much* cheaper, I'd be impressed. If all homemade, I could see knocking maybe $20 off of that.

And no one needs decorations or tableware or activities that cost any money at all-- or favors of any kind. I totally get that. Like I said, I was more asking if $200-300 didn't sound over-the-top extravagant or wasteful. From these posts and my thinking about it a little more-- sounds like it's not.

[Anonymous]

OP that’s about what we spent for my 3yo’s party as well. Winter birthday at home, so we had some entertainment (music teacher from preschool). Served pizza, cake, and some other munchies (veggie, fruit tray), juice boxes, beer for the adults. DS loves Thomas the Train so I splurged on some decorations. Basic favors (goldfish crackers, fruit snacks). Could I have gone cheaper? Sure, but it seemed worth it to spend a bit more to add some fun touches, and it was his first friends party.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP that’s about what we spent for my 3yo’s party as well. Winter birthday at home, so we had some entertainment (music teacher from preschool). Served pizza, cake, and some other munchies (veggie, fruit tray), juice boxes, beer for the adults. DS loves Thomas the Train so I splurged on some decorations. Basic favors (goldfish crackers, fruit snacks). Could I have gone cheaper? Sure, but it seemed worth it to spend a bit more to add some fun touches, and it was his first friends party.

Thank you. Yes, ours is also a winter party.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dollar tree for decorations and paper goods (though sometimes Target and other places are cheaper for plates in larger sizes).

$5 pizza's - several pizza places have deals right now - 3 double cut
Fruit, veggies, chips, sandwich platter from Costco or where ever
Bottled water and maybe a few sodas/ice tea for adults
Costco Cake $20

Then activities

The above is not the OP— I know, because I am the OP!— and the above food sounds like a very bare minimum of $80 just for the food. If minimal decorations and paper goods (we are also doing Dollar Tree) and minimal for favors, I think that still sounds like $120+. With $0 activities, maybe that’s it? If it’s even $3-5 per kid for activities and games, you’re butting up against that $200 minimum I mentioned. So, I feel better, because that sounds pretty minimalistic.

We are not doing anything crazy IMO, but it’s still about $6 per kid for food, drinks and cake, $6 per kid for special activities and games, $3 per kid for favors. Then that leaves $75 for fairly fancy (diy) decorations and tableware and extra food for adults.

Not at all the bare minimum. You can cut your own fruit and veggies so its cheaper than a platter - carrots and celery, maybe cucumber or green beans depending on price. Bags of pretzels at Aldi's are often $1-2, just need 2. A few ago they are $.60. If you want to go fancy, then you can spend more but if you are looking for a budget. Kids in K. want simple so you just go fancier for the adults- some adults will eat pizza, some not so we usually get subs too or something else for adults.

If you want fancy, then you have to be very creative.

OP again. I guess my question was more "$200-300 for 15+ people is not extravagant, right?" I have been broke. My mom grew up poor. I know I can do it for less, just needed a reality check that $200-300 is "reasonable."

As for what you described, I shop Aldi and stand by that $80 figure.

This is what you said:

$5 pizza's - several pizza places have deals right now - 3 double cut
Fruit, veggies, chips, sandwich platter from Costco or where ever
Bottled water and maybe a few sodas/ice tea for adults
Costco Cake $20

So, that's...

$15 in pizzas
$5 in water and sodas
$30 is what I'm seeing on the Costco website for a sandwich platter.
$6 for fruit and veggies for 15-20 is really cheap IMO, but okay-- $2 for carrots, $4 for apples?
$4 total for pretzels/chips
$20 for cake

That is literally, exactly $80.

If anyone can do that *amount* of food for *much* cheaper, I'd be impressed. If all homemade, I could see knocking maybe $20 off of that.

And no one needs decorations or tableware or activities that cost any money at all-- or favors of any kind. I totally get that. Like I said, I was more asking if $200-300 didn't sound over-the-top extravagant or wasteful. From these posts and my thinking about it a little more-- sounds like it's not.

Spend what you want $200-300 is fine. You were sounding like you didn't want to spend more. I've done many parties most think are elaborate for that much as a room parent but we reuse a lot of our party decorations which helps. Personally, I'd spend more for food but if you want it cheap that is how you do it. I think in store the sandwich platters are cheaper but I usually do Subway as I prefer it. If you can afford it, spend enough to make a nice party. Skip the favors as most get trashed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dollar tree for decorations and paper goods (though sometimes Target and other places are cheaper for plates in larger sizes).

$5 pizza's - several pizza places have deals right now - 3 double cut
Fruit, veggies, chips, sandwich platter from Costco or where ever
Bottled water and maybe a few sodas/ice tea for adults
Costco Cake $20

Then activities

The above is not the OP— I know, because I am the OP!— and the above food sounds like a very bare minimum of $80 just for the food. If minimal decorations and paper goods (we are also doing Dollar Tree) and minimal for favors, I think that still sounds like $120+. With $0 activities, maybe that’s it? If it’s even $3-5 per kid for activities and games, you’re butting up against that $200 minimum I mentioned. So, I feel better, because that sounds pretty minimalistic.

We are not doing anything crazy IMO, but it’s still about $6 per kid for food, drinks and cake, $6 per kid for special activities and games, $3 per kid for favors. Then that leaves $75 for fairly fancy (diy) decorations and tableware and extra food for adults.

Not at all the bare minimum. You can cut your own fruit and veggies so its cheaper than a platter - carrots and celery, maybe cucumber or green beans depending on price. Bags of pretzels at Aldi's are often $1-2, just need 2. A few ago they are $.60. If you want to go fancy, then you can spend more but if you are looking for a budget. Kids in K. want simple so you just go fancier for the adults- some adults will eat pizza, some not so we usually get subs too or something else for adults.

If you want fancy, then you have to be very creative.

OP again. I guess my question was more "$200-300 for 15+ people is not extravagant, right?" I have been broke. My mom grew up poor. I know I can do it for less, just needed a reality check that $200-300 is "reasonable."

As for what you described, I shop Aldi and stand by that $80 figure.

This is what you said:

$5 pizza's - several pizza places have deals right now - 3 double cut
Fruit, veggies, chips, sandwich platter from Costco or where ever
Bottled water and maybe a few sodas/ice tea for adults
Costco Cake $20

So, that's...

$15 in pizzas
$5 in water and sodas
$30 is what I'm seeing on the Costco website for a sandwich platter.
$6 for fruit and veggies for 15-20 is really cheap IMO, but okay-- $2 for carrots, $4 for apples?
$4 total for pretzels/chips
$20 for cake

That is literally, exactly $80.

If anyone can do that *amount* of food for *much* cheaper, I'd be impressed. If all homemade, I could see knocking maybe $20 off of that.

And no one needs decorations or tableware or activities that cost any money at all-- or favors of any kind. I totally get that. Like I said, I was more asking if $200-300 didn't sound over-the-top extravagant or wasteful. From these posts and my thinking about it a little more-- sounds like it's not.

Spend what you want $200-300 is fine. You were sounding like you didn't want to spend more. I've done many parties most think are elaborate for that much as a room parent but we reuse a lot of our party decorations which helps. Personally, I'd spend more for food but if you want it cheap that is how you do it. I think in store the sandwich platters are cheaper but I usually do Subway as I prefer it. If you can afford it, spend enough to make a nice party. Skip the favors as most get trashed.

Oh, yes, I definitely don't want to spend more than $200-300! I will say that in addition to getting the sense that $200-300 is actually fairly reasonable, I do appreciate this thread for reminding me I could cut a corner or two and keep it under $200.

[Anonymous]

Sounds reasonable. I hate favors so I don't do them. We do an activity and kids Take it home. This year my 3 year old is having a dinosaur theme and I got fake pith helmets and stickers to decorate. Cut out a bunch of paper footprints and leaves for decor and balloons.
Fancy cake is the splurge and then Costco sandwiches, veg, fruit, hummus, drinks for adults and kids and applesauce pouches. 17 people (5 kids) so more on food than of it were more kids.

[Anonymous]

$300 doesn't seem a lot at all. I have been to at least 10 preschool bday parties in the past 2 years, each with around 15 kids. I don't think I have been to one that cost less than $1000, and they are not extravagant really.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:$300 doesn't seem a lot at all. I have been to at least 10 preschool bday parties in the past 2 years, each with around 15 kids. I don't think I have been to one that cost less than $1000, and they are not extravagant really.

This is OP. I did spend what I considered a LOT (like really over the top) on my daughter's first preschool party (age 4) and there were 25 kids, 20 adults and it still was $600. It's hard for me to imagine a $1000/15 kids party that "wasn't extravagant, really." But I'm solidly middle class around here-- HHI $100k for a 2-income family.

[Anonymous]

That is incredibly reasonable. I just paid close to $700 for pump it up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:$300 doesn't seem a lot at all. I have been to at least 10 preschool bday parties in the past 2 years, each with around 15 kids. I don't think I have been to one that cost less than $1000, and they are not extravagant really.

This is OP. I did spend what I considered a LOT (like really over the top) on my daughter's first preschool party (age 4) and there were 25 kids, 20 adults and it still was $600. It's hard for me to imagine a $1000/15 kids party that "wasn't extravagant, really." But I'm solidly middle class around here-- HHI $100k for a 2-income family.

A child’s party for $1000 not being extravagant is a perspective that can only be held by someone who lives in a very small bubble.

[Anonymous]

Too low. Budget $500 or so

[Anonymous]

Beyond reasonable, could never do a party with that amount.

[Anonymous]

I just did this a few weeks ago. I did a winter themed party and raided Michael’s and Oriental Trading post-holidays clearance stock for goody bags and decor. Costco for sandwich and fruit platters, frozen meatballs that went in the crockpot, chips and salsa/dip, Mac and cheese, cake and a case of water, beer and some wine for the parents. Dollar store for paper plates and napkins. Walmart for honest juice boxes. Young kids so mostly they just ran around and played with toys but I printed out some thematic coloring sheets and put them out with crayons and some poster boards. It went over well!