Birthday on a Budget BY AMANDA CIANI
I t is true—life with kids can be… baby all of the fanciest toys in the world, yet the TV remote control or a simple set of keys may still end up being the little one’s favored toy. Money does not buy happiness, and planning a day to celebrate a child on their special day doesn’t have to break the bank! With a focus on having fun and spending time with their friends, kids have their priorities straight and their values in the right place when it comes to birthday parties. So check out these fun-focused birthday themes that kids will love, plus a few additional money-saving tips that are perfect for parties. expensive. At the same time, remember the fact that parents can buy their SUMMER CAMPOUT Pop a tent, build a campfire, and tell the kids that camp is in session! Activity ideas include playing games like capture the flag, Mafia (rules can be found online), four-square, or even flashlight tag. Creative kiddos will enjoy super simple crafts like making beaded bracelets, painting rocks, or even putting on a talent show. Throwing water balloons at a target is a great way to practice aim, just like they do with archery
GAMING PARTY Board games, video games, and backyard games make for a fun party that is super easy on the pocketbook. Ask party-goers to bring their favorite games to share. From classics like Twister, Connect Four, Battleship, Uno, and more, it is so fun to compete! To give everyone a chance to win, throw in some simple games like cup stacking, balloon keepy-uppy (keep two balloons up for as long as possible by booping them) or cookie face (start with a cookie on the forehead and try to wriggle it down to the mouth–no hands allowed!). Simple prizes can be purchased for game winners like slinkies, silly putty, tattoos, stickers, and more—it isn’t so much about what the prize is, kids just like being able to win! And since the games are all being brought to the party (or are already owned), splurging on some inexpensive prizes is within reason. FAIRY PARTY A summer garden is the perfect setting for a fabulous fairy party! Guests can transform into fairies by using face paint to paint each other’s faces with butterflies, flowers, etc. Fairy crowns can be made using green pipe cleaners, ribbon, and artificial flowers, while
and riflery at camp–it is also a great way to cool down. Hot dogs on the fire, corn on the cob, chips, and s’mores can help parents stay on theme and within budget. Plus, most homes have lots of items that can be used to set the ambiance, such as lanterns, sleeping bags, tents, and string lights. CHEF CELEBRATION Knock out the theme and the activities all in one swoop with a cooking party. This party theme is ideal for kids who love spending time in the kitchen making tasty treats. Pre-made pizza dough can be purchased inexpensively at most grocery stores, or go all out and make it from scratch! Party guests love personalizing pizzas with a variety of toppings, and a fun twist would be pairing off into teams and having a competition to create the best-tasting pizza! A trail mix or candy buffet can also serve as an activity, with guests decorating their bags and taking their mix home as a party favor. Making homemade buttercream for simple sugar cookies is memorable for party-goers, and then guests can decorate their own cookies for dessert. Additional activities include pin the topping on the pizza and apron decorating!
16 COLORADO PARENT JULY 2025
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