While you may want to celebrate your child’s next milestone, you may not want them to grow up to be spoiled. For some families, their overall income, and money left after bills, may not allow for a lot of splurging. Due to both of these reasons, you may want to find ways to budget for your child’s next birthday. If you have more than one child, you may want to think about setting the same budget for each one, as well as other special occasions, so that there can be no arguments about unfair treatment.
Budgets for toys
Gifts for your children don’t necessarily need to be expensive. By setting a budget for the toys and games themselves, you may be able to find the perfect toy for a 12 year old boy without needing to rely on credit cards or loans. This could involve one larger item that they may love, or a lot of little presents. You may want to speak to your child about which they would prefer, as some might like the idea of receiving an expensive gift, while others may want to have numerous things to open. Looking into your finances could allow you to figure out what budget should be set.
Create your decorations
The cost of buying decorations for your child’s party can soon add up, especially if they will only be used on that one occasion. Rather than splurging out for these items, you may want to consider what could be made within the home. While you may not be able to make balloons at home, you could think about making colorful paper streamers out of crepe paper. Unless the party is meant to be a surprise, this could also be a fun activity for your children, including the birthday child, to take part in. Making your own decorations can also be a good way of freeing up some of the money to be put to other uses.
Give the Food Some Thought
Part of the plan for the party may also involve having a meal together. While going out to eat, or having ready-made food, can be nice, it may also set you back significantly, depending on what you have. Making your own food may involve a bit more work, but it could also see you spending less. There may be a number of different meals or individual foods that adults and children alike might enjoy at a party. You could even use these to create a gourmet theme. When making food yourself, it can be important to check with guests regarding any food allergies or intolerances, so you can ensure that everyone may enjoy what you create.
Hosting a birthday celebration for your child doesn’t need to be overly expensive. By setting yourself a rigid budget, and thinking about each aspect of the day, you may be able to help enjoy the time alongside your child without needing to spend too much of your money.
