Kids' Parties: How to Reduce Your Budget and Stress

A small group trip to a special venue (such as a zoo, theme park or cinema) will have the feeling of extravagance without going overboard with scale. If you have a tent, backyard camping can be an incredible adventure with practically no expense.

By offering a completely different experience to the traditional home party, your child can enjoy the feeling of being pampered and loved without inviting comparisons, and without the arbitrary need to spoil every classmate as well.

Even a small-scale home sleepover with friends can be an incredibly adventurous experience at a young age.

Talk openly with your child about which friends he or she would most like to share the experience. This process is invaluable in more ways than one, as it also encourages serious thought about the importance of friendship.

If you're holding a home party, there's a great deal of value in surprising your birthday boy or girl. However, sometimes there can be just as much value in getting him or her more involved. Let your child "direct" the proceedings on where to place balloons and streamers, enjoying the luxury of being in charge while grown-ups follow every instruction.

If you're raising a budding artist, you could even give the option of designing his or her own kids party invitations!

This way, your child will feel more personally invested in the party, and perhaps more willing to appreciate the effort that goes into it.

Homemade decorations and favors can easily take the burden off your wallet. A creative DIY effort will often be admired as "crafty" and "budget savvy" rather than "cheap".

On the other hand, it's very easy to go overboard, costing serious time and effort in place of money. This "Martha Stewart Syndrome" - the need to create everything yourself - can sometimes create more trouble than it's worth. It's essential to learn how to strike a good balance.

Sometimes the best compromise is a mix of purchases and personal effort. Rather than blowing your money on pre-made gift bags, try buying the individual kids party supplies in bulk, then compiling the packages yourself.

Another brilliant shortcut - within reason - is to let your guests decorate for you.  Set up an art and craft table to let them decorate their own favor bags or placemats.

The "kids' party scene" can get ugly when politics get involved among parents. To avoid conversations behind one another's back, a little communication can save a lot of stress. Don't be afraid to discuss your concerns, exchange notes, and come to an agreement over what should be expected.

It's easy forget that many other parents - even those who hold the most expensive, over-the-top events - are probably feeling the same fears. With a little friend conversation and honesty, that sense of competition will quickly disappear.

Your child will only judge the day in terms of fun, not dollar value. If a birthday celebration is full of fun, novelty, and shared with the most important people in your child's life, it doesn't matter how you achieve it.

Family Social Science - Birthdays Without Pressure
A wonderful guide by the University of Minnesota, full of tips on how lower-income households can keep birthday celebrations low-key without compromising on fun.