I have three boys, which means three birthday parties every year. It is easy for costs to run high, and I do not like overdoing it. Spending too much on a party can feel stressful and take away from the fun. At the same time, I love making the parties look cute and aesthetic, especially since I enjoy documenting them with photos. My goal is to keep celebrations meaningful and visually appealing while staying on a budget of around $150 or less per party.

Decorations on a Budget

I try to DIY as much as possible and make use of things we already have around the house. Thrifted finds also help add unique touches without breaking the bank. Some strategies I use include:

Reusing party staple items like balloons, tablecloths, and serving pieces
Thrift Table cloths, sheets (as backdrops), and serving pieces like cake stands
Keeping decorations around $100 - 150
Adding small, affordable themed touches to make the party look cohesive and cute

This approach keeps the parties looking special without overspending.

Food and Cake

Food does not have to blow the budget:

Hosting the party in the afternoon between meals allows for just a themed snack
Simple snacks or sweet treats can tie into the theme without adding significant expense
If the party is near dinner, I sometimes do a casual meal like a barbecue

This way, the entire celebration stays within budget while keeping the kids happy and satisfied.

Activities and Games

The simplest and most effective entertainment is often just letting the kids play:

Good playgrounds or outdoor spaces let children stay busy for hours
Themed games can be fun but are not necessary if kids have room to explore and run around
Freedom to play ensures kids have a blast without extra cost or stress

Party Favors

Party favors can serve a dual purpose: decor and take-home fun

Include favors in each child’s place setting or on the themed table for the cake
Keep it simple with small toys, themed treats, or something related to the activities
Favors enhance the visual appeal while giving kids a little keepsake from the celebration

Tips for Staying Under $150

Some of my best strategies for keeping birthday parties budget-friendly include:

Reuse party staples like white tablecloths, tablecloth clips, and cake stands
Focus spending on smaller details that make each party unique, such as:
- Table runner
- Plates and cups
- Backdrop
- Outfit for the birthday child
- Extra small decor touches
Skip buying birthday presents. Kids usually get plenty from guests, and you can let them keep a piece of the decor, like a cake topper, as a keepsake

By prioritizing essentials and reusing items, it is possible to create a fun, beautiful, and memorable party under $150.

Here are some of the cake toppers and dress up that our kids have kept from past parties:

Final Thoughts

It is absolutely possible to have a memorable and beautiful party without going over budget. Keeping things simple, focusing on a few special details, and reusing staples makes planning easier and the parties more enjoyable. The kids still have fun, the parties look cute for photos, and it does not feel stressful or overdone.