Frugal Moms

Kids at this age really enjoy the company of their friends.  In fact, I would say they would prefer their friends over a visit from aunt Thelma.  However, birthdays are an important time for the family, the child, and friends.  To be frugal at this age is very difficult.  They always want pizza, movies, games, going to the mall, shopping…. more.  However, a really sweet slumber party can be made for both boys and girls frugally if you know how to do it.

First make sure to lay ground rules.  There will be a birthday party and then a couple of friends may stay after for the sleep over part.  Make sure the birthday child knows not all of his or her friends can stay.  Set a limit to the amount of guests allowed based on your pocket book.  For my example I will say a total of 6 children including the birthday kid.  After the cake ($4)  described on my previous post HERE , and streamers and candles bought at the dollar store ($2), a mom or dad has to plan for the nights activities and at least a gift.  I would set a limit of $10 for a gift.  If you have a nice “get together” birthday party, the child shouldn’t notice the less expensive gift.  In general, it is my belief a child doesn’t need more than one good gift, but we always want to give more.

Make sure the birthday party itself is short and sweet, about an hour.  Also make sure that it starts at 7 or 8 pm.  Allow everyone to catch up and learn about one another.  Have a board game set up for the kids to play while they wait for the cake to be served.  This should be one you already own.  Board games are best because more players can play as opposed to video games which is limited to 4 at most.  Board games also stimulate conversation better.   Another game that is fun to play is “telephone.”  Where one person starts by whispering something in one persons ear and going around the room whispering the same thing from one child to the next.  At the end it will be very funny to see what the “secret” turns out to be.  Mom and Dad can play along with this one too, and should in fact initiate it.

At the dollar store you can find party favors, but I prefer to make my own.  For each child that can not stay at the slumber party, make sure they are given a goody bag.  This can be as simple as a little candy and a thank you note in a bag, or a certificate for fries at Wendy’s or something else.  In general candy and a bag are the cheapest, costing about ($2).

Once everyone leaves and only the kids that are staying over remain, the party really begins.  Make sure all the parents know that the kids must be picked up at 7 or 8 am, that way you don’t have to give them lunch or snacks.  Buy a pack of hot chocolate and candy canes ($3) for a winter birthday, or spiced apple cider and a how ever many apples as kids for a fall birthday ($5) , or buy a melon and tea ($5) for a summer birthday, or buy a carton of eggs and tea for a spring birthday ($3).  this will be the kids breakfast.  Of course, you will get the cheapest available in your area.

For entertainment there are several options.  Free videos are available over the internet at the following locations.  Veoh has several television shows.  Hulu has several free movies over the internet, and many tv shows. If you can’t find anything here you can always rent from your local movie rental place.  In general two movies is the maximum you will need if you started the birthday party at 7 pm.  ($7)

Of course while movies are playing, popcorn must be eaten.  Popcorn is only about $1 a bag.  Make sure you have enough for the whole tribe to stuff themselves silly.  For 6 children I recommend at least 2 bags.   ($2)  After the movies are done, tell a bed time story (scary is best) and send the little ones on their way.  Expect a night full of flash lights, giggles, bathroom trips, and in general whispers because no one ever sleeps on a sleep over.

Total cost with the most expensive options:   $32

Your pocket book won’t hurt and your kid will love you.  Also it can be a lot cheaper than this if you find a free movie you like, and only feed the kids eggs and tea for breakfast.  Finally, if your son or daughter complains about such a “little” birthday gift from mom and dad, explain the present isn’t their only gift…the whole sleep over was.  Then show them how much it costsed to host som many friends over night.  Good luck and let me know how this works.  My eldest daughter that is 12 says it is a dream come true,  may be your child will like it too.