How to Have an Inexpensive Birthday Party When It’s Cold Outside
It can seem like children’s expectations for birthday parties are spiraling out of control. (Sorry little Johnny, the backyard circus with pony rides is out of budget this year!) But it’s possible that we’re projecting our insecurities onto our kids. The fact that seven of Johnny’s classmates were celebrating birthdays at the local trampoline park – which is a big problem in my area, anyway – doesn’t mean that his birthday will be spoiled if you decide to cut costs a little.
However, as cold weather approaches, the outdoor options available may start to seem limited. It gets cold and windy in the parks. Backyard Sprinkler Rig and Slip ‘n Slide Parties are a hit in the summer; not so much in winter.
So one parent with a couple of fall and winter birthday parties on the horizon turned to Reddit for advice on discreet and affordable indoor party ideas. The original post has since been deleted, but very good answers remain archived for all of us.
Don’t pay for the holiday package
The idea is so simple that it might not have occurred to us if it weren’t for Reddit user u / MrsLeeCorso:
Chuck E. Cheese parties can be expensive, but meeting a few friends there, giving everyone a ticket to the game, and getting pizza for less than a group party. You cannot bring cake or get decorations, but you can sing “happy birthday” with pizza.
It’s the same with a trampoline park, cinema, bowling alley, bounce park or laser tag. It’s a party if you say so , not just if you buy a platinum birthday package with themed decorations and two helpers. (And it doesn’t hurt to ask before leaving – some places are happy to look the other way as you lug around your cupcakes.)
Arrange a sleepover
Do you want to be a hero? Cancel the “party” with the class and invite a few close friends over to the night. You probably won’t get enough sleep, so don’t make any plans for the next day, but homemade pie, some pizza, and a few bags of chips are all they need to create epic memories. They will play video games and drink stupid amounts of soda, and it will cost you almost nothing.
Try a craft party
Reddit user u / liottleredhen42 suggested this thread, which can be fun and unique, and offer built-in party support:
One day my mom bought T-shirts and down paint for all my friends, and we made the T-shirts ourselves. Slime parties are very popular in my area right now and the supplies are pretty cheap.
Pool party
Does your local community center or YMCA have an indoor pool? Invite 4-5 friends to the pool party and become the king / queen of the winter birthday party. They may also have a meeting place or a community room that you could use for a pizza or cake as they whet your appetite.
You know? Just keep it outside
If it’s winter long enough outside for real snow to fall, arrange sleigh rides. Children can bring their own sleigh (BTOS), and then you can invite them to your home to warm up with hot chocolate, popcorn and watch a film with a winter theme.
Children are often easier to please than we might expect. Food, friends and the opportunity to have fun are usually all they need to make an ordinary day special.