Parties of any kind can be expensive, especially birthday parties and birthdays in general. It’s even harder to do if you are a December baby like me, when christmas is right around the corner. So we wanted to bring you some ideas on how to have an inexpensive but special birthday party for kids.
The Invitations: Below are digital scrapbooking kits that are completely free to download! After downloading you can edit them on your computer, add your party information and even a picture of your child. Multi-Colored Invitations Princess Invites Boys Invitations
You have two options for these invitationsAfter editing them on your computer, save them in a format (like a jpg) that is uploadable to social media sites like facebook. There, you can create an event and use that to invite your friends and family! Or simply email them directly to your recipients. This option is completely free! After editing you can print them off and mail them – however, you will need envelopes, postage, paper and ink.
The Cake: If this is for your child’s First Birthday, Albertson’s will make you a free 8″ birthday cake (also known as a Smash Cake). No purchase required!
*If you don’t have an Albertson’s near you, many grocery chain stores like Publix and Safeway will give you a free smash cake when you purchase a larger cake. Just ask the bakery section of your local store. This is a very common “unadvertised” deal!
Otherwise, I suggest you simply make your own! Here are some of my favorite recipes:
Twix Ice Cream Cake
Bouncing Ball Cake
3D Owl Birthday Cake HopScotch/Polka Dot Cake
LolliPop Garden
Pirate Theme Party Ideas and Cake Recipes
Fairy Birthday Cupcakes Design
If you don’t have a fancy cake decorating kit- dont worry – I just cut the corner out of a plastic baggy. For even lines, cut straight across. If you want a more flowerly look, cut a W or V in it. 
Also, the great thing about these cakes is that they are easily edited. For example if you don’t want filling just don’t add it! If one of the decorations look too hard – change it! Places to hold your Birthday Party:Home or a friends house A local park or playground (weather permitting) McDonalds Play Houses (Their handy search tells you where the closest playhouse is) Local Community Centers (Your local Town Hall or YMCA usually have rooms or areas available for rent at discounted prices to city residents)
Free Gifts: Ringling Brothers Circus Ticket
*This offer is only available to children under 1. However, it can be used anytime after they are 1 with no expiration date! Toys “R” Us
Toys “R” Us really knows how to celebrate birthdays. Sign your child up for Geoffrey’s Birthday Club and he’ll receive a birthday card and surprise gift each year. Plus, he’ll also receive an invitation to come into the store for a special birthday experience. Children’s Place
Sign your child up for the Children’s Place Birthday Club and you and your child will both receive a surprise on your birthdays. You may submit up to five children per household. Olan Mills
Schedule a portrait sitting on your child’s birthday, and you’ll receive a free portrait package including: one 8 x 10, two 5 x 7’s and eight wallets. Good through age 3. Sign up for websites like EverSave and PlumDistrict! They will give you free credits to spend, which may lead to free gifts! For Example, I recently purchase a $30 Gifts Certificate to Kidorable and after credits it only cost me $4!
Free Food/Restaurant Birthday Freebies: Ruby Tuesday
Get on the So Connected e-mail list, and you’ll receive a coupon for a free burger on your birthday.
Red Robin
Become a Red Robin eClub member; and get a free burger on your birthday, plus a free gift just for signing up.
Baskin-Robbins
Sign-your child up for the Baskin-Robbins Birthday Club, and he’ll receive a coupon for a free 2.5 oz. scoop of ice cream on his birthday. Then, sign yourself up too – there’s no age limit on this offer! Bob Evans
Children under 12 can get another free kids’ meal when they sign up for the Bob Evan’s Kids’ Times Birthday Club. Burger King
Enroll your child in Club BK, and she’ll receive a coupon for a free kid’s meal on her birthday – plus another one now .
Party Supplies:You can get cups, plates, napkins and table cloths at your local Dollar Store (we use Dollar General) at just $1 per pack. Keep it looking fun by mixing and matching colors! Dollar Stores also carry LOTS of additional party supplies like packs of balloons, party favors, decorations and games. I suggest getting plain balloons and a few markers. That way the kids can decorate their own balloon – you can even turn it into a decorating contest!