Big feelings, small spend: a guide to birthdays on a budget

Smart ideas for making the people you love feel like a million bucks – without spending anything close.

Birthdays are non-negotiable – they turn up whether we like them or not. The trouble is though, parties can be pricey, and nothing kills the vibe quite like the word budget. But some of the most joyful celebrations I’ve witnessed have been pulled together with more creativity than cash – proof that what people remember isn’t the price tag, but the thought behind it. As someone who has clocked up 46 birthdays of my own and hosted no fewer than 37 kids’ parties across my three offspring, I can confidently say that the amount you spend has very little bearing on how much fun people have. So before you cancel the cake and declare birthdays postponed, here’s a guide to making your funds go further next time a Very Important Date rolls around.

Party like it’s 1985

For kids’ birthdays I rate a back-to-basics approach – because let’s face it, the mums of the 80s knew how to party. Importantly, they didn’t have social media telling them balloon garlands were a must-have. Expensive party entertainers weren’t invented yet either. No, you had to do it all yourself. So, go for a cake that’s just as good as homemade – a plain sponge from the PAK’nSAVE bakery that you can cover in icing and pour over a bag of lollies or two. For a real thrill, get those candles that never blow out.

If you’ve birthed a social child who wants to invite everyone in their class, that’s OK – again, I suggest channelling the 80s. Plus, buying in bulk means savings every time. Sushi platters obviously help allay junk food fears from the more modern parents in the crowd, but there are more affordable – and arguably tastier – options here. Cheerios! Fairy bread! Sausage rolls and tomato sauce! It was the perfect formula that should never have been messed with. PAK’nSAVE has a heap more useful tips on catering for kids’ birthdays here.

Top tip: Heat said small red cocktail sausages gently. Nothing ruins a party like a skinned cheerio.

Less is more for the little ones

In the parenting world, party bags can be polarising. If you do want to treat the small people who trashed your house and smeared chocolate on your furniture – or, more likely, your kid won’t take no for an answer – go for it, but do it smartly. My favourite solution: hand each kid an empty paper bag with their name on. When it’s piñata time, they fill that bag with the lollies and mini chocolate bars they’ve managed to elbow their way to.

Top tip: If you can’t handle sugar-fuelled maniacs whacking piñatas with sticks, try a treasure hunt instead – they can fill their baggies with what they find and take them home to taunt their siblings with.

Sweet 16 

Modern day teens might be expensive to run, but birthday parties are one area where you can be economical. The key advice for parents here is to make yourself scarce. Of course, you’ll have to fork out for the required snacks and fizzy drinks (which, in the scheme of things, are unlikely to break the bank), but nothing says “I love you” to your teenaged child as much as you being out of their sight. Give them and their friends the run of the house, the wifi password and enough junk food to last the evening, and chuck some frozen pizzas in the oven. Appear at the end with a cake and candles – and a ride home for everyone – and job done.

Top tip: Frozen pizzas cook faster than teenagers eat them. Budget for at least one more than you think you’ll need.

Midweek magic

Stink, your birthday is on a Tuesday this year. But given you’re getting older, maybe a nice night in is for the best. And there’s no reason a midweek birthday can’t feel special. There is no greater act of love than cooking for your girlfriend/boyfriend/flattie/bestie etc. Pull out a table cloth (or a sheet will do the trick), put a tea light in an empty jam jar, dim the lights and suddenly your mouldy rental has become a little nicer. PAK’nSAVE has some great recipes for feeding a crowd, and once you’re in store, keep an eye out for whatever veges are in season and the less spendy cuts of meat – these are often more packed with flavour anyway. A pork roast with veges and apples all cooked in the same roasting dish is easy, tasty and affordable. Invite people over, fill the house, sing and be merry.

Top tip: Does the birthday girl want bubbles? Of course she does, but champagne might not be realistic. A bottle of Lindauer or dry prosecco comes pretty close for a fraction of the cost, so all is not lost. And everyone knows that after the first couple of glasses, even the biggest wine snobs become increasingly flexible.

Treat the olds

If you’re lucky enough to have parents, it’s important you celebrate them, mainly because it’s their turn. And the great thing about mums and dads is they genuinely appreciate the effort. So don’t waste your money taking them out to an expensive restaurant or buying a wildly pricey pressie. Invite them over, cook them a roast chicken, make a cake, get the kids – if there are any – to make some cards or whip up an artwork. Easy and heartwarming. They’re just delighted to have everyone in the same room together. And, when you think about it, isn’t that the point of a celebration?

Top tip: Leave your (work, relationship, whatever) stress at the door, put your phone out of sight, and enjoy yourself. ...