Tips for Saving Time and Money on Kids’ Birthday Parties

When ordering a Costco birthday cake (or any, for that matter) request that it is ready the night before you want to pick it up, as it might not be ready the morning of!
Consider purchasing cake toppers at the grocery store from the bakery section (Albertson's has a huge assortment of thematic cake embellishments) and decorate your own cake for around $6. They will also personalize your cake by transferring your photo as a cake topper.
Prevent kids from squirming in the long piñata line at your kiddie birthday party! Once all are in line hand them their loot bags (small gift bags with with handles) and they'll have something fun to do while waiting their turn (and to boot you'll be spared needing to provide them with a second bag to scoop up the piñata goodies).
Save those obnoxious twisties from kids' toy packaging, as they are handy for tying balloons to gates and much more!
Salsa containers with handles make great containers for homemade bubbles. Strawberry crates make good bubble blowers.
If you open a present and it turns out defective or soon thereafter breaks (and you don't have receipt) call the manufacturer, as many will send you a replaced item with no strings attached.
Less emphasis can be placed on the theme and decorations when you invite the kids to come dressed in costume!
Collect party favors from Party City 75% off bin (think ahead) and have a combo. theme party (Superheroes, flowers/butterflies). They often mix well!
Combine all of the leftover ice cream tub contents, then make a shake.
Consider making mini muffins for the very young kids, as they are portable, make less of a mess, and usually entail less leftovers than your average size cupcake! Cupcake pyramids can also be a great alternative to a cake!
An alternative to providing loot bags is to have the kids make crafts or editable art to take home from the party. They can be more meaningful, less wasteful, and a big time saver! Also, consider using and decorating lunch bags to save some dough.
Inform the guests where the recycling bins/trash bins are (plastics, paper, general trash). Use your stackable bins if it is an outdoor party. You will see how the plastics bin fills up!
Invest in solid color party plasticware such as tablecloths, bowls, cups (blue, green and pink will cover your bases). Your favors will always match and you will waste much less.
Buy your own helium balloon maker. Tie a treat onto the ends of the balloons to hold them down and give those as the parting gifts (serves as both decoration and party favor!)
Instead of forking out crazy money for a mascot or thematic character rent your own mascot costume from PartyPax.net. One of your talented friends will feel like a rock star as s/he pulls a Clark Kent in the back room!

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