We reveal our guide to organising a kids birthday bash without busting your budget — plus, get a free fiver from our rewards club

HAPPY birthday to you . . . and you and you . . . and you.

This week is the busiest of the year for birthdays.

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So if you are forking out a small fortune for your child’s celebration this week, you are not alone.

A new study has found that parents splash out £126 on average for a child’s party — while 16 per cent admit they spend much more than they can afford.

Daniel Zelkind of , the giftcard marketplace behind the study, said: “Despite a fall in consumer spending, it seems kids’ birthdays are the one occasion parents feel they are unable to compromise on. It’s surprising how many parents feel under pressure to stretch themselves.”

But there are some simple ways to cut the cost of hosting a kid’s party. Here is how to do it.

1. Share a birthday party: Organising a joint party with a classmate of the birthday boy or girl is a great way to save big. That is especially true if they share the same group of friends. Just ensure both families are happy to stick to the same budget.
2. Plan ahead with party supplies: Pick up basic paper plates, plastic cups and cutlery from pound shops. Or go online to , and for cheap deals on character party supplies. But do order in plenty of time so you aren’t stressed about whether things will arrive before the big day.
3. Cheat on the cake: Elaborate custom cakes can cost upwards of £100. Instead, make or buy a plain cake then decorate it with themed cake-toppers that cost around £3 from eBay. You can even add plastic toy figures for a couple of quid.
4. Make and bake: DIY parties where kids make their going home gifts are a big trend. Try a “graffiti” party with cheap canvases and homemade stencils or Bake Off-style challenges.
5. Discount days out. For smaller parties, getting out of the house to do an activity is cheap and easy. Tickets for Saturday morning matinees at the cinema are usually just a couple of pounds — and ideal in winter. See and for local deals.
6. Fireman Sam fans: Ask your local fire station if they host fire safety talks. Some are happy to speak to children and show them around for free. You only need to pay for refreshments and party favours when back at home.
7. Bag a bargain: Cut party bag costs buying bulk favours from a pound shop. Or use zeek.me to buy gift vouchers at up to 25 per cent off the normal price, which you can spend on favours or presents.

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•  PRICES are correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.

Fancy a free fiver?

YOU can get FREE cash with super Sun Savers just for buying your favourite paper.

Our brilliant new rewards club, which launched this week, will pay back our most loyal readers.

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Just pick up the paper each day to collect your Sun Savers codes and we will GIVE YOU £5 when you have ­collected 28.

This isn’t a one-off and there is no limit to how much cash you can save.

For every 28 codes you enter, we will give you a fiver. So over the course of a year, that could add up to £65.

We are keeping it super-simple. You don’t have to enter codes from consecutive days, so don’t worry if you forget a day or two.

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In fact, it is completely up to you how much you save.

Download our easy Sun Savers app and quickly scan your code using your smartphone. Or go online and enter your code at .

What is Sun Savers? Here's everything you need to know about our new rewards club

To get you on your way, join today and we will put a bonus £1 in your Sun Savers wallet tomorrow. And the good news doesn’t stop with free cash.

With Sun Savers, we give you the best hacks, deals and tips to save money every single day.

TO JOIN: Don’t worry, folks — joining takes just 30 seconds, in three steps.

All we’ll ask of you is your name, your date of birth and an email address to get you on the way to your first crisp fiver.

You can choose to save or cash out straight to your bank account or instantly with Paypal.

Don’t delay — join Sun Savers now!

Best deal since sliced bread

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SAVER SPOT 2: Look good for less. New customers at ASOS can get ten per cent cashback via . The offer has no closing date.

Boot bargain? Back of the net

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SAVE: £49.99

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