Our top tips for keeping the cost of kids’ parties down — plus find out how to win the ultimate Christmas bundle worth £15,000
CHILDREN’S birthday parties can be a huge drain on parents’ wallets – especially if they are around the festive season.
But cutting down on costs doesn’t have to mean cutting down on the fun.
Hannah Maundrell, of , said: “Start planning early and use your friends and family to help you.”
Here are her tips for a successful kids’ party on a budget.
1. Set a limit. Work out how much you can afford for everything, from decorations to food. If something takes you over your budget, hunt around for a cheaper alternative or simply don’t do it.
2. Be your own party planner. Get creative, write down ideas, pick a theme and go to stores like Poundland or eBay to buy decorations. You’ll find loads of great ideas on sites such as Pinterest too.
3. Use your friends. If you know someone who wouldn’t mind dressing up as a clown or princess for a few hours, ask them to help out. It’ll be fun for the kids and only cost you a bottle of their favourite beverage.
4. Get baking. Shop-bought birthday cakes can be pricey so roll up your sleeves and watch video tutorials online for help.
5. Invite the few, not the many. Keeping numbers down means you won’t have to buy so much food and drink. Only invite kids’ close friends.
6. Don’t feel the pressure to compete. Children generally have just as much fun watching a film as they will with an entertainer, so try not to feel pressured into spending more than you can afford.
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Reader tip
GILL THOMPSON from Cornwall says: “Instead of lighting scented candles, hang pot pourri in a cloth bag from your radiators.”
- Send your tip to [email protected] and you’ll get 28 codes worth £5 if it is used. Please include your name and town.
Top offer
GIVE the gift of pampering this Christmas with Aldi’s premium range of indulgent pamper products, on sale from Thursday. A Foot Pedi for £7.99 is just one of the great products on offer.
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THIS faux fur denim jacket with a red floral design from Primark is just £25.
It’s a perfect budget alternative to the pricey designer version from Gucci, which costs a staggering £3,514.
Jane's tip
TOP chef Miguel Barclay has revealed how you can cook Christmas dinner for just £1 a head with all the trimmings.
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