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Tip Store: Special Occasions: Birthdays

​Bubbles and Playdough are Inexpensive Gifts

Bubbles - the large ones with the wands are 50 cents from most places - that’s $13 - too easy. Otherwise a big batch of play dough or slime - lots of recipes online. 
Contributed by Mel Gaylard, 4th April 2018

​Story Time Celebration

My grandies take a special book from home to be read to the whole class. My littlies love it. 
Contributed by Paula Davis, 31st March, 2018

​Bubbles for Boys and Girls

​What about the little containers of bubble mixture you can buy at $2 shops for weddings. Suitable for boys and girls and so much fun. There are usually 5 or more to a pack so not too expensive.
Contributed by Maureen Hampson, 30th March 2018

​Personalised Playdough

For a classroom gift, I suggest making each child their own tub of homemade play dough. Just google recipes, there are heaps of them and they are safe and very easy to make. Put the play dough in a tub - (you can find cheap containers in the food storage aisle at the supermarket) and put their name on it. You could always add a cookie cutter shape or two. Play dough is always a winner.
Contributed by Annie Ponton, 29th March 2018

​​Floating Playdough

​Blow up 26 balloons (or one for each child in the class), tie a pretty ribbon around and on the end of it tie a small tub of playdough. Only have a small ribbon that can be held on the palm of the hand. Don't want anyone strangling themselves.
Contributed by Deborah Spikins, 29th March 2018

​Autographed Canvas

​Buy a cheap canvas (approximately 45 x 60cm) from your local reject/cheap type store, put a photo of your child on it and then get all of her fellow students and teacher from her class to autograph it. You can use ordinary Textas or some permanent markers. Then when it is dry you can seal it. This is also a great idea for children's/adult birthday parties too.
Contributed by Wendy Mumford 29th March 2018

​Giving a Birthday Garden

Raid your local resource recycling centre for reusable coffee cups that your daughter could decorate (probably with goodies from the same place). You may also be able to get some tissue paper, small fairy bags or wrapping paper. Now for the fun bit. Wander around your garden, visit people you know who have lovely flowers or veggies in their garden. Wrap all the seeds up, put the cups together and voila you have a living, loving garden to give to everyone. It is cheap, economical, ecological (you'll be saving products from going into waste) and a lot of fun! 
Contributed by Peta Fowler, 29th March 2018

​Bubbles are Cheap

Why not start a trend and send bubbles to school. Always fun, cheap, easy and very little mess. Even better if you can get them in bulk from a $2 shop or Moo your own.
Contributed by Julie Satterly, 29th March 2018

​MOO Designer Crayons

​What I have done for gifts for the class was to take old, broken crayons and melted them into new crayons. I did buy a box or two to make sure I had enough for the 26 kids. I use silicone moulds. I have done Christmas. Star Wars, butterflies and hearts. I know that many $2 shops have moulds. It cost me very little, less than $10  after buying moulds, plastic bags, crayons and ribbon. The kids really loved them and I had great comments from parents as well.
Contributed by Angela Thompson, 29th March 2018

​Cupcakes All Round

​My Granddaughter wanted to celebrate her 12th birthday last year, but with two classes combined I was looking at nearly 60 kids all around 12 years old. I sent in a message to her teacher and asked if she had any children that had allergies and for her to ask the other class. All came back clear so I made up 70 cup cakes for everyone, iced them and took them to the class for the teacher to give out at lunch time. It was a great success. I cut down the price buying Homebrand cake mix. I bought vanilla and chocolate and I also cut back on the eggs (I have found you only need one egg per cake mix instead of the two they say is needed).
Contributed by Robyne Neal, 29th March 2018

​Themed Pencils are a Frugal Classroom Gift

​$2 or discount shops usually have multi pack of erasers or 'pretty' grey lead pencils that can be separated and then individually handed out to each class child, bright, fun and useful, AND allergy risk free ;) 
Contributed by Belinda Rice, 29th March 2018

​​Potted Fun

​Buy a couple of punnets of flowering seedlings and replant into small containers, coloured plastic cups are perfect. Tie a small pretty ribbon around the cup and attach a small little name tag.
Contributed by Leanne Coward, 29th March 2018

​Stickers Instead of Birthday Cake for Classroom Celebrations

As much as kids love handing out little trinkets, you have to remember kids like giving and receiving, but often don't value the toys they receive - all those miniature bubble blowers, party hooters and tiny cheap party-bag toys end up in landfill, which those same kids are going to have deal with when they come of age.  Stickers or temporary tattoos are fun, and will decompose. You can buy very cheap books of themed stickers for $2 from the cheap shops. Another option is to ask the educators if they would be happy to designate 15 minutes for the kids to colour in together, or for the children to do the colouring in as a playground activity during long break. Source a large roll of children's drawing paper, or an A0/A1 piece of paper from a plan printer (or tape together A3 sheets to make a long scene). Write "Happy birthday" in supersized bubble writing filled with interesting-to-colour-in patterns and doodles. The kids will love huddling in together to create something lovely, and they can hang it on the fence or under the blackboard for the day. They'll remember making something beautiful together far longer than they will another high bouncing ball or slimy lizard toy, and the birthday child will be proud as punch all day.
Contributed by Sandra Darling, 29th March 2018

​Spinning Fun

Why don't you make some pinwheels? Really simple and cheap. Use strong plastic straws for the stick. You can have fun making them together and the kids can have fun making them turn in the playground.
Contributed by Noeline Rowsell, 29th March 2018

​50c Bubbles Give Hours of Fun

​Our kids love to play with bubbles, and you can often get wands at Big W or Kmart for 50c. Alternatively party supply stores may have the mini bottles even cheaper!
Contributed by Kasey Ball. 29th March 2018

​Bubbles are Fun for Classroom Gift

​How about bubbles, there are many different bubble makers and the cost of bubble mix is minimal, perhaps look at a low allergy dish detergent and make your own. What child doesn't love bubbles and at this time of year, the weather allows outdoor play.
Contributed by Margaret Phillips29th March 2018

​​Look for Loot Bag Ideas

Kmart has a great range of cheap 'gifts' that could be handed out - the sort of things that would go into a loot bag after a party. Packs of erasers, crayons, miniature toys can be split into gifts that work out very economical when calculated per child.
Contributed by Kate Bradshaw,29th March 2018

​Fruit Kababs are Great

​The Reject Shop has a kit for cutting different shapes, or use small cookie cutters. Watermelon, strawberries, apple, kiwi fruit, small berries etc. are great options. Just remember to cut the point off the stick once the threading is done.
Contributed by Chris Peachey, 29th March 2018

​Birthday Card Savings

​I've been reviewing my spending and birthday cards seem to be costing me a fortune. For my immediate family (25 people) it could cost me $125 a year alone at $5 per card. I'm also finding that I'm constantly having to nip down the shop for a last minute card that I haven't had time to buy, costing in time and fuel. It's no secret that you can now get 'budget' cards at the $2 shops, so this year I decided to shop for birthday cards in one hit. I made a list of my regulars and have bought all 25 at once, sourcing them from my local op shop and $2 shops. I paid $29 all up and hand selected for each person and labelled them in a box. A saving of around $96 plus the cost of fuel. I feel organised and there will be no last minute panic buying for me!
Contributed by Cindy Sutton, 4th January 2017

​Easy, Healthy Birthday Cake

Approximate $ Savings: $3 - $10

An idea for having a Birthday - in the summer months. My daughter was 10 when she came up with a good idea. We often visited a nursing home to meet older people and some had dietary restrictions. She asked to buy a watermelon then cut it in half in an oval shape. She put five candles in the two watermelon "cakes"! Very labour saving idea for mum and a nutritious idea for residents when they enjoyed a healthy piece of the "doubled up birthday cake".
​ Contributed by Deborah Kells, 26th February 2014

​Save on Kids Parties

My son requested laser tag for his birthday party but looking at the prices for venues, the prices to host a party were quite expensive, with the cost of a cake and a decent loot bag extra to the cost of the party. Ideally I would love the party at home but with the risk to my carpets and the cost of getting the stains out of the carpet I may as well bow to pressure and have the party off site. After finding a bowling alley in a local shopping centre that offered laser tag parties I couldn't see the value in the price for the amount of time the party ran for, not to mention the food. Then I had an idea that I could possibly take the birthday boy and his friends for a game of laser tag and then afterwards for ice cream or cake at a cafe at the shopping centre. With shopping centres having restaurants attached to them, this is a great alternative to over priced food and being rushed out the door at a party venue. I saw a place that had children's meals for $8.95 which coupled with the rate for a non-party game of laser tag, came out at $8.10 per child less than the party option which meant that there would be extra money for loot bags and cake. I then called a restaurant within the shopping centre and explained that I would be bringing some children for a birthday meal, and they said that they have a package of kids meal plus drink and cake for the table to sing happy birthday and I would still come out ahead of the laser tag party option even though this option does cost a little extra. The bonus is that the children will be getting a better meal than the fried nuggets and chips they would normally get at a party venue. I am yet to discuss the options with my son with a bit of luck he may want to skip the meal option and just want dessert. As a single parent it is a relief to be able to offer a party that is up there with all the 'fancy' parties and make my little man feel special for his birthday.
​Contributed by Annette Taylor, 2nd May 2013

​Budget Friendly Movie & Pool Birthday Party

Approximate $ Savings: $100

My son's 11th birthday was looming. He wanted a movie and pool day with his closest friends, not a bit party. I am an "rewards" member at Hoyts and got an online deal for movie tickets for $7 each so it was $49 for 7 of us to go in instead of close to $100. I packed 'substantial' lolly bags before we left, including Twisties and a mini-fizzy drink and gave them to the boys when we were sitting in the cinema instead of paying $10 each for popcorn and cokes. I spent about $20 on the ingredients picked up 'on special' over the preceding months. After the movie we went to the local pool - entry fee from a 'bulk buy' card bought earlier in the summer (10 entries for a reduced price). The pool has a community barbecue (free) so while the boys swam I cooked some sausages for 'hot dogs' and had made up a big cooler of water with optional cordial and my son was happy with a $4.00 lamington cake (he has simple tastes!) from the supermarket. Cost under $20 for sausages, buns, cake etc. I probably spent $100 but as I had pre-bought everything over a few months had not felt such a pinch as I would have if I'd had to pay full price for everything on the day which could have been in the vicinity of $200! But I had a very happy boy and his friends had a blast too!
​- Contributed by Meredith Parkins, 7th March 2011

​Host a Home Party For the Most Fun

Approximate $ Savings: $100-$150


​ Children's birthday parties this day can cost parents a lot (like what we do every year considering that I've 3 kids now ) . Last week we had my son's 9th birthday party at home. We had a movie night and invited 15 boys in total , served them popcorn , chips and lollies during the movie . Then we had sausage sizzle for dinner with hot chips and had a homemade cupcake to blow the candles with . The kids had so much fun , they all agreed on what movies to watch ( Home Alone 3 and Kung Fu Panda Secret of the Furious Five ).
- Contributed by Alma, Wantirna, April 28th 2009

​Party Activity to Dye For

Approximate $ Savings: $5-$10 per child

Save money and teach kids new tricks by hosting a tie-dye activity at your kid's next party. Buy some old singlets at Vinnies or your local op shop, usually for about 50c-$1 each, and a pot of clothes dye ($10-15). To be even more economical use coffee or brewed tea. Show the kids how to fasten elastics around the singlet, or on separate spots of the singlet, so that when you dye the top white rings will remain. Use a big pot for the dye so you can fit up to 10 small-medium singlets. Once dry, each child can take their creation home. If you have 10 kids, this will cost you about $2 per child. Better than a party bag any day!
​- Contributed by Bronwyn, The Channon, 4th December 2009

​It's All About Appearances

When you watch those Sweet 16 shows it is all about appearances. Make sure you make a real show of it - the grand entrance (a friend might have a cool car that they can chauffer your daughter in). Does she have a talent - can she sing or dance or something - the kids on those shows often do this. These and other show-off things take style and confidence but can really transform an average party into something memorable and they are free.
​- Contributed by Leah, Richardson, 28th June 2009

​Throw an MTV Party

We do the disco (M TV theme) party a bit. Don't buy decorations from the party shops, this will cost a fortune. I went to Life Line and offered $2 for all the old records that were badly scratched or had no covers. They were very happy with my $2 offer and I got over 200 Albums. I also went through all my old CD's (computer or music) used for work and friends threw in their old ones they don't use as well. We stuck these all over the walls of the garage with blue tack. It looked great. When the lights hit the CD it rebounds so it helps send the light in more directions. Ask friends for any disco lights, we ended up having heaps. We never pay for a DJ, we go on line and down load music for free. We make up a four hour CD of music ( all the latest some repeated kids favourites ) move the stereo out and hit play - easy. It is a good idea to have a list of songs with their number so if the kids want to request you can fast forward with remote, looking very professional. We normally make our own party invites on CD. We film the party girl and ad her favourite music. This is done while we are making the music CD. We go to all the pizza places and ask "How low will you go?" We normally get our pizzas (pick up - a parent of one of the kids will normally go as I always pre pay when I get a great price) for about $3.95 per pizza. I normally get about 10 for a party of 30 kids and about 10 parents, this is heaps, and only cost me $40 for food. They will even cut it up smaller if asked. I only serve cordial, I purchased a big esky drink bottle and that comes out every party. Works like a treat. You could use punch bowls. We then made a big DJ sound board cake, using a Sara Lee large slab from their warehouse/discount shop. We use 2 old records and draw in the other items with icing. Between the pizza and cake the kids and parents always have enough. We always have a great night and my daughter's parties are normally talked about for ages. Have fun.
​- Contributed by Kathy, Bongaree, 28th June 2009

​Simple Decorating Tip

​Great deco tip get hold of any old DVDs or CDs (ask friends and family to help collect them) and then hang them from the ceiling with fishing line. This looks really cool and will catch the DJ's lights as well. - Contributed by Sindy, Maudsland, 29th June 2009

​Keep the Food Simple

For my son's birthday we bought small dinner rolls and served them with cocktail franks (you could use chipolata sausages) and a choice of mustard or tomato sauce. They were very easy to prepare and surprisingly popular. Cut up and marinate chicken wings in teriyaki dressing made from soy sauce, garlic and honey and/or a lemon, oregano garlic dressing and bake in the oven. They can be made ahead and served hot or cold. I made a selection of dips very cheaply from seasonal vegetables and yoghurt and served them with carrot and celery sticks and biscuits. Home made oven baked potato wedges served with a selection of chili and tomato sauce and sour cream were also very popular. For sweets cup cakes are very popular at the moment.
​- Contributed by Anna, Carnegie, 29th June 2009

​High School Fun Party

For a fun teen party make the them a "High School Musical" theme. Get everyone to dress accordingly and limit the food to just a few choices. A cake and some drinks. You can also have a Mirror Ball hanging in the dance area. I have seen this type of party and it was a hit.
​- Contributed by Judy, Grovedale, 30th June 2009

​Buy the Birthday Cake from an Outlet

My suggestion is to either make the cake or go to an outlet to buy it if you are catering for a lot of people. There are a few Sarah Lee and French Kitchen cake stores around where I live. Depending on where you live you may find similar outlets where you can buy slabs of mudcake etc. My mum did this for catering and it's much cheaper. I'd suggest you start with yellow pages catering or food factory outlets. Often lots of these places have finger food too like pies or mini sausage rolls. If you're looking for decorations party outlets are the way to go and often have cheap paper plates etc. Enjoy the day.
​- Contributed by Sonia, Redfern, 29th June 2009

​The Lamington Birthday Cake

Not so much on the theme of the party, but this is what I did for my daughter 17th......the cake......I borrowed a friend's tray mobile trolley and bought enough lamingtons to cover the top, butting them together. Cover the top of the trolley with foil to protect it and Voila!! you don't have to worry about cutting the cake into equal pieces. Each person gets a lamington, or if there are more guests than cakes......cut them down the middle.......so easy!! I know the kids at our party thought it was great!....You could jazz it up with some themed icing etc if you like This is a suggestion for anyone's Party cake!!! Those big fancy cream cakes are sssooo expensive!
​- Contributed by Helen, Woogoolga, 28th June 2009

​Simple Decorating Ideas Add Atmosphere on a Budget

Instead of helium balloons, simply tie the balloons every 15cm along a piece of string and suspend the string from the ceiling/marquee/garage roof/between trees. The balloons fall round side down, so the tie ends don't show, and with enough on the fishing line or twine you get a really effective colour array that also looks great on camera. To make it cheaper again you can alternate between a few balloons and a short drop of crepe paper. Make your own crepe paper by buying a roll and cutting your own widths. Hire less chairs than people to encourage people to dance and mingle, keep the dance floor less brightly lit to add additional encouragement for self-conscious teens. You can add more party flair by using coloured cellophane (doubled over for added intensity) over the top and bottom of bedroom lamps (just pin or tape it on)in the corners. Call your mates and ask if they can lend you their Christmas tree lights- coloured or plain, flashing or not they add a great atmosphere. Instead of hiring a DJ & PA ask a mate with an Ipod to make a party mix and play that through the PA. Mix some quality lollies or corn chips with home brand ones in a 1:3 or 1:4 ratio. Make them last by putting them on the table at the beginning and middle of the night. Run around the neighbourhood and pick flowers from trees and gardens to make sweet little posies for the table. Keep a spot for family to be that is quieter, so it doesn't cramp your sweet sixteens style.
​- Contributed by Sandi, Norman Park, 29th June 2009

​Skip the Card, Give a Birthday Book

Approximate $ Savings: $2-3 per birthday

Instead of buying children's birthday cards I go to the $2 shop and purchase a book for about $2 and write the birthday message on the inside cover. This way the child has a book to keep where as a card would probably get thrown out. This saves about $2-3 per birthday.
​- Contributed by Katrina, Cranebrook, 31st July 2009

Enviro Friendly Approach to Birthday Presents

Approximate $ Savings: $10 per child

Children's birthday presents can add up substantially over time and end up filling our houses with 'stuff'. I requested a recyclECO approach at my child's first birthday party, for people to pick outgrown toys or clothes or an op-shop treasure as presents. Our friend's children enjoyed sorting through their possessions to present us with beautiful, thoughtful books, toys and clothes, which were given with love.
​- Contributed by Laurel, Prahran, 15th November 2008

​Keeping Birthdays Special on a Budget

Birthdays for three growing boys in our family were becoming very expensive if we ate out. We discussed this with the boys and agreed that, on a person's birthday, they had the choice of dinner of any kind and cake but home-made. We also restricted parties post 5 years old to one every 5 years. None of our boys ever complained about these arrangements and there was plenty of excited discussions and negotiations between them in the couple of weeks leading up to a birthday.
​- Contributed by Quentin, Garran, 6th November 2008

​Organized with Cards Saves Money

Approximate $ Savings: $90 a year

I buy children's birthday cards at the dollar shop. They are $1 each. I have 18 nieces and nephews so each year I buy the appropriate age card and then have them ready to send for their birthdays. I also buy all family and friends birthday cards there. Working it out I buy about 30 cards a year. No rushing out near the date and needing to spend about $4 a card because I wasn't organised.
​- Contributed by Sharon, Woodend, 18th July 2008

​An Inexpensive Pool Party

Approximate $ Savings $204 Recently I approached my local indoor pool about having my daughter's fifth birthday party for 19 kids and 14 adults. (I chose a quiet period from 12.30-3'ish.) The ok was given. There was an out door BBQ that I could have used but it was a cold day so instead I pre-cooked the bulk sausages at home. Yummier, boiled then barbecued. I was even able to use the pool's pie warmer. I bought in bulk some small dinner rolls to put the sausages in and also put out on the table, some Twisties, fruit kebabs, bikkies, homemade meringues and homemade mini blueberry muffins (lollies weren't even missed.) I also had two containers of cordial made up and a jug of water. I shopped at the Reject Shop for inexpensive small red plates, red cups and poppers along with treasures for pass the parcel and birthday bags that had no sweets. I used some serviettes and plastic table cloths I already had. I even made four centrepieces, using bits from my craft cupboard, out of small long balloons with each having two faces. The faces were four googly eyes, two woollen balls for noses and wadding stuck on top for hair. Each balloon sat in a cup and I even put two stickers on each side of the cup that I scribed a '5' on! For the entertainment, I asked a friend of mine to be the 'instructor' to keep the kids altogether while I was able to set-up. We even did pass the parcel after which I gave all the kids a choc frog. I only had to pay the pool entry for five children as having a swim lesson card allows you to visit other times for free. To keep the parents happy, I supplied a milk/tea/coffee basket, (and cappuccino sachets and chai latte sachets) and thermos and nibbles (chips, chocolate, dip and bikkies). The parents got to enjoy a sausage in a small dinner roll too. Because I organised all this only two days ahead of the party, (I work well under pressure!) I ran out of time to make the cake so I ended up ordering one from the bakery. I would have saved even more if I had made/decorated my own. The left over cake was used at 4 year old kinder the next day which saved me cooking the cupcakes! If I had held the party at a play centre, I would have paid $14 x 19 children = $266. Also, at the play centre, I would have had to have platters for the parents and paid for their drinks, this being approximately $7 X 14 parents =$98. My investment was $160 NOT $364. The party was a big hit as it was inexpensive, mostly healthy and fun, fun, fun! When my 'instructor' left, I even had fun in the water being the 'instructor'. Best of all for me was that there wasn't much for me to clean up! Throughout the party, I had 14 helpers and 1 lifeguard!!!! P.S My lolly free party bags included 1 gel pen, 1 plastic animal, 1 small sticker sheet, 1 balloon, 4 marbles, 1 rubber, 1 small bubble container and 1 glow bracelet (girls only) or 2 mini crayons(boys only).
​- Contributed by Jane, Kilmore, 4th May 2008

​Save $20.75 on a Character Birthday Cake

Approximate $ Savings: $30

On a recent trip to my local Coles supermarket I noticed that they were selling pre-made sponge cakes with icing pictures on top. As my daughter's second birthday was approaching I took note and asked if I could talk to a staff member from the bakery department. I asked if I could order the cakes. As a result I had a freshly made sponge cake, on a Sunday morning, filled with jam and cream and topped with a picture of the little mermaid (Ariel) all for $8.25. I enquired at the Cheese Cake Shop as to how much this would cost, it was about $30 - $40. The staff member from Coles also said they have a wide variety of icing pictures to choose from.
​- Contributed by Leanne, Cranbourne, 12th June 2008

​A Lasting Alternative to Birthday Cards

Instead of buying children expensive birthday cards, purchase them a small book instead and write the message inside the front cover. Little Golden Books are very cheap and have space for an inscription. Cards just end up in the bin or the recycling usually, whereas the book will be treasured for a long time.
​- Contributed by Sonia, Rockhampton, 29th January 2008

​$35 Birthday Party

When my daughter informed me that she was having a party and it start in 1 hour I was horrified. I had nothing in the house and not much money to throw this great big party, so I went down to the shops and grabbed 2 kg of sausages, a few loaves of bread and a tub of rainbow ice-cream. I had raced home to see the guests rolling up the driveway . we played some games and then had the sausage sizzle (everyone eats sausages). When it was time for the birthday cake I turned the tub of ice-cream on to a plate and put speckles and 100s and 1000s all over it and they LOVED it. So this party only cost me about $35.00; now I call that a cheap party . I told her she could have one every year if we did that.
​- Contributed by Joanne, Barabba, March 23rd 2005

​Teenage Birthday Parties

My daughter is turning 13 and wanted a mixed party. We have a recreation park near our home which has water slides, toboggans etc. We sent invitations out inviting 30 friends (not expecting them all to come) and asked if they would mind paying their own way into the park (for group booking of 20 or more, the price is $25 per person) in lieu of a birthday gift. I have had positive response to this; the party is in 2 weeks. We will supply the sausage sizzle, hot dogs, drinks and party food for the day. Hope this tip helps other parents, as the teenage years are hard for parties.
​- Contributed by Jacky, Kiama Downs, September 3rd 2006