A game-filled slumber party is an inexpensive option.
If you don't have the money to throw a huge birthday bash for a 12th birthday, choose a type of party that focuses on activities that you can facilitate with items you already own. For any kind of birthday party, save money by making the invitations yourself and giving each guest one small party favor rather than a whole bag of toys and treats.
Sleepover
A sleepover is inexpensive because it takes place at home and all the host has to provide is snacks for the kids to munch on during the evening. Start the party at 7:00 p.m. so you do not have to serve a full meal. For activities in the evening, let the kids play board games or video games. Girls might also be interested in simple crafts, such as making friendship bracelets with embroidery floss, which is inexpensive. As it gets close to bedtime, put on a movie. Get approval from all the parents beforehand if you want to show anything with a rating above PG.
Outdoor Parties
Take advantage of your outdoor space as the setting for a birthday party. If the birthday occurs during the winter and your area usually has snow on the ground, invite the guests to dress warmly and come for a snowman-building contest. You could also get nature-friendly snow paint and let kids decorate around your yard. In the summer, have a pool party or a luau. Use your blender to make fruit smoothies for treats and serve cake after the activities are done. Decorate with beach towels and umbrellas that you already have.
Dance Party
If your preteen is interested in dancing, throw a simple dance party for her birthday. Set up a home speaker system in the living room or garage to make a dance floor and plug in an mp3 player or computer with a play list for the party. The only supplies you might need are colored light bulbs to create a fun and youthful atmosphere on the dance floor. Serve simple snacks, such as chips, crackers and soda, during the dance and have cake near the end of the party.
Inexpensive Outings
If you would prefer to not host the birthday party at your home, you have a few options for inexpensive outings to take a group of kids on. For kids who love the outdoors, have a hiking party where the group takes a supervised trek through a local wilderness area and enjoys cake after the hike. Another idea is to hold a sports-themed party at a local park that has facilities for participating in that sport. For example, have a soccer-themed party with a penalty kick tournament and an obstacle course of cones that kids have to dribble a soccer ball through for a relay race. Another option is to have the party at a museum, movie theater or sporting event with a ticket price of about $5 or less so you can afford it.
Tags: birthday party, cake after, dance floor, option have, party birthday