Budget Party Tip: Skip the Party Favors for an Activity They’ll Never Forget

Let’s face it, party favors are the glitter of the parent trap—pretty, shiny, and utterly impossible to clean up. As a mum of three with a calendar full of birthdays, holidays, and random "Let's celebrate Tuesday!" parties, I’ve learned a thing or two about cutting costs without cutting corners on the fun.

Today’s budget party tip? Ditch the plastic toys and sugar-overdose goody bags. Instead, give your little guests a creative, hands-on activity that doubles as entertainment and a take-home treat. Trust me, your future self (and fellow parents) will thank you.

Why Activities Beat Party Favors Every Time

When we think of party bags, we often imagine candy, stickers, and a squishy toy that ends up in the vacuum cleaner. But kids aren’t just looking for stuff—they want to have fun. Activities keep them engaged, give them something to talk about, and make your party unforgettable. Plus, it saves you a trip to the chaotic party supply store (finances and sanity intact!).

Enter the Hero: DIY Party Activities!

Here are a couple of budget-friendly, mum-approved favourites that turn into both entertainment and a keepsake:

• Decorate Your Own Cupcake Station – All you need are plain cupcakes, bowls of frosting, and a rainbow of toppings (let them go wild, it’s their sugar rush to ride!). Bonus: no need for a cake-cutting ceremony, just extra napkins... lots of them.
• Mini Craft Corner – Think simple: decorate-your-own frames, superhero masks, or friendship bracelets. Head to your local discount store and grab a bunch of crafty bits. Kids get to take their masterpiece home, and you look like the Pinterest mum of the year (spoiler alert: no one saw the behind-the-scenes chaos).

Tips to Keep It Budget-Friendly

• Buy supplies in bulk – Hello, warehouse store membership finally paying off!
• Keep it simple – The fun is in doing, not perfecting. Avoid crafts that require 48 steps and a degree in glitterology.
• Ask for help – Get older siblings, aunties, or your partner involved. You’re throwing a party, not producing Cirque du Soleil.

Conclusion: It’s the Memories, Not the Trinkets

In the chaos of crumb-covered floors and post-party sugar crashes, what really sticks (besides frosting on the walls) are the moments. By swapping party favors with a crafty or delicious activity, you're creating memories, building creativity, and yes—keeping your wallet happy.

So next time you're planning your kiddo's birthday bash, remember: Martha Stewart-level favors are optional. A table full of icing tubes and googly eyes? Now that's a party!

Book your teepee kit now and lock in the fun—because who said budget parties can’t also be magical?