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A very exciting event is coming up! My son will be turning 1 year in about a month.
This is a looooong anticipated event as there were times that we didn't think we would ever have a little buddy to celebrate with.
Anyhow, to get to the point I am starting to plan his party. I don't want to go over the top since it really is more for us than him. It will just be family, so 15 people in total.
The theme will be Sesame Street.
So here is my question. Can anyone think of ideas for decorations, menu etc. that would be nice, but on the cheap? I was thinking of challenging myselft to only spend $30.00 (no, that's not a typo) on anything I need to buy other than what I already have in the house. ex: make a cake from scratch, I have the ingredients already so that doesn't go towards the $30. Gifts from us wouldn't count.
Here's an example: I have a Sesame Street book with great pictures. The book is intended to be paired up with a tape of the Hokey Pokey which we don't have. I thought I could cut out the characters, and either hang over the table, or stick to the window. I think there are even enough pictures to do the 5 invitations that I need.
So what do you think? Is it do-able? Part of me says "don't be cheap, it's your son's birthday" but the other part says "enjoy the creativity and the event, not the commercial pressure".
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I think it is a good idea! I think with a little creativity you can do it!
Good luck let us know how it goes!
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Yes you can do it! use the pictures you have for deco and invits. Go to the dollar store they have tons of party stuff. Do the plates and balloons in primary colors if they dont have seasame street.
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I was also going to suggest the dollar store - that's where I go for all party needs! Good luck!
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I say, "Go for it!" It might be fun to see what you could get for $30. And besides - he'll be one year old. He's not going to have a tantrum because he didn't have a roomful of decorations or anything like that!
Here's another thought: Have you tried asking friends/family if they have any Sesame Street items (stuffed animals, books, whatever) that you could borrow for the party? Surely, there would be a few people that would lend you an Elmo or two. What about freecycle? I've seen several ads on there from people asking for birthday party supplies with a certain theme? There's also thrift stores.
I just thought of another one. What about the PBS website? I think it's pbs.org, but you might want to google that. I know that I did my classroom in an Arthur theme and there were TONS of stuff on there. Here's the link for Sesame Street:
Good luck!
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Ann I thought the same about the primary colours. Before Christmas I bought some cups, plates and napkins with Elmo and looking at the receipt now, I spent about $35.00! To me that's ridiculous when I know I can get the same functioning item for a buck! I'm going to return the items tomorrow!!
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Yes you can definitely do it! We just had my dd's one year party, and did it for about that. We made the cake from scratch - did homemade invites - thank you notes I got on clearance - decorations were a solid color tablecloth, plates/napkins/cups (got on clearance 6 months ago), and just a couple of other "flower" items ... don't go overboard. A little bit can go a long way. The book idea sounds GREAT! Anything else you might need, check the $$ store - I LOVE THAT PLACE! Good luck and have a GREAT time.
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I would do dollar store and look online for printable sesame street decorations, coloring pics, etc.
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I think you can do it! The challenge sounds fun! Your family would probably enjoy seeing your creative side!
Instead of streamers, you could make paper chains from paper around the house. (Like Construction Paper)
Go to the Dollar store. They always have cheap party decorations.
The food might be difficult to keep under 30.
Make punch coffee and tea instead of buying soda pop.
Popcorn, chips with home made dips to munch on.
You could make the party during mid afternoon so that people are not expecting a full-blown meal!
Invitations would be fun and easy to make on the computer! Or, if everyone is on the internet, then you could send e-invites.
People I used to work with would use this website all of the time to create and send out e-invitations for bridal showers, baby showers, parties, etc.
Good luck!
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God bless the dollar store!