When you’re throwing a birthday party for someone you care about, it can be tempting to go over the top to make sure it’s a memorable event. But there are a lot of ways to plan a really fun, awesome, and special bash without decimating your bank account. Here are some tricks for planning an affordable birthday party that everyone—especially the guest of honor—will enjoy.

1. Set a budget

Start by figuring out how much you’re willing and able to put toward the party. Having a clear budget right up front will help you prioritize expenses and protect you from overspending.

2. Choose a free or low-cost venue

Maybe don’t have the party at the hottest new restaurant in town or on a private island. That sort of Kardashianesque glam can be fun, but you could also end up paying for it for the rest of the birthday person’s natural life. Think about hosting the party at home, in your backyard, or at a local park. Community centers or libraries often have affordable rental options if you need more space.

3. DIY invitations

Skip the expensive printed invites and go digital! (Do people even check their regular mail anymore?) Use free sites like Evite to create custom invitations you can send by email or social media.

4. Plan simple decorations

Channel your inner Martha Stewart and get creative with your DIY decorations. Balloons, string lights, and paper garlands can transform any space. Check out dollar stores for affordable party supplies—they usually have a lot of fun stuff for very reasonable prices.

5. Food and drinks: keep ‘em simple

Instead of catering, make some simple things like pasta or a taco bar. For dessert, bake your own cake or cupcakes. You can also ask party guests to pitch in and bring appetizers or drinks to help spread the cost around.

6. Organize fun, free activities

Planning games or activities that don’t require expensive supplies is easy and usually ends up being way more fun than you even expect. There are lots of great ideas online, and you can even ask ChatGPT! Some standbys are:

  • Scavenger hunt
  • DIY craft station
  • Karaoke

7. Go for affordable party favors

Everyone loves to get a small gift at someone else’s party. Thank your guests with small, inexpensive favors like homemade cookies, mini succulents, or a bag of candy.

8. Borrow instead of buy

If you need extra tables, chairs, or decorations, ask friends, family, or neighbors before you rent or buy anything. You’ll save a lot, and won’t have to find space to store things that you might not use very often.

9. Set a theme

A theme can make planning easier and also has a built-in fun factor. For example, a retro game night, beach picnic, or disco theme can be an ideal roadmap to help you decide on decor, food, and activities. And most people really love to dress up for a great theme.

10. Plan ahead

Last-minute purchases are often rushed, which means that you can’t be as thoughtful about your spending and don’t have time to shop around for the best price. Planning ahead will let you take advantage of sales and also give you an opportunity to compare prices.