Although thirty dollars is quite low when it comes to planning any party, I do believe you can provide your child with a memorable party for under thirty dollars. First, I would suggest you have the party at a nearby park or playground. This will cut costs two ways, first you have swings, slides and other forms of entertainment for the children, and secondly, you just streamlined your decorating costs. Also, rather than purchasing invitations, I would send parents an E-Vite to invite their children to the party. You can sign up here: http://www.evite.com.

Next, I would go to the 99 Cent Store and see what you can use there. They have a great selection of party favors, so I would spend about one-third of my budget on napkins, plates, maybe some goodie bags and some little favors. You can probably get a good price on punch for the kids as well. My advice to you is to cut up some citrus fruits to make it better, sliced oranges and lemons will work fine.

Now, we are at the food section of your party. I think there are a few ways you can go here. You can make sandwiches, a variety from peanut butter and jelly to tuna salad sandwiches, cut into fours so they can mix and match what they’d like and offer some carrot and celery sticks with ranch dressing and some chips on the side. If you’re able you can substitute hot dogs for the sandwiches. It will end up costing about the same.

Finally, instead of ordering a cake, I would make some plain cupcakes and purchase some sprinkles, nuts, candy toppings and let the kids decorate their own cupcakes. This will give the kids an activity and serve as the birthday cake as well. You can serve them on a platter, sing Happy Birthday and then let the kids decorate them.

For games, you can do musical chairs, hot potato, have a dance contest or if you’re outside at the park, do relay races. For more tips, try this website: http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/budget-birthday-party-ten-tips.htm.