First Birthday Party Decorations for Less Than $1!

The Story

At my Wine & Cheese party, I was joking with my friends that they never take me up on any of my services, especially with their babies’ birthdays coming up. My one friend jokingly replied that I could decorate her daughter’s first birthday party with a budget of 99 cents. Hardee har har very funny.

The Challenge

As a few days passed, I thought, I should totally do it! My friends know that I am very competitive and love a challenge. Even if I made up this challenge for myself lol. So I did it…first birthday party decorations for less than a dollar! Granted, it wasn’t that hard since I don't throw anything away because it can probably be reused for something.  And I’m a crafter with lots of excess supplies and scraps on hand from other projects. But regardless, my only purchase for the party totaled $0.98 including tax! Buy one get one free streamers from Party City, score! And lemme tell you, while I kept my eyes open for supplies at my usual stores (Michael’s, Target, and Joann’s), there’s not much for less than a dollar these days!

The Supplies

n      Paper/cardstock/envelopes and ribbons (a lot leftover from my wedding 2 years ago!)

n      Paint stirrer sticks from Menards (free!)

n      Pictures printed from a color printer (free!)

n      Printable banner from Love of that Sillie Smile (free!)

n      White plastic cups and purple fabric (leftover from Mia’s party)

n      Baby food jars (free!)

n      Tissue paper (never throw these away people!)

n      Plastic skewers from an Edible Arrangement (thanks for saving them for me Mom, see where I get it from guys?)

n      Soup cans (free!)

n      Tablecloth/plates/cake stands (good versatile staples to have on hand)

n      Streamers – buy one get one free from Party City for $0.98 including tax

BOOYAH! I’m in charge! J

 Print, cut, glue to envelopes. Open flap of envelope, string ribbon, lick to seal and ready to hang!

Baby food jars can always easily be incorporated into baby showers/birthday parties. And are free!

Create a ruffle effect with streamers and glue to paint stirrers. Print pictures from a color printer on regular computer paper. Cut and glue to cardstock then tape and glue to stick. Embellish with bow. Cute alternative to a monthly banner J

Plastic cup wreath idea from Twig & Thistle. Ruffle streamers, glue to cup. Print name from word. Embellish with bow.

More ruffled streamers and bows around soup cans. Cake Pop tutorial from Little Miss Momma (dessert costs not included in $1 budget). Or just order them from Danielle Shannon. The birthday girl definitely liked the cake pop...

The Results

Here are some notable comments from the day:

n “This is way too much money for a first birthday party.”

Me: I didn’t spend more than a dollar!!

n “Ok fine, but how much time did you put into it.” And “You wouldn’t rather spend your time doing something else??”

Me: I did it in two weeks notice! And sure I may have stayed up late a few nights, but it makes me so happy! J My agreement with Doug is that I can do my crazy projects if it doesn’t a) Keep me from doing my normal household duties and b) Take away from family/Mia time. And I’ve kept to my end of the bargain. So no, I wouldn’t rather be doing anything else! I love what I do, and that’s why I do it! J

And there you have it! Didn’t think it could be done huh? Would you have guessed it was all for a dollar and in two weeks? Does it look like it was done for $1? I hope not! Moral of the story, you can still do fun and pretty things without spending a lot!

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