I just realized that I’ll probably be spending a chunk of change this weekend on my daughter’s 6th birthday. It’s Sunday, and in case you’re wonder why I’m just now mentioning it, it’s because I’m just now planning it.
Yes, I’m definitely a last minute person and actually intended on having her first big party this year since she’s in school now and can invite her friends. Unfortunately, I didn’t get organized enough for that and also didn’t research any ideas that wouldn’t cost me a big party amount of money. Birthdays are different nowadays. Now, you have to have gift bags and games with prizes and food and drinks and cake and ice cream…you get the idea. I thought of having it at a pizza place or something but again, didn’t look into the cost.
So this year, just like the previous years, I’m having cake and ice cream and inviting the immediate family over. I feel crappy about not having a party for her. I know though, that I’m barely even going to be able to afford the small get together that I’m planning.
As of this moment, birthday expenses consist of:
The cake, I’m getting her one from Dairy Queen. I know I could make one for a lot cheaper, but I’m already not having a party so a plain, undecorated cake would just make me feel worse.
Gifts. I haven’t bought any birthday gifts yet so tomorrow I’ll be running around shopping while she visits grandma and grandpa. As always, I know I should’ve shopped earlier so that I could take advantage of coupons and sales, but I didn’t and will probably end up paying too much for gifts. I’m going for books and activity books, something artsy because she likes to write and draw and maybe just a nice toy or Barbie to play with. Just bought her clothes and I think my sister and parents are getting her clothes so I won’t buy any of that for her birthday.
Decorations. I’m not going all out on themed paper plates and streamers, I do plan on getting balloons just because she likes them so much Not sure if I have wrapping paper supplies either.
Treat for School. I forgot that I need to buy a treat for her to take to class on Monday. Not sure what yet, there are 25 kids in her class and it has to be something prepackaged from the store. In my area, homemade treats are not allowed at school. I’m not exactly sure why or when that policy came into effect, but I’m not exactly a baker anyway so there’s a good chance I would’ve ended up buying something.
Seems like a short and simple list but when you think about it, celebrating a kid’s birthday is expensive. I’d save a lot of money if we just converted to a religion that doesn’t celebrate birthdays or holidays. I may consider that.
In the end, there are some things that we have to spend money on that are not always necessities. Sure I could cut out some of this stuff; I could even just not have a birthday party at all. When it comes to budgeting though, there are a few things that are worth spending money on. If she has a nice birthday and has fun, I’ll be happy and it’ll be worth every penny.
Operation WITHIMMG:
Day 16-$4 two dozen eggs from a coworker that has her own chickens.
Day 17- 0