How Much Money Should I Spend On My Child’s Birthday?

“How much money should I actually spend on my kids birthday party?” – This is a question every parent has asked themselves at least once. Seems simple enough, right?

Well, with the rise of social media and picture-perfect parties, many parents feel pressured to pull 4out all the stops with birthday ideas. And most times, planning these parties can cost a little fortune.

At Stelle, we want to remind parents of something significant – there is no right amount to spend on a kids birthday party. Every family has different budgets and values, so there’s no such thing as the “perfect party”. Instead, it’s about creating a memorable event for your little one – something they will love and talk about for years to come!

So, in this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into birthday party costs and share some ideas to make the celebration special and meaningful.

If you’re looking for some simple, fun, and budget-friendly birthday party themes, we’ve previously shared inspiration on our blog!

What Parents Typically Spend On Birthday Parties

Even though there’s no right number, it helps to see what other families choose to spend. With that in mind, take the following benchmarks simply as reference points – don’t feel pressured to follow them.

$50-$100 – These parties are quite simple, typically hosted at home or local parks. They usually feature homemade baked goods, DIY decorations, and meaningful birthday gift ideas.

$150-$300 – Small birthday parties with a few friends, generally centered around games, craft tables, and picnics.

$300-$600 – Typically hosted at kid-friendly venues. These kids birthday party places can be trampoline parks, indoor playgrounds, petting zoos, etc.

$600-$1,500+ – Luxury celebrations with Pinterest-inspired birthday party themes, gourmet cakes, and high-end entertainment.

Again, these ranges aren’t rules, but common patterns. Simply, you can create a fabulous birthday party, no matter the budget!

Factors That Influence Birthday Party Costs

Once you start planning your budget, you’ll need to know the factors that influence the costs.

1. Your Child’s Age

Milestones such as first birthdays are typically bigger and are celebrated with many people. Since these are significant moments, parents like choosing themed birthday ideas, and opting for professional services such as photographers and special entertainers.

Toddlers, on the other hand, prefer much simpler things. Some snacks, bubbles, and an exciting play date are really all you need. If you’re celebrating a birthday for an older child, a day at the swimming pool or the skate park will surely do the trick!

2. Guest List Size

The more guests you have, the higher the costs will be. Small celebrations are intimate, with less food, simple party favors, and a laid-back vibe.

Larger parties are usually held at special kids' birthday party places. On top of the renting costs, you’ll also have to account food, decorations, and favors. Still, most venues offer special packages, so you can score a great deal!

3. Location Choices

Homes, backyards, and parks are the most budget-friendly options since they don’t have any rental fees. You can decorate them in any way you want, and can come up with some thoughtful birthday gift ideas.

Rented kids birthday party places cost more because they come with built-in entertainment and food options, making them more convenient for larger celebrations. Keep in mind that most of these places are per child, which can add up with larger groups.

4. Themes & Decorations

Birthday party themes can be as simple or complex as you want. A few balloons and some streamers can be perfect, but you can go all out with styled tables, unique backdrops, and personalized party favors.

If you need inspiration, our birthday party themes blog is the perfect place to start!

5. Food, Cake, and Entertainment

When it comes to the food and cake, homemade options are more budget-friendly. Still, you need to be ready to prepare food for the entire party. When in doubt, it’s always smart to turn to professionals.

As for entertainment, you can create some games or activities for kids, or hire a professional entertainer. Remember – choose your options depending on what you like, not what trends tell you.

What Kids Actually Remember (Not the Money)

The moms in our Stelle community are always sharing birthday gift ideas and experiences from their celebrations – all of them fun, exciting, and creative in their own way! But no matter how different they are, they all share one pattern: kids remember the jokes and the feelings, not the money. They remember feeling seen and special while blowing out the candles and being surrounded by their loved ones.

One Stelle mom recently shared that her son’s favorite birthday memory wasn’t the big gift she bought. It was when she surprised them with a homemade scavenger hunt in the living room. And it cost just $10!

How To Set A Healthy Birthday Budget

Need some help to decide what feels right for your kid’s birthday party? Here are a few points that will help you set your budget with no stress.

• Don’t feel the need to invite everyone – just the closest people

• Prioritize one thing your kid goes crazy for, be it the venue, activities, or cake

• Go for one big thing, and keep the rest simple

• Look for birthday ideas that you know you can easily execute

• Don’t compare your celebrations with those you see on Pinterest

• Choose the things that will make your little one feel special and seen

Affordable Ways To Make Birthdays Special

You don’t need to rent a premium kids birthday party place to have the time of your lives. You can keep things affordable and still create magic! Here are a few ways to share the joy:

• Host the birthday at a park or your home

• Keep decorations minimal but eye-catching

• Bake your own cake, or make cupcakes

• Plan easy activities that don’t require any additional costs

• Pick birthday party themes inspired by nature, animals, colors, etc.

• Reuse decorations or buy one or two themed pieces

FAQs

1. How much do parents usually spend on their kids’ birthdays?

Most families spend somewhere between $100 and $400 for a typical birthday party. Smaller gatherings cost much less; themed events at kids birthday party places or curated birthday party themes can increase the budget. There’s no set amount, only the one that works for you.

2. What is the 4-gift rule for birthdays?

Many families follow the four simple categories:

• Something they want

• Something they need

• Something to wear

• Something to read

It keeps birthday gift ideas thoughtful, intentional, and budget-friendly.

3. What is a good budget for a kids birthday party?

A healthy budget feels aligned with your family. Some spend under $100; others choose larger celebrations. Focus on joy, connection, and your own comfort level, not trends.

Conclusion

There is no specific price for a kid's birthday party. Every family celebrates differently and has different values, so don’t feel pressured by current trends. Keep things meaningful and joyful – that’s what your little ones will remember!

At Stelle, we’re honored to be part of these milestones, big and small, and to support modern families as they create meaningful, love-filled birthdays in their own way.