Party in a Box

This is a great quick tip.  Buy a plastic bin with a lid to store all of your party supplies.  Keep reading to find out why.

When planning a party, some people go shopping the day before and grab all the matching items for their party theme at the local party supply store.  Other people go online to one of the big name party supply stores and buy one of their big party packs. When you shop this way you spend too much money and there are no personal touches.  I know what you are saying now, "But it is so easy.  I don't have time to shop around. "  Not true. You have plenty of time, 365 days, and it is super easy to do.  

Follow these steps and you will never overpay for party supplies again.  You won't wait until the last minute to buy them either.  After all your child has a birthday on the same day every year so it doesn't come as a surprise. 

1. Purchase generic supplies when they are on sale. When you are wondering around your local discount store look at those holiday clearance aisles.  I purchased a case of pink and red table clothes for $.10 each after Valentine's Day. Toys, stickers, pencils, etc can all be purchased ahead of time.

2. Do not throw away extra goodie bag toys after a party. Use them to fill a piñata or grab bag at a future party. 

3.  Unopened kid's meal toys are great prizes for games. They come in handy on long car trips and plane rides too.

4. Craft stores can be your best resource for activities. Buy foam stickers, beads, project kits, etc on sale at the end of the summer.  These items are sold in large camp sets.  Make sure you use coupons and Teacher/Military discounts also when purchasing.

5. Join Free Cycle you can request what you want and if someone has it they will just give it to you. People also post things they want to give away.

6. Organize all of your supplies.  Gallon Zipper Bags work best for this.  Place all like items in a bag together and label them ie. stickers, jewelry, cars, balloons, etc. Put all items in the bin.  Now before you go out and buy anything for a party check your bin first.

Stay tuned to learn how to get custom printed items for free.