At the time we were throwing this Pirate Birthday party, we were also knee-deep in our Toddler School, Pirate Theme. So naturally, a Pirate Birthday Party was an obvious choice. Cash, the little swashbuckler was turning three and he loved all things shiny and shark. He still loves the ocean even now as I’m getting ready to plan his 6th birthday party. Yep… I’m 3 years late on this post but today I’m crossing it off my list!
How to Throw a Pirate Birthday Party for UNDER $100
I know I’ve given you several tips in the past for keeping your parties under $100. I’m going to revisit some of the strategies discussed for Cash’s Super Hero Birthday Party, but also give you a few new ones.
1- Use the Gifts as Decorations
This budget tip is an oldy but a goody. I use this in every birthday party, especially Cash’s Super Hero Party which we did for under $50.
We were coincidentally giving Cash a whole assortment of Ocean related toys for his birthday, or already recently gave them to him days before. I used these same toys, beads, sharks, etc to decorate the food table. That made it super easy, plus Cash liked to look around the table and see all of it there. He had a wooden train set that was pirate themed that proved to be very helpful in my setup!
2- Team up with Moms
This is a new tip but totally worth it. There is this running joke in our family and extended families that my sister and I throw these elaborate birthday parties which are “over the top” and assumed to be expensive. Here’s the deal people: They’re not. We’re resourceful and we team up to cut expenses. Our kids are only 10 weeks apart and then Wyatt is actually first of the year in January. So, we just bounce decorations down the line like hand-me-downs.
Let’s play a quick game: My niece, Marissa has her birthday party about 10 weeks before Cash has his. The year of the Pirate Birthday Party she did her Beach Ball Party. Go look at her party and see how many decorations you can see I reused for this Pirate Birthday. Go ahead… I’ll wait.
You found a LOT, didn’t you? From the backdrop streamers to the beach towel, #3, cake stands, beverage dispenser, LOTS. Completely different parties, but easily merges Project Block Ingredients. {Ooooh, that’s a buzz word from my day job, but it totally applies here too}
3- Focus Effort where it Counts
This might seem like an odd budget tip, but here it goes: There is expensive “Effort” and there is cheap, nearly free “Effort” and you get to decide which makes your party more fun. I could have spent a ton of money on a Pirate Bouncy House that my 3yo wouldn’t remember today. But instead, I took the time to create, basically free funny food labels that all of the adults are still laughing about 3 years later. Like, seriously, my Defiant Parrot name for the BBQ Chicken still comes up at every July 4th BBQ.
We also made the whole table look like a massive pile of pirate treasure. A little cluttered, sure, but a free effect to make it memorable like you were strolling up to Pirate’s Treasure. I also could have bought a very expensive cake, but I opted to go smaller and cheaper to put that money elsewhere.
4- Clue in your Guests
Again, another odd budget tip but trust me, especially when you’re inviting grandparents. Yes, we all usually tell guests the theme of the party, but don’t be afraid to get them involved. With the right amount of communication your party gets bigger and better {for free!} when guests can help with what they bring. Instead of bringing random toy gifts {and this goes back to tip #1} have them bring party props or themed toys that will add to the party. Wyatt LOVED getting to be a Pirate at his brother’s party all day thanks to grandma swinging into the Dollar Tree and snagging some costumes. Grandparents also brought Pirate Birthday Cards and walked around talking like pirates all afternoon. TOTALLY FREE and fun for the kids. {I’m starting to think this party might have cost me even less than $100}
5- Buy used Gifts
Now here is a super secret tip that you may not believe but it’s true: Kids don’t always need brand new gifts. Cash’s “BIG GIFT” that we gave him for his Pirate Birthday Party was a used Learn to Play Guitar that I stumbled across at a St Vincent’s for $7.99. It had 3 strings and it absolutely made his little heart sing. He still plays it today 3 years later.
I could keep going but I’ll stop there and save my next tips for the next Birthday Party. If I were really going to advise you on reducing your Birthday Party Expenses, I would tell you to start a blog and then write about them, sending everyone to your Etsy Shop so that they can buy your handmade decorations. You’d then earn back the money you invested in the party and maybe even a little extra. After telling you that I would then tell you to put any made money into your kids’ college savings accounts, so their birthdays essentially pay their way to college. Now I’ll take my own advice and give you the opportunity to help us out 😉
Shop this Pirate Birthday Party
Head on over to my Etsy Shop and help put the Kelso Boys through College!
Pirate Birthday Party Decorations:
- Pirate Party Cupcake Toppers Set
- Jolly Roger Cupcake Toppers
- Glitter Octopus Cupcake Toppers
- Octopus Cupcake Toppers
- Cloud Cupcake Toppers
- Glitter Cloud Cupcake Toppers
- Anchor Cupcake Toppers
- Wave Table Confetti
- Blue Cupcake Wrappers
- Red Cupcake Wrappers
- Sprinkle Confetti
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Shop ALL Ahoy! Themed Listings
Plan a Party with Me! It’s sort of my thing…
See all of our past Birthday Parties and visit the Etsy Shop to plan your own! The Vintage Event on Etsy
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