BIRTHDAY season is about to begin, which can be lots of fun but drain the coffers.
Each year there is a mini baby boom in September, thanks to more parents conceiving in the days and weeks around Christmas, according to the Office for National Statistics.
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If you have a flurry of celebrations to attend, try these tips to keep down costs.
GROUP TOGETHER: If you have more than one friend with a birthday in the same month, suggest a joint bash rather than several nights out.
Or organise a cocktail evening at home where everyone brings a bottle as a fun alternative to visiting pricey bars. Ask friends if they fancy chipping in modest sums of cash to buy a group pressie, it also increases spending power for a more impressive gift, win-win.
Joint parties also work well for young children and slashes costs for parents.
FREE TO PARTY: Throwing a party can be expensive. However, many people give away balloons and props in perfectly good condition after using them just once.
Keep an eye on Facebook market place or freecyle groups to pounce on freebies.
And, on your own birthday, don’t throw out gift bags. Instead. stash them somewhere safe to use again for someone else’s birthday.
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PLAY THE CHEAP CARD: Homemade cards are thoughtful and cheaper in the long run than spending a few quid each time there’s a birthday.
Hobbycraft sells a pack of 50 blank cards and envelopes for £6. Cut out words and images from magazines that remind you of the birthday boy or girl.
If you don’t feel creative, give your child some pens and ask for a masterpiece on the front — this works especially well for other family members.
For an easier option, Card Factory has cards from 29p and has launched ten cards for £1, available in-store only.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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