What to Buy, What to DIY, and What to Skip for Your Kid’s Birthday Party

I once went to a first birthday party that had an ice sculpture. Actually, two. Two ice sculptures. At a child’s birthday party.

The baby? Oblivious. She spent most of the party trying to chew a helium balloon.

Nothing wrong with splurging if it makes you happy. But most parents I talk to aren't looking to impress a crowd. They're trying to throw a fun, stress-minimized birthday party for their kid. One that actually feels like their kid.

So here it is. A simple breakdown of what to buy, what to DIY, and what to skip entirely when planning a kid’s birthday party. Especially for that sweet spot age range of 4 to 8 years old.

What to Buy for you Kid's Birthday Party

These are the things that are almost always worth the money. They either create real memories or save you real stress.

Entertainment that actually works for kids Hire someone who knows how to hold a six-year-old’s attention without yelling. Whether it’s a magician (hi), a puppet show, a storyteller, or a bubble guy, you want someone who understands children are not just short adults. The good ones make the party. The bad ones feel like a very long 30 minutes.

A real cake Not a cake that looks like a sculpture. Just a real cake that tastes good. If baking is your happy place, go for it. If it’s not, buy the cake. Kids will remember the frosting. They will not remember if it matched the napkins.

Seating and shade (if you’re outside)No one’s Instagramming the folding chairs, but you’ll be glad they’re there. Same for a tent or umbrella. Comfort is invisible until it's missing.

What to DIY

This is the stuff that can be fun, simple, and personal. If you like crafts or if your kid wants to help, this is where you shine.

Decor Streamers, balloons, hand-drawn signs. Let it look a little messy. Let your kid pick the colors. The goal isn’t showroom-ready. The goal is joy.

Snacks Goldfish crackers. Watermelon slices. Cupcakes with too much frosting. If it’s easy to eat and easy to clean up, you’re on the right track. Bonus points for snack name puns, but only if you're doing it for fun.

Games You do not need an app. You do not need a game truck. You need a box, a blindfold, and a kid willing to yell “ewwwwwww!” after touching a peeled grape. Classic games still work. And they’re free.

What to Skip

Here’s where you save money, energy, and time.

Matching everything If your tablecloth, plates, balloons, banner, and juice boxes are all custom-printed with your child’s name and face, congratulations. You are a brand now. But none of the kids care. Pick one or two fun things and let the rest just be functional.

Custom water bottle labels They are always crooked. Always. And no child has ever noticed them.

Decor that only exists for photos If the only reason you're doing something is to post it, maybe don't. It’s a birthday party, not a brand launch.

Here's the deal

Spend on what matters. Skip what doesn’t. And don’t let Pinterest or party influencers convince you that your kid needs a balloon arch that could lift a small car.

You’ve got this. And if you want a party full of actual laughs instead of just "likes," well... I travel.