Buying party supplies with iconic characters on them -- from Spiderman, to the Incredibles, to Ben 10 -- can get pricey if you're not careful. Browse these cost-saving tips below, and see how you can have a first-rate superhero bash for much less than you think.
First, some starter tips to keep costs down:- Have the party at your home
- Invite 8 kids
- Make your own cake and snacks
Invitations
Savings Tip: Get pre-made invitations at a party discounter
You could make your own -- but party discount stores usually sell pre-made invitation packs for less than $5 (with the character on them). Our recommendation: Use your creative efforts in other areas for bigger savings.
Decorations
Savings Tip: Use the superhero image on the big pieces only
To decorate on the cheap, use the superhero image on the big pieces only, and then buy plain items to match.
For example, visit your local party store to find birthday banner sheets with your character on it -- just a couple of them will cover half a room for less than $5. Likewise, one large table cover in your theme will cost about $3 to $4, and will also go a long way.
Then, buy solid balloons in a matching color. These should cost no more than $10 (get them in bulk so you have extras). Add a few balloons on each side of your banners, and voilâ! You're in business. Your room is instantly festive, and your extra balloons will go a long way when it comes to activities later.
Finally, save money on tableware by buying only the plates in the superhero theme, and then getting everything else -- like your cake plates, napkins, cups and utensils -- in a coordinating solid color.
Games & Activities
Savings Tip: Use what you already have
Pull out those extra balloons you bought and use them for balloon games. Or, try some fun and easy outdoor games that require either no equipment, or simply things you already have around the house.
Also, a fun activity that fits any type of superhero theme is to have the kids decorate their own masks. Print these superhero mask templates and paste them onto cardstock; then cut them out with an X-acto knife (adults only). Punch side holes and use string to attach. Give them to the kids to decorate with markers, stickers and other embellishments. If you don't have the paper and art supplies at home, they're a quick and cheap buy.
Food
Savings Tip: Bake your own cake
One key to keeping costs down is baking your own cake. And why not have fun with it? Draw the logo of your character in the center in icing. Or, do a tiered cake and prop one of your action figures on top of it. Better yet -- if you're feeling even more creative, there are plenty of more elaborate decorating instructions for superhero cakes on the internet. Here are some great ones we found:
Party Favors
Savings Tip: Look for low-priced treat bags, or go generic
Finally, it seems no birthday party is complete without a goody bag. Some party discounters carry entire sets of superhero-themed goody bags for as low as $20 (for example, check out this set of eight Superman-themed treat bags pre-filled with goodies at Oriental Trading Company).
Or, you can put fun activity bags together cheaply on your own. One way is to buy kids' markers, stickers and other arts and craft supplies in bulk, and assemble them for each guest.
