Reusable Party Supplies and
Birthday Party Budget
Ideas to Save You $$$

Throwing birthday parties is a joyous tradition, but if you're not careful, it can also strain the wallet, I know! I come from a huge family where everything we had was used multiple times, and hand-me-downs were my personal fashion statement.

The good news is, you can still create magical celebrations without breaking the bank by adopting savvy party-planning strategies that also include reusable party supplies. My guide will show you how to get ahead of birthdays, reduce costs, and make your celebrations more eco-friendly and efficient.

Plan Ahead to Avoid Last-Minute Spending

Planning is the cornerstone of saving money on birthday parties because it allows you to control costs, avoid unnecessary spending, and maximize the resources you have. A well-thought-out plan ensures you can create a memorable event while staying within your budget. Here are a few tips on how you can get ahead.

birthday calendar

Create a Birthday Calendar

List all upcoming birthdays for family and close friends in one place. If you use a digital calendar, you can make the event repeating annually so you only have to set it up once and it will maintain itself. You can put your peeps in your contacts where you can note themes, color preferences, and ages to plan reusable decor accordingly.

Stock Up During Sales

The best time to buy is after something happens, which is a time when commercially, that item less valuable to the masses. Which means you should watch for after-holiday sales on items like streamers, balloons, and tableware. Many stores offer steep discounts on party supplies post-season. And recently, I swear I've seen last year's merchandise on this year's shelves. So if you don't grab it now, you'll pay full price again next year!

Buy in Bulk or at Discount Stores

Wholesale stores and online marketplaces often sell party supplies in larger quantities for less, but you can also find a wide array of birthday party supplies at your local Walmart or dollar store. There, take advantage of clearance items or stock up on things you use often, as you don't know when they'll run out or restock. And stores like Big Lots go out of business :(, so the market is volatile.

Invest in Reusable Decorations and Supplies

However, even though your dollar store is a gold mine for all things party-related, disposable decorations still add up quickly and contribute to waste. Some of them are made of synthetic ingredients that aren't good for the environment, either. On the other hand, reusable options last for years, or as long you decide to keep using them, because it's all up to your create!

Reusable Items to Integrate

If you're interested in reusing your decorations and supplies, here are some easy ways to do it:

• Fabric Banners: Replace paper banners with cloth ones that can be reused time and again. Use sharp fabric scissors or a rotary blade to cut out the shapes. Hot glue can hold things together, or pull out the sewing machine and do it right.

• Digital Decor: Use digital decor that allows you to reuse the same files over and over, where you can print, cut, embellish, and use your decor. Change colors, materials, and even themes with digital birthday decor.

• Glass or Ceramic Serving Dishes: These are versatile and durable, perfect for all kinds of parties. Personally, I opt for festive melamine serve ware that adds a nice, colorful touch to the table.

• Plastic or Wooden Cake Toppers: These can be used multiple times, since the simple phrase "Happy Birthday" is universal. And once you hit a certain age, the numbers don't matter. Am I right? :-)

• Party Lights: Use LED string lights or fairy lights to add ambiance. They can also be used for multiple occasions. Just refresh the batteries!

Where to Buy Reusable Party Supplies

If you want to transition to reusable birthday decorations or reusable party supplies, here are a few shopping ideas to help you get started:

• Garage Sales: You may have heard that I'm from the Midwest. Here, we save, repurpose, and reuse ev-er-y-thing. Garage sales are a great way to get reusable party supplies and reusable birthday decorations for next to nothing,

• Thrift Stores: This idea is great for finding unique glassware and birthday decor at low prices. It's especially great for estate-worthy finds, like antique china sets, silver plate, or sterling sconces. All perfect for matching your shabby chic or French country home decor.

• Online Marketplaces: Check sites like eBay or local buy-and-sell groups for second-hand deals.

• Eco-Friendly Brands: Companies like Etsy sellers (if allowed) and independent online shops often sell reusable supplies.

Repurpose Everyday Items for Party Use

With a little creativity, many household items can double as party decorations or supplies.  You can keep an ongoing collection box in your pantry, like I do. That way, I replaced worn out or tired items as I go. It's fun to score a new find!

Idea: Use a small storage box in a cabinet to keep your all your party supplies in one place. When it's time to celebrate, out comes the box!

repurpose everyday items

Ideas for Repurposing

It's amazing how yesterday's consumables are today's useful, repurposed party supplies! See what you have at the house that can be added to your birthday supplies box.

• Glass Jars: Use mason jars as centerpieces, drinkware, or to hold utensils. Pick up mason jars at Goodwill or at your local home improvement center, like Menards.

• Fabric Scraps: Turn leftover fabric into bunting, table runners, or napkins. I love Walmart for cheap fabric. You can buy 2-3 yard bundles of remnants that won't break the bank. In some cities, you have more than one, so check you might have more sources. 

• Paper Rolls: Empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls can be painted and transformed into decorative accents like napkin rings or clever party favor holders.

• Cardboard Boxes: Cut and decorate boxes for DIY backdrops or gift card holders. They can also be party of a set, if you're getting elaborate with your decorating.

Recycle and Upcycle Decorations

Recycling and upcycling are perfect for creating new decor from old items. I've got a lot of country friends, too, and we are masters at making something great out of something not so great! Not only is this kind of thing cost-effective, it’s also an eco-friendly approach, so you can pat yourself on the back that you're also doing something good.

recycling and up cycling birthday decorations

Upcycling Ideas

If you're really strapped for cash, you can still make your party look really awesome, especially if it's a small gathering.

• Gift Wrapping: Reuse wrapping paper for party hats or table decor. Or use one of these items as wrapping paper: brown paper sacks, newspaper, comic strips, book pages, sheet music, tote bags, or sheets. Even towels or pill cases!

• Broken Jewelry: Add sparkle to decor by incorporating old costume jewelry into centerpieces or banners. Beads, pearls, or brooches are all wonderful ways to display your decor.

Rent Supplies Instead of Buying

Renting is a fantastic option for big-ticket items or decorations that are only used once or twice. This is a particularly attractive option in the case of larger parties where you might want tables, chairs, bouncy houses, or even a large tent so you can have your party outdoors.

birthday party rentals

What to Rent

• Tablecloths, chair covers, and themed backdrops.

• Large serving platters, drink dispensers, or cake stands.

• Outdoor equipment like tents, tables, and chairs.

• Beer tappers, outdoor heaters, or specialty cooking devices like a smoker.

Where to Rent

With Party City going out of business, corporate options are dwindling. However, you can still find items through a Google search.

• Look for party rental companies in your area. These are often mom and pop shops. If you use Google, it gives you a map with options.

• Online rental services specializing in event supplies like EventSource.com and IRentEverything.com.

DIY Your Way to Savings

DIY projects can save you money and add a personal touch to your parties. And if you're like me, you'll think the DIY is the most fun part of all! The key is to keep things simple. Take a look. 

diy party decor

Easy DIY Decorations

Here are some super easy ways to make your at-home birthday party special with DIY birthday party decorations.

• Paper Flowers: Craft stunning decorations with colored paper and scissors, as in this video by Colors Paper on Youtube:

• Themed Backdrops: Use streamers, curtains, or painted cardboard. Take a look at this video from Simply Shalese DIY.  She's got the right idea.

• Photo Booth Props: Print and cut fun props using free templates online like Kards by Kaylee.

DIY Entertainment

• Create your own party games using items you already own, such as scavenger hunts or relay races. Board games work great for slumber parties, or you can purchase game bundles that you can download and reuse.

Borrow Instead of Buy

Borrowing supplies from friends or family can cut costs significantly. This works especially well for rarely used items and it's perfect if you live near family. My grandparents always brought the chafing dishes to every event, so something like this might already be a tradition in your family.

borrowed birthday party supplies

What to Borrow

I'm sure you can put together the who to borrow it from and why, but here are some "what" ideas to get you on track. Think "borrow" when your needs match something like the following:

• Specialty cake pans, specialty cookware, or serving trays and chaffing dishes, if you won't be needing them often.

• Party decor in a similar theme. If you have a friend with matchingdecor, or a special theme you've been working on, by all means take advantage if the offer is there!

• Sound systems or projectors for presentations, slideshows, or entertainment from your birthday playlists.

Shop Smart for Reusable Supplies

Certain stores and brands focus on high-quality, reusable party products. Look for deals and discounts at these places.

Recommended Retailers

• Dollar Stores: Affordable options for basic supplies like balloons and utensils. Around here, Dollar Tree has the best selection, but Dollar General is pretty good, too.

• IKEA: Offers budget-friendly glassware and reusable party accessories.

• Big Box Stores: Look for eco-friendly or multi-use party lines at places like Target, Kohl's, or Walmart.

• Restaurant Supply Stores: These stores specialize in serving and feeding crowds. You can find restaurant quality party supplies by the case. 

• Specialty Eco-Stores: Search for biodegradable or compostable supplies if you prefer disposables. (Restaurant supply sources are also a good place for this.)


Organize and Store Supplies for Future Use

After the party, clean and organize your decorations and supplies for reuse. Nothing is worse than having things strewn throughput your closets. being disorganized will prompt you to run out and spend money. So take the time to organize everything so it's where it's supposed to be when you need it.

reusable party supplies storage

Storage Tips

• Label Boxes: Clearly label storage containers by theme or item type.

• Use Clear Containers: Easily see what’s inside without rummaging.

• Protect Fragile Items: Wrap delicate items like glassware or banners in tissue paper or bubble wrap.


Save on Invitations and Thank You's

Store-bought invitations and cards can add up, but digital alternatives are often free or low-cost.

Digital Options

Here area few ways to leverage digital ideas to save money. 

• Evites: Send beautifully designed electronic invitations.

• Social Media Groups: Create private events to invite guests directly.

• Email Templates: Use customizable designs to send personalized messages.

...Or make your own with digital downloads.


Saving money on birthday parties doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or fun. By reusing, repurposing, and recycling decorations and supplies, you can enjoy memorable celebrations while being kind to your wallet and the planet. With careful planning, clever shopping, and a touch of creativity, you can turn budget-friendly birthday parties into cherished memories.

Happy celebrating!



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