Budget Wars - A New Hope (with apologies to George Lucas)

Bobarella

Dawn I'm sure they have great memories, and so have you. That is one thing to think about, we as parents do these parties because we want to make our children happy too. So win win.

I may have something of an inside view given I do parties for a living, as well as other things but the trend seems to be to want a space big enough to invite the whole class, hence the need for a venue rather than a home. The parent then doesn't want to be taken up with the tasks of entertainment and catering so they get someone in. It's like having a cleaner. That's a new trend too. I have never had one but the amount of people I know who do it seems mad to me. And I've worked full time and had kids so I know thats one of the favourite reasons. We all have the things we'd be happy to spend money on and things we wouldn't I guess.

Bobarella

1LuckyLady wrote: »

Bob, You've commented before about my dad being very handy! From cutting hair (he used to perm mine when I was in school!) to diy, to gardening, etc he was an accountant so has always looked after the pennies. My parents worked hard and were mortgage free etc relatively young and retired early. I learnt from them, my sis on the other hand is always in debt and has strange priorities as far as I'm concerned. She is in a far worse financial situation (single mum, 0hr contract, idiot absent father etc) and I think she focuses on the wrong things, eg she does the cos/shopit cashback things and saves 25p etc here and there but then has a full sky tv package etc.

Of course! I'd remembered your Dad was a genius handyman and all rounder but just didn't know if they were as good as you on the bargains.
It's interesting though that you point out the nature/nurture difference.

DawnW

Bobarella wrote: »

I may have something of an inside view given I do parties for a living, as well as other things but the trend seems to be to want a space big enough to invite the whole class, hence the need for a venue rather than a home. The parent then doesn't want to be taken up with the tasks of entertainment and catering so they get someone in. It's like having a cleaner. That's a new trend too. I have never had one but the amount of people I know who do it seems mad to me. And I've worked full time and had kids so I know thats one of the favourite reasons. We all have the things we'd be happy to spend money on and things we wouldn't I guess.

I haven't had a cleaner either Bob, though most of my work colleagues seemed to, including more junior ones who earned less than I did :rotfl:. All of this stuff is absolutely fine, why not? UNLESS people feel pressured into it by peers, advertising etc even though they can't really afford it, and get into debt

Bobarella

I love it. We are putting the world to rights tonight!

hugglemonster

Hi B, ds' birthday party sounds fantastic I hate how much pressure is put on parents to pay for parties with bells and whistles on when in reality kids don't care and just want a laugh and a bit of food.


Glad everyone in the household is feeling better after recent illnesses.


H x

Bobarella

Thanks Huggle glad to see you popping in

[Deleted User]

Bobarella wrote: »

So today. We started the process of clearing the lounge and dining room as much as we could to prepare for the party. I took DD out in the buggy for around an hour which includes a stop in at Pets at Home so we could let her out for a walk as the weather was foul. Got back by 10.30 and DH had done so much. I made the cake yesterday so just needed to finish off the buttercream and icing. I then also cooked the hot food, made up the salads etc. We were ready 30 mins before the big off. Thrifty things I did:

- Made my own party bags by cutting up a gift bag and sellotaping the sides to make squares. Saved around £3 for a pack
- Made cupcakes and birthday cake. Sains sell a 12 pack of cupcakes for £6, and their cheapest birthday cake is £5.
- I reused candles I have collected from various kids parties at work. Once they are lit no one notices if theyve already been used £2 saving
- I filled the party bags with all the things we had in our stash from other parties. Saving £3 on buying a new pack of party bag fillers
- Total grocery spend was £35 to cater for all the kids and provide lunch for us and leftovers for supper. Works out less than £5 per head to entertain the children for 2 hours.
- Didn't buy 'party' plates, cups or napkins. Just used our own supplies. £5 saved.
- Wrapped the cake to take home in tinfoil £1 saved on napkins
- Served water to drink or squash if they asked for it. So much sugar in a party tea saving on the drinks is a good thing anyway. £3 saved on fizzy or fruit juice.
- We made games up using existing games we had at home, and customised them for our sons desired theme. Saving on not hiring an entertainer £150

All told a good afternoon. The funny thing was despite the rain and the cold all of the children wanted to go in the garden, so coats and shoes went on and they did. I really don't see why people need to hire soft play centres when kids will happily go outside in low temperatures.

Anyway. I am tired now. But not from the party, DD didn't give us the best of nights...hot bath and early bed for me

Bob

Sounds like DS had a fantastic party and well done to you and OH for what you accomplished :T

crazy_cat_lady

Bob - you are amazing! I'm afraid that I'm one of those people who would pay for a cleaner if I could afford it, or hand party catering on to another person
However, my kids get the choice of party or gift. They usually choose gift and I haven't had to stress about a party for a while now.

Bobarella

In your case Cat I think a cleaner would be a good thing. You really don't have the time. I shouldnt judge in any case. Thanks for the kind compliments.

Thanks PM02 we are glad it's all over for another year

Bobarella

Hi All

A fairly quiet day here. Have run the fridge right down and used up 95% of the fresh food, all that remains is a few slices of ham, an egg, a tiny bit of cheddar, tiny bit of feta and some salad items. Plus half used jars of condiments. Shopping tomorrow which is fine as it's a planned spend day.

Early night planned here.

Bob