Moms, Welcome to #momlifechats! We’re so excited to welcome Ashley Saunders! (@AshleySaunders)

Excited to chat ladies!

@ashleysaunders my son birthday is next month. I want to do something small and simple at our house . Only inviting a few family members. But still have decorations and such. How can I keep my cost down but still have it just the way I want it?

@momofdeuce, what is the most important for you? The food? Decorations?

@ashleysaunders I guess food .

@momofdeuce, if food is the most important I would focus on that and not so much on decorations. To save money on food you could have the party at a time where people aren't expecting a full meal, just provide sweets and drinks.

@momofdeuce, if you decide on finger foods or platters, it is always cheaper to buy and make yourself. I know it's not as convenient but it will save you over HALF most of the time

@ashleysaunders, I'm doing the same thing except I'm not doing anything big with food just snacks and cake. How can I keep my costs low on decorations and possibly have something fun for toddlers? 2-4 year olds)

@t142, 2-4 year olds are easy to please which is great for budgets! I have DIY'd games for the kids at parties before. Pin the whatever on the thing is always fun for the littles. And not messy like crafts can be.

@t142, what is your theme? I make a lot of decorations myself or use what I have around the house

Hey mamas

@laceymyers387, glad you could join us 😊

Me as well new to this app

Hello!

I'm planning something small for my son's first birthday, but most of the kids that will be there will be between that ages of 5-12. What are some cheap fun game ideas for all the kids to play together?

So far for my son I'll have a small ball pit to play in and a decorated high chair

@dazzlingmommy, if the weather is nice, outside games would be the best for that age group. Setting up soccer nets, tic tack toe, hula hoops, anything for them to be active. If the weather isn't cooperating, I have done crafts in the past, board games, indoor limbo/freeze dance, etc

@dazzlingmommy, check your local dollar store or 5 below if you have them for cheap outdoor balls/toys

@ashleysaunders, Oh I love those ideas!! Thank you!! 😁

@dazzlingmommy, you are so welcome! I hope he has a great birthday ❤️

@ashleysaunders, with my sons' birthdays being so close to Christmas (12/13 and 12/22) and them already having enough toys and books, what are some ideas I can give family members for gifts? They'll be 1 and 3 this year!

@krystamariebee, new clothes, gift cards, art supplies, games that are age appropriate, experiences- a trip to the local zoo, indoor play areas (like a trampoline place) those kinds of places. If you have any trips planned- spending money for the kids. College fund money is also a good one. We had family donate to a charity my son (who just turned 8) picked out in honor of his birthday.

What's a average budget for a 13th year anniversary ? @ashleysaunders,

Ideas for throwing a first birthday party? I want to do something small but memorable. We don't have a lot of friends in the area because we just moved and we only have a few family members close by. Most don't have kids and if they do they're already grown.

@ashleysaunders, Either a fairy tale theme or Moana.

@t142, awesome. I just did a Moana party for my daughter. It's on my website if you are looking for ideas :)

@smilingwithmyawesome4kids, depends on what you're looking to do. We celebrated our 10th with a trip to WDW so that was our gift to each other too.

@logansjay, I would just keep it simple. Invite your family and make a fun photo backdrop for the high hair to sit in front of, add a bunting/banner to the front of the high chair and take the cutest pics 😊