Make Birthdays for Kids Special Instead of Being Extravagant

I want to share a little story with you. For many years when my girls were little, once a year each, they would receive an envelope in the mailbox (you know, that box that attaches to your house or is somewhere on the street near your house). The level of excitement that surrounded the $3 gift card inside was unbelievable and the power that came with how they planned to spend said $3 was immeasurable.

Because toddlers and little kids with permission to “buy whatever you want for around $3” is like magic.

That $3 envelope, my friends, was like a windfall. Well, at least to my kids it was.

But it wasn’t just the promise of $3 to spend that made it so special. It was what they knew surrounded the entire thing that was icing on the cake. And when I say cake, I mean birthday cake. And when I say special, I mean put on a crown, have people sing to you and announce your name on the loud speaker while you walk around a store with a balloon and try to figure out what prize will become yours with your $3 gift card.

For those of you who don’t know, this special day came compliments of Toys”R”Us through Geoffrey’s Birthday Club. We are a few years beyond their club but we still (obviously) have fond memories and still tell people with younger kids all about it. This is just another example of the free and inexpensive birthday traditions that we used for celebrating their special day.

These inexpensive and free birthday traditions create time capsules that are priceless. - SahmReviews.com

As an example, we take a picture of the girls in the same chair every year on their birthday. As they have gotten older, they have more appreciation for this simple birthday tradition. I’m still trying to figure out how I’m going to continue this once they move out of the house. I sometimes wonder if they’ll try to continue it in their own way.

We also try to start their day off on the right foot. If they so choose, we also make them breakfast in bed. A few times they have told me that they didn’t want to throw off their school day routine but other times they’ve set their alarms early to ensure time for it. It’s so important that kids understand that it doesn’t take a gold mine to create magic and memories and these are a few ways to demonstrate that.

Our daughters learn to be excited for each other during birthdays. - SahmReviews.com

While some parents go all out every year for their children’s birthdays, we create quality memories with restrictions. Every other year the focus is on the family where they can invite one friend to join as an honorary family member. Sometimes we will go out to dinner or a place that caters to birthdays and other times we celebrate at home. On the opposite years, they are allowed to invite a handful of friends and have something more festive like a trip to the skate park, local pizza place or (heaven help us) have a sleepover.

Donuts on a birthday cake? You bet! Kids (of all ages) were thrilled with this unconventional cake. - SahmReviews.com

We don’t create lavish events with bounce houses and tons of guests and gifts, but you can bet we put a lot of work into crafting the perfect cake. Kennedy has a fascination with powdered donuts so one year we made a cake and topped it with donuts. Unconventional, yes, but each guest was thrilled when they received their own donut-topped piece of cake.

A perfect birthday means creating special memories like a gummy bear birthday cake. - SahmReviews.com

Another year we served a cake decorated with gummy bears and another year a giant bowling pin shaped ice cream cake with cake pop bowling balls was the centerpiece at the bowling party. Years later and our girls STILL remember these types of special additions to their parties.

She was definitely excited about Polly Pockets! - SahmReviews.com

You know what? Our girls have learned to genuinely be excited about their birthdays. They don’t have high expectations of huge gifts, but understand and appreciate when people put a lot of thought into the gifts they give. Whether families ask us for ideas or go to the local toy store or shop online based on age or interest, my girls know when something is given with love.

Give gifts with a lot of thought behind them. - SahmReviews.com

We don’t let them rip through paper with speed then move onto the next gift. They stop and savor each gift, pose for a photo with it to know how to address the related thank you note then acknowledge the giver personally if they happen to be present. The same holds true for Christmas, in case you’re wondering.

Birthdays aren't about presents with dollar signs or big events but rather creating special memories. - SahmReviews.com

These little things in life are what lasting, meaningful memories are built on which is why Toys”R”Us put such care and consideration into Geoffrey’s Birthday Club with balloons, a free gift and even a conga line around the store. While that’s no longer an option for families, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look for local stores that make birthdays special. The memories for us were priceless.

What are some of your birthday traditions?

9 thoughts on “Make Birthdays for Kids Special Instead of Being Extravagant

  1. Good ideas, I have 5 kids and am always looking for birthday ideas! I like the lack of lavish and go by quality of closeness and stuff. Very sweet.

  2. Birthdays were not much of a big deal when I was growing up, but I’ve been working to change that with my daughter. We’ve never been able to afford the extravagant birthday parties, but we do have friends and family over and celebrate my kid’s birthday. My sister makes my kid’s cake, and I make her favorite meal. It’s been simple and enjoyable.

  3. Great tips. I have 2 children and it’s not always possible to make grand birthday parties for them. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I will surely follow your tips.

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