A kid’s party can be filled with items that you buy and then put in the bin afterwards. There are the paper plates, cups and straws, the balloons, the wrapping paper, table cloths and then all those little items that you put in a plastic party bag. Sometimes it feels that you spend a fortune in time and money getting all these bits and pieces together to create the perfect party, only to collect them after the party and put them into the bin. I have put together some top tips on how to keep your carbon footprint low, save yourself a few pounds and still give the kids an amazing time!
1. Invite less people
There seems to be a perception that the more people you invite, the better the party will be. Your child will probably get more gifts if there are more guests but the money and hassle that you save on those extra guests will more than make up for some extra jigsaws or sparkly headbands. Fewer guests will create a more intimate atmosphere that gives everyone chance to play together. Your child can invite their best friends and enjoy their company without being overwhelmed. Ask your child to choose ‘x’ amount of friends who they would like to be there. Less people will generate less waste as you need less of everything, and it won't mean less fun.
2. Send invitations electronically
This way you can save tree or 2 and you can keep track of your RSVPs. Send an email invite, create a private Facebook Group or Event, or set up a WhatsApp group.
3. Avoid disposables
Using disposable items does make life easier, but it also creates a huge amount of waste. A picnic is always a great way to cut down on waste and washing up. Have a few large plates with sandwiches and snacks that your guests can help themselves from. A picnic blanket on the floor with large platters of food in the centre looks really attractive and fun. If you do need to use disposable plates, try and use paper plates and cups that can then be recycled afterwards.
4. Make the food yourself
Processed food has a lot of packaging (and a lot of ingredients that you probably don’t know what they are). To keep the food cleaner and better for the environment you can create interesting food options at home yourself. Here are a few food ideas to create an amazing spread without the packaging. Your own child will love helping you to make these yummy party treats.
- A Sandwich Caterpillar. Use a round cutter to create a row of circular sandwiches. Lay them on their side to create a caterpillar. Use a tomato as it's head and you can even add small sticks of cucumber for it's legs. Your guests will love it!
- Mini pizzas. Cut out a shape with a cutter (a star would work well) and top with a tomato base and then cheese. Add any other toppings you would like. Cook in the oven for 10 mins.
- Make fruit wands. A star shaped cutter used on a slice of watermelon will create the top of the wand. You can thread grapes, cherries, blueberries etc onto a kebab stick and put the watermelon star at the top. Yummy!
- Nibbles are great. A large block of cheese cut into cubes, and slices of ham rolled up and held together with a wooden cocktail stick work really well.
Homemade party food will stop you buying packaged food and will also give you a clear idea of what your child and their friends are ingesting. It can also save you some pennies.
5. Avoid the party bags
At some point plastic bags filled with plastic toys have become the norm. These can be expensive, time consuming to make, and most items will end up in the bin by the end of the day. If you feel like you want to send your guests home with something then how about a pack of seeds for them to grow in the garden, or a book. These can be brought cheaply from somewhere like the Works or B&M.
6. Skip the balloons and plastic banners
Most parties that I have been to, the balloons get popped in the first 5 minutes and then someone starts to cry. Instead why not decorate with paper garlands that can be reused another year. You can make these with the birthday boy or girl. Or fabric bunting works great and can be used over and over. This will cost a bit more initially, but it can be used year after year and will become a bit of a party tradition.
7. Keep the games simple
I personally hate pass the parcel as it is so hard to ensure that everyone has a turn before they get fed up of waiting. It is also a waste of a lot of paper. Instead why not play musical chairs, hide-and-seek or have a scavenger hunt? They are all lots of fun, and simple to do.
Summary
Remember…parties are supposed to be fun. Don’t get too worried about getting everything perfect. If you child has a few friends, some cake and a fun activity they will have a wonderful time!
If you would like any information of the fun activities that we can provide at your child’s party in South Cumbria or North Lancashire please take a look at our website. We have a huge range of Bouncy Castles, Soft Play sets and Garden Games that will help you to simply create a memorable party.
<< Return to news