Purchase Sharing
Feb 7
As of right now, I will have four grandchildren in under three years. We will have birthdays in May, August, September, and November… and this is just the beginning! While right now the celebratory events are limited to four a year, between future grandkids born, and all the milestones that will justify celebrations, it would prove fiscally responsible to purchase larger party props and decor, rather then rent items every time another party arrives.
I am sure we are not the only family with herds of children being born near the same age. This is where purchase sharing may be a great option. Bouncy houses, balloon arch kits, coolers, large gathering serving supplies, folding chairs, and folding tables may be well worth the investment. Unfortunately, adding those items into a party budget, even if you will use them again in the future, could break the bank.
These items are great for purchase sharing. If siblings, cousins, or friends go in together to purchase higher cost items, the cost goes down for each individual and you get your money’s worth much sooner. If one person doesn’t have the money to put forth for the items but has the storage space the other people do not, you could store all the items at one person’s home in lieu of contributive payment. There are multiple ways to work it out, but as long as basic ground rules are established, and there is an understanding of who pays to fix or replace damaged or broken items, this is a great way to get those highly desired party necessities without breaking the bank.
Here are a few items that make party planning and engagement next level:
This bouncy house is sure to add an extra element of fun and entertainment to your events. Children 3-12 can burn energy, bounce, slide, and wrestle to their hearts content!
Take it from someone who has been there, done that. This is a purchase I wish we would have made. Between birthdays, graduation parties, and weddings, a tent would have saved us significant amounts of money. If you or a shared purchaser have the space to set this up, this is a must have!
If you live anywhere where the weather can be semi-unpredictable… like here in Minnesota when it was barely 60 degrees for my daughter’s outdoor July wedding … these heaters are a must. They make them stylish and easy to hook up. If you have ever been near one of these, you know they can put out the heat!
While I do make commission of the items and links I post, my heart really is to share my knowledge from years of back to back events. Thinking ahead and purchasing items that make hosting parties easier and more cost effective is a passion of mine. I have thrown so many events where I have put more money out than worth it in the end. Sure the party was great. The person being celebrated felt well loved, and those that attended had a great time. However, I found I spent far more money than I should have, and was often kicking myself for not investing in reusable items sooner in the timeline of party events. Check out my links, and start to plan ahead!
For party theme ideas and party items all in one spot click on my Amazon Store!
Think Out of the Box
Pinterest, reels, and social media have all upped the expectation on how parties and events should look. Trying to keep up with the Jones’ is just going to break the bank. One of the best pieces of advice I could give you when planning your event, is to think out of the box.
You can include creative and fun, cherry on top ambiance by learning to think along the line of multi-purpose. Multi-purpose doesn’t necessarily mean multi-use. However, it does mean that one purchase will fill the need for more than one purpose.
Your table decor could be used as gifts for the party recipient or for giveaways and prizes for your event attendees.
My daughter’s baby shower had a story book theme. Every food item had a story book that went with it. I gifted the books to my daughter to boost our new grandson’s library. We decorated the tables with diaper cakes, made from diapers of various sizes. By decorating with multi-purpose items. we were able to decorate for the party and give my daughter a nice gift all at the same time.
When my daughter-in-law was pregnant with our first grand-daughter, we decorated the tables with the receiving blankets she registered for. We rolled the blankets up, held them together with the baby bows she registered for, and used them as vases for the boho grass we used in decorating. The blankets and bows were a part of her gift, but the served two purposes.
All parties and showers need a good game or two. Use items that can be repurposed as prizes or gifts for the games, such as household supplies. Using kitchen and pantry items to play a “guess the value” game is a great way to involve every party guest in the game and provide prizes or staple kitchen items for a bride and groom, at the same time.
Thinking out of the box with how you can use the same items for multiple purposes could make a significant impact on making your money go further. Imagine if you can find a way to turn the center pieces, into game pieces, and then a step further into gifts or prizes!
If you would like help brainstorming ideas on what items you could use for multiple purposes in relation to your theme, feel free to reach out!
***If you would love to use a party planner but do not have it in your budget, Haddie is available for a small fee to help in brainstorming a theme, finding low-cost multi purpose items for your party, and assisting with cost effective, easy food options for your next party. Email her at haddieclaussen@gmail.com.
Find coordinated party supplies at my Amazon Store (This site is continually being built, suggest your next party theme and we will create an all in one shopping experience for you).
https://www.amazon.com/shop/proverbs31.purposely?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_AGZ040T3C39J21PG7MV9_1