Kids Birthday Packages for Different Budgets, Spaces, and Guest Lists

The worst kids birthday package I bought was a themed party kit with 200 pieces: themed plates, themed napkins, themed cups, a themed tablecloth, a themed banner, themed balloons, themed centerpieces, themed favor bags, themed favors, and a themed cake topper. I spent $60 on a kit for a 6-year-old’s party with eight guests. We used about 40 pieces. The rest went in the trash. A kids birthday package should match the party size, not overshoot it.

Kids birthday packages are pre-assembled bundles of party supplies sold as a set, ranging from basic decoration kits to full party packages with tableware, decorations, and favors. The best kids birthday packages match the party size and age. The worst overshoot the party size and include items the guests do not use.

The short answer: buy a package that matches the guest count, not one that overshoots it. The birthday party decoration kit gives you a tablecloth, banner, and balloons for a standard party. The rainbow birthday party decoration kit includes 489 pieces for a larger party.

Types of Kids Birthday Packages

The Decoration Kit ($14 to $25)

A tablecloth, a banner, and balloons. The birthday party decoration kit covers the basics. Good for a home party with 6 to 15 guests.

The Tableware Package ($10 to $20)

Plates, napkins, and cups for a specific number of guests (usually 8, 16, or 24). The video game party supplies tableware set includes tableware for 24 guests. The flaw: if you have 8 guests, you do not need 24 sets.

The Full Party Package ($30 to $60)

Decorations, tableware, favors, and a banner. The rainbow birthday party decoration kit includes 489 pieces. The flaw: 489 pieces is too many for a small party. Most will go unused.

The Venue Package ($10 to $35 per person)

A package from an activity venue (arcade, trampoline park, bowling alley) that includes the activity, food, and decorations. The flaw: venue packages are priced per person and can be expensive for large groups.

How to Pick the Right Package

1. Count the guests. Buy a package that matches the count, not one that overshoots it.
2. Pick the package type: decoration kit, tableware, full party, or venue.
3. Check the contents. Does it include what you need? Does it include what you do not need?
4. Compare the price. Is the package cheaper than buying the items separately? Sometimes it is. Sometimes it is not.

What to Avoid

Avoid the 200-piece kit for a party with 8 guests. Most will go unused. Avoid the themed package that includes items the guests do not care about (themed favor bags, themed centerpieces). Avoid the package that costs more than buying the items separately. Compare prices.

The Verdict

A kids birthday package works when it matches the party size and age. A decoration kit for a home party. A tableware package for the right guest count. A venue package for an activity party. The most common mistake is buying a 200-piece kit for a party with 8 guests and throwing away 160 pieces. Count the guests. Match the package. Skip the extras.

FAQ

What is a good kids birthday package? A decoration kit ($14 to $25) for a home party. A tableware package ($10 to $20) for the right guest count. A venue package ($10 to $35 per person) for an activity party. Match the package to the party size.

How much does a kids birthday package cost? $14 to $25 for a decoration kit. $10 to $20 for tableware. $30 to $60 for a full party package. $10 to $35 per person for a venue package.

Should I buy a themed party package? Only if the theme matches the kid’s interests and the package matches the guest count. A 200-piece kit for 8 guests is a waste. Count the guests first.

What should I avoid when buying a kids birthday package? 200-piece kits for small parties, themed packages with items the guests do not care about, and packages that cost more than buying items separately.

How do I pick the right package size? Count the guests. Buy a package that matches the count. If you have 8 guests, buy a package for 8 to 16, not 24 or 48.

Is a venue package worth it? Yes, if the venue includes the activity, food, and decorations in one price. The flaw: venue packages are priced per person and can be expensive for large groups.

Can I build my own package? Yes. Buy a decoration kit ($14), solid color plates and napkins ($8), and a cake ($15 to $25). Total: $37 to $47. This is often cheaper than a themed package.

References

• Party City, “Kids Party Packages,” partycity.com
• Oriental Trading, “Kids Party Supplies,” orientaltrading.com
• The Bash, “Kids Birthday Party Ideas,” thebash.com