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The Child’s Birthday Decision Sheet

Set the limit and protect what makes the day meaningful.

10–15 minutes to make the planFree · Two-page fillable PDF

Companion to How to Plan a Child’s Birthday Party on a Real Family Budget.

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See a worked example

Example: the child chooses time with a few friends as the main priority. Adults set an affordable limit, confirm costs, remove an unnecessary extra, and assign food, supervision, and cleanup before sending invitations.

01Choose the celebration’s purpose

Ask the child before buying the extras.

Child’s most meaningful priority

Spending limit the household can cover

Possible date / preparation window

Adult decision-makers

02Count and confirm the guests

Keep completed guest details private.

Manageable guest count

Responses / invitation owner

Supervision and space arrangement

Dietary or access need to confirm

03Price the whole event

Use current quotes and actual provider terms.

Food / supplies estimate

Venue or activity / complete cost

Extra charges / chosen reserve

Unverified term or price question

04Prepare within the limit

Simplify the plan before increasing the promise.

Extra removed or simpler option

Preparation duties / deadlines

Final confirmed plan total

Actual spending / closing task