KiwiParent from Parents Center NZ Test Volume | Page 56

Goody bags
We all know kids love make things
so how about letting them make
something fun that they can take
home instead of a goody bag? Ideas
include buying beads so guests can
make their own bracelets or necklaces,
or decorating hats to wear during the
party and take home after?

Save money without
taking fun out of
the party

One small goody bag item can actually
go a long way and some parents
may appreciate getting one item as
they’re not getting more clutter – plus
you’ll save money by not buying more
sweets, small games and toys!

don’t be
a party
Sweet simple
savings
A theme can really help with
organising birthday parties for little
ones. And if you’ve got an idea in
mind, you can keep an eye out for
decorations and goodies to fit this
theme a few months ahead of the
big day, saving money and that last
minute rush.
The party is for and about kids so
there’s no need for fancy stationery
or gilded envelopes. Most of the
time invitations will probably only be
stuck on the fridge for a few days,
so there’s no point spending a lot
of money. Perhaps your child could
create their own invitation which
could be emailed out.

And, if the party is mid-morning or
mid-afternoon, don’t feel obliged
to provide lunch or dinner. A small
selection of snacks and a birthday
cake are just perfect and make the
tidying up job easier – plus, even big
kids – the adults – love them!

Location, location,
location
How about having the party at a
public place that doesn’t charge
to use its facilities, like a park?
Obviously that’s weather dependent
(and we have two winter babies!),
but home is another option or a
number of community halls can be
hired relatively cheaply. Contact the
locations of interest in your area to
find out what’s available, suitable and
affordable.

www.davidsoninstitute.edu.au

Visit www.westpac.co.nz and click on the ‘Your Money and Tailored
Packs” tab for helpful tools including saving and budgeting calculators and
online tutorials. You can also check out if there is a workshop coming up
near you. There’s even an online ‘Kids’ space’ seminar which includes
some cool online games to get kids thinking about money and how to
save. This information is a guide only and doesn’t take into account your personal

WE S 1 4 4 financial situationror goals. . p d f
4 Ki wi _ p a e n t A

Pa ge

1

2 9 / 0 6 / 1 2 ,

DIY decorations
When it comes to decorations, a
top tip is to get creative with your
budget. Most of the decorations
like crepe paper, balloons and
ribbon, can be found at the various
dollar shops – and keep it simple,
parties are supposed to be fun, not
time consuming. Who wants to be
blowing up ridiculously expensive
balloons at midnight the night before
the party!

Don't invite your
child's whole class
This money saving tip is one of the
quickest ways to trim your party
bill, but admittedly it can be a tough
one. Having a large classroom-size
birthday party might work for some
families, but don't feel pressured
to make this a regular occurrence.
Instead, you could allow one large
birthday party for multiples of five
(5th birthday, 10th birthday, etc) and
then keep other parties to three or
four children. That way you can do
more with the kids without spending
a fortune.

Getting back
to work?
We can help it
work for you.
Now you can balance your career with your family
and help them both grow. We’ve got a variety of
exciting career opportunities available, including
roles with ?exible hours to suit your busy lifestyle.
With positions available on a casual, part time or full
time basis, there’s sure to be something to suit you.
If you have the drive and passion to deliver a great
customer experience, and want to join a team of
people that are passionate about helping Kiwi’s get
ahead, then we want to hear from you.

Interested? Check out westpac.co.nz/careers
for all your options.

54 kiwiparent – supporting kiwi parents through the early years

Westpac New Zealand Limited

Joanna Redfern

Source: Davidson Institute, an
education initiative of Westpac
Banking Corporation

Westpac New Zealand’s free Managing Your Money workshops
and online tutorial are here to help you and to help you help
your children.

pooper

Party fever is hitting an all time high in our house with both our
daughters having birthdays in the coming months. Even thinking about
this can send our bank account into a spin, and no-one wants to cut
corners on their child’s special day – but, there’s no need to panic as there
are plenty of ways to save money without taking the fun out of the party.

Remember – the amount of fun your
child and your guests have doesn’t
depend on the amount you spend.
With these sweet and simple saving
tips, planning well and realising that
less can really be more, your child's
birthday party can be successful and
affordable . . . on that note, ?'?e???????)??????????????????????((??????())??I?????????????????a?????d?????)????????????????5??????)
???????????5?????????)]???????9??i???????1????????????)??????????????????????????????)????????e??????????????????????)??????????????????????????????))??????????????????????????)???????9??i??????????????U????)4)-???????((