Ahh, birthday parties. My daughters insist on them every year (after all, all their classmates have them), and of course, I gladly oblige. I do love me a good party, but birthday parties can be so hard on us as moms sometimes, can’t they? Weeks before, I’m running around hunting and gathering supplies and tracking down RSVPs. It’s exhausting, and I’ll take any help I can get. Got shortcuts? Well, bring ’em on…I need them!
These genius party hacks will save you time, money, and headache—and your kiddo’s birthday party will still be amazingly awesome. Also, being less stressed out makes any birthday party better, doesn’t it. Try one (or all!) of these party decorating hacks for a picture-perfect birthday party.
11 Genius Kids’ Birthday Party Decorating Hacks
Hang Balloons Upside-Down
Hanging balloons upside down saves you the cost & hassle of getting helium. Dipping them in glitter will make any party sparkle.
Image and tutorial via My Sister's Suitcase
Use Office Labels
Use color coded office labels to decorate your whole party. This hack can be used to create cake toppers, as well as decorate utensils and party bags. Via Sarah Hearts
Cut Ice Cream Instead of Scooping It
Instead of scooping ice cream alongside your birthday cake, cut it with a knife. This genius party hack will save you so much time and it doubles as a decorating hack---how cool would this sliced ice cream look with a piece of cake on top?
Image and tutorial via Nellie Bellie
Cover a Messy Cake in Candy
Have issues decorating cakes? I do! Cover it with candy for a simple party hack, and your guests will never know you can't ice a cake.
Image and tutorial via Lovely Indeed
Personalize Balloons with Stickers
Use stickers on balloons to spell out the birthday girl or boy's name. They get their very own personalized balloon.
Image and tutorial via A Bubbly Life
Freeze Water Balloons for Your Cooler
Freeze water balloons for a festive water cooler. All the juice boxes will stay cold.
Image and tutorial via One Crazy House
Add Washi Tape to Cups
Decorate party cups with washi tape. Washi tape comes in so many colors and designs, it is an easy way to pretty up plain cups.
Image and tutorial via A Joyful Riot
Top Cakes with Lollipops
Lollipops also make great cake toppers—they already come with a stick! Glittering them is optional, but why not?
Image and tutorial via A Bubbly Life
Turn Colored Paper Into a Geometric Backdrop
This gorgeous colorful backdrop looks complicated, but it is not. Only paper and one common office supply is needed.
Image and tutorial via Pizzazzerie
Unfrost a Grocery Store Cake
Save money and buy a grocery store cake. This cake hack will turn it into a beautiful, trendy naked cake.
Image and tutorial via Lemon Thistle
Paint Plain White Plastic Flatware
Dip the ends of plastic flatware in some paint for a colorful party accessory.
Image and tutorial via Delineate Your Dwelling
Make Edible Bowls Out of Sprinkles
Make edible sprinkle bowls to serve your ice cream. Your party will be a smash.
Image and tutorial via This Heart of Mine
BONUS: Avoid Popsicle Drips and Stains
OK, so while this isn't a decorating hack, I'd be remiss without mentioning this headache saver! Every kid loves popsicles, but no mom likes the drippy, sticky mess they create. Attach a cupcake wrapper to the stick and enjoy your barbecues and parties with no sticky fingers or furniture.
Image and tutorial via A Subtle Revelry