Last Updated on August 19, 2024 by Project Party

Throwing a memorable kids’ party doesn’t have to break the bank. By harnessing a bit of creativity and making some DIY party supplies, you can create a spectacular event on a budget. From personalised decorations to interactive games, here are 14 fantastic DIY party supplies ideas that will elevate your celebration and delight your guests.

1. Customised Birthday Banners: Personalised Party Decorations

A customised birthday banner is a perfect way to create a personalised and festive atmosphere. By designing your banner, you can match it to the party’s theme and the guest of honour’s preferences. Use materials such as fabric, construction paper, or even recycled paper to craft a banner that stands out. You can embellish it with glitter, stickers, or fabric cut-outs to add an extra layer of detail. Whether you opt for a simple “Happy Birthday” message or something more elaborate like a themed design or a favourite quote, this banner will be a standout decoration at your party.

Example Themes:

• Space Party: Create a banner with planets, rockets, and stars in vibrant colours to capture a cosmic adventure.
• Jungle Safari: Decorate with animal prints and jungle leaves, adding images of lions, elephants, and monkeys.
• Underwater World: Use shades of blue and green to make waves, fish, and sea creatures for an immersive underwater experience.

Tips:

• Personalise It: Incorporate the birthday child’s name and age for a custom touch that makes the banner feel special.
• Durability: Choose materials that are sturdy enough to last throughout the party, such as fabric or heavyweight paper.
• Interactive Elements: Add features like moveable parts or sections that guests can interact with to make the banner more engaging.

2. Unique Invitations: Create Stunning Invites with DIY Party Supplies

Your invitations set the stage for the party and make a lasting first impression. Crafting your invites with DIY party supplies allows you to infuse them with creativity and personalise them to fit the party theme. Use materials such as construction paper, cardstock, or recycled paper, and add interactive elements like puzzles or pop-ups to make them stand out. Customise each invitation with personal touches or specific details about the event to make each guest feel valued and excited about attending.

Example Themes:

• Pirate Adventure: Design treasure maps with clues leading to the party details for an adventurous and immersive start.
• Superhero Extravaganza: Create invitations shaped like superhero masks or capes, adding a fun and thematic twist.
• Vintage Tea Party: Use lace and floral patterns for a sophisticated, classic touch that reflects the elegance of the event.

Tips:

• Personalise Each Invite: Include names or custom messages to make each invite feel special and tailored to the recipient.
• Interactive Fun: Turn invites into mini-games or puzzles to engage guests and add an extra layer of excitement.
• Quality Materials: Opt for high-quality paper or cardstock to give your invitations a polished and professional look.

3. DIY Party Hats: Crafting Festive Headwear

Party hats add a festive touch to any celebration, and making them yourself allows you to customise them to fit your theme perfectly. Use construction paper, felt, or fabric to create hats that are not only visually appealing but also comfortable to wear. You can decorate them with stickers, glitter, or themed cut-outs to make each hat unique. Whether you’re creating simple cone-shaped hats or more elaborate designs, personalised party hats will make the birthday child and their friends feel extra special.

Example Themes:

• Animal Kingdom: Design hats with animal ears, tails, and faces to bring a fun and whimsical element to the party.
• Fairy Tale Fantasy: Use glitter and star decorations to create magical, enchanting hats for a fairy tale experience.
• Dinosaur Adventure: Craft hats with dinosaur spikes and patterns to add a prehistoric touch to the celebration.

Tips:

• Comfort is Key: Ensure that the hats are comfortable and adjustable so all guests can wear them easily throughout the party.
• Personalise: Add individual names or themed decorations for a custom touch that makes each hat special.
• Secure Fit: Use chin straps or elastic bands to keep the hats in place and ensure they stay on during active play.

4. Balloon Sculptures: Vibrant Decorations

Balloon sculptures are an eye-catching and dynamic way to decorate your party space. You can create balloon arches, garlands, or centrepieces that align with your theme, making the space visually appealing and festive. Balloons are versatile and can be used in various configurations to enhance the atmosphere. With numerous online tutorials available, you can learn how to make different balloon designs that will impress your guests and add a fun and vibrant touch to your event.

Example Themes:

• Underwater Adventure: Craft a balloon garland with sea creatures, bubbles, and ocean colours to create an immersive underwater effect.
• Circus Fun: Design balloon animals, a colourful balloon arch, and playful balloon bouquets to capture the excitement of a circus.
• Garden Party: Use flower-shaped balloons and green garlands to evoke a blooming garden and add a natural, refreshing touch.

Tips:

• Choose Quality Balloons: Invest in high-quality balloons to ensure they are durable and last throughout the event.
• Colour Coordination: Match balloon colours to your theme for a cohesive and visually pleasing decoration.
• Prepare for Issues: Keep extra balloons and repair tools handy in case of any pops or leaks during setup.

5. Photo Backdrops: Enhance Your Event with DIY Party Supplies

Creating a photo backdrop with DIY party supplies adds an interactive and decorative element to your party, providing a space for guests to take memorable photos. Design your backdrop using materials like fabric, streamers, or cardboard, and tailor it to match your party theme. A well-designed backdrop not only enhances the party space but also offers a fun activity for guests. You can incorporate props or thematic decorations from your DIY party supplies to make the photo area more engaging and memorable.

Example Themes:

• Tropical Paradise: Use palm leaves, tropical flowers, and vibrant colours to create a beachy, island-inspired backdrop.
• Hollywood Glamour: Design a red carpet backdrop with gold accents, film reels, and star cut-outs for a glamorous touch.
• Winter Wonderland: Incorporate snowflakes, icy colours, and glitter to evoke a magical winter scene.

Tips:

• Size Matters: Ensure the backdrop is large enough to accommodate group photos and make a visual impact.
• Secure It Well: Use hooks, adhesive strips, or a frame to keep the backdrop in place and prevent it from falling.
• Lighting: Add lighting or reflectors to enhance the backdrop and ensure it looks great in photos.

6. Handmade Party Favours: Personal Touches

Handmade party favours are a thoughtful and cost-effective way to thank your guests for attending. Create favours using materials like small jars, craft paper, or fabric, and fill them with treats or themed items that match the party. Personalise the packaging with labels, tags, or decorations to add a special touch. Handmade favours not only save money but also show guests that you put in extra effort to make their experience enjoyable.

Example Themes:

• DIY Craft Kits: Assemble kits with art supplies or materials for a fun activity, themed to match the party.
• Sweet Treats: Fill small bags or jars with homemade cookies, candies, or chocolates for a sweet thank you.
• Mini Games: Include small toys, puzzles, or party-themed trinkets that guests can enjoy after the party.

Tips:

• Personalise Packaging: Use themed bags, boxes, or jars to match the party’s theme and make the favours more special.
• Add a Note: Include a thank-you note or message with each favour to express your appreciation.
• Practical Items: Consider useful favours like pencils, notepads, or small gadgets that guests will find handy.

7. Cake Toppers: DIY Party Supplies for a Custom Cake Design

Cake toppers are a simple yet effective way to add a personal touch to your birthday cake. Craft your toppers using materials like cardstock, clay, or fondant, and design them to fit your party theme. Whether you create shapes, letters, or figures, homemade cake toppers can make the cake look unique and special. Personalise them with names, ages, or favourite characters to make the birthday cake a highlight of the celebration.

Example Themes:

• Superhero Cake: Design toppers with superhero logos, capes, or figures to match a superhero-themed party.
• Garden Cake: Use flower and butterfly toppers to complement a garden or nature-themed celebration.
• Space Cake: Create toppers with rockets, planets, and stars to enhance a cosmic or space-themed cake.

Tips:

• Food-Safe Materials: Ensure that all materials used for the cake toppers are safe for food contact.
• Personalise: Add the birthday child’s name, age, or favourite character to make the topper more special.
• Design Flexibility: Use versatile materials like fondant or clay that allow for easy modifications and creative designs.

8. Streamers and Confetti: Brighten Up Your Party

Streamers and confetti are classic party decorations that add colour and excitement. You can make your streamers from tissue paper or recycled paper plates, and create confetti from scraps or old magazines. These DIY party supplies are budget-friendly and can be tailored to match your party theme. Incorporate them throughout the party space to create a festive and vibrant atmosphere that guests will enjoy.

Example Themes:

• Fiesta Party: Use bright, multi-coloured streamers and confetti to create a lively and colourful fiesta atmosphere.
• Elegant Celebration: Opt for metallic or pastel streamers and confetti to add a touch of elegance to the party space.
• Birthday Bash: Create personalised confetti with the birthday child’s name or age for a unique touch.

Tips:

• Colour Coordination: Match the colours of the streamers and confetti to your party theme for a cohesive look.
• Spread Out: Use streamers and confetti in various areas of the party space to enhance the festive atmosphere.
• Cleanup: Use biodegradable confetti or plan for easy cleanup to ensure the post-party space is tidy.

9. DIY Party Games: Engaging Entertainment

Creating your party games is a fun way to engage guests and add entertainment to the celebration. Design games that match the party theme and are suitable for the age group attending. DIY games can be tailored to fit the party’s space and can include elements like homemade dice, obstacle courses, or themed trivia. Interactive and creative games will keep guests entertained and make the party memorable.

Example Themes:

• Treasure Hunt: Design a scavenger hunt with clues and treasures related to a pirate or adventure theme.
• Minute to Win It: Create fun and challenging games using household items for a competitive and exciting experience.
• DIY Obstacle Course: Set up a course with simple challenges and activities that fit the party’s theme.

Tips:

• Safety First: Ensure all games are safe and age-appropriate to prevent any accidents or injuries.
• Engage Everyone: Include a variety of games to cater to different interests and keep all guests involved.
• Prizes: Offer small, themed prizes for game winners to add an extra element of fun.

10. Decorative Table Settings: Transform Your Dining Experience

Decorative table settings can transform your party space and make mealtime special. Create your table settings using DIY party supplies like paper plates, napkins, and cups, and personalise them with themed decorations. You can also design placemats or centrepieces that match the party theme, adding an extra touch of creativity to the dining experience. Custom table settings not only enhance the visual appeal but also create a cohesive and enjoyable dining atmosphere.

Example Themes:

• Dinosaur Dinner: Use dinosaur-themed plates, napkins, and placemats to create a prehistoric dining experience.
• Fairy Tale Feast: Incorporate enchanted forest designs, magical creatures, and whimsical colours for a fairytale-themed table setting.
• Space Adventure: Design table settings with planets, rockets, and stars to fit a cosmic or space-themed party.

Tips:

• Match the Theme: Ensure that all table settings align with the party theme for a unified look.
• Practicality: Choose durable and practical materials that can handle spills and accidents during the party.
• Personal Touch: Add individual name cards or custom decorations for a personalised and special dining experience.

11. Handmade Centerpieces: DIY Party Supplies for a Stunning Table Display

Handmade centrepieces can be a stunning focal point for your party tables, adding both beauty and theme cohesion. Craft your centrepieces using materials like mason jars, flowers, or themed items, and personalise them to fit your party’s theme. Centrepieces can range from simple arrangements to elaborate creations, depending on your time and resources. A well-designed centrepiece not only enhances the party decor but also serves as a conversation starter and a memorable element of the celebration.

Example Themes:

• Underwater Wonders: Create centrepieces with seashells, fish, and ocean colours for a nautical or underwater theme.
• Circus Fun: Use colourful balloons, stripes, and circus animals to bring a festive and playful touch to the table.
• Garden Party: Design centrepieces with fresh flowers, greenery, and butterflies to evoke a blooming garden.

Tips:

• Height Matters: Ensure that centrepieces are not too tall or obstructive so that guests can easily see and converse across the table.
• DIY Elements: Incorporate DIY elements like painted jars, hand-crafted flowers, or themed figures to personalise the centrepiece.
• Consider the Theme: Align the centrepiece design with the party theme to create a cohesive and visually appealing table setting.

12. Custom Drink Labels: Personalise Your Beverages

Custom drink labels are a great way to add a personal touch to your party beverages. Design labels that fit your party theme and include fun or thematic details. You can create labels for water bottles, juice boxes, or other drinks, and use materials like adhesive paper or printable labels to attach them. Custom labels not only make the drinks look special but also help guests easily identify their beverages and enhance the overall party theme.

Example Themes:

• Pirate Party: Design labels with pirate flags, treasure maps, and fun pirate names for a swashbuckling beverage experience.
• Superhero Party: Use superhero logos, capes, and comic book designs to create dynamic and engaging drink labels.
• Spa Party: Opt for elegant and relaxing designs with floral patterns and soothing colours for a spa-themed event.

Tips:

• Match the Theme: Ensure that the drink labels align with the overall party theme for a cohesive look.
• Include Details: Add names or fun descriptions to the labels to make the drinks more interesting and personalised.
• Quality Printing: Use high-quality printing or adhesive paper to ensure that the labels are durable and visually appealing.

13. DIY Piñata: Fun and Interactive Entertainment

A DIY piñata can be a fun and interactive addition to your party, providing entertainment and excitement for the kids. Create your piñata using DIY party supplies like cardboard, papier-mâché, and colourful tissue paper. Customise it to match your party theme and fill it with treats and small toys that the kids will enjoy. Crafting a piñata allows you to tailor it to your specific needs and adds a unique and memorable activity to the celebration.

Example Themes:

• Dinosaur Piñata: Shape the piñata like a dinosaur and fill it with themed treats and toys for a prehistoric adventure.
• Unicorn Piñata: Design a magical unicorn piñata with bright colours and sparkles to fit a fairy tale or fantasy theme.
• Space Piñata: Create a rocket or planet-shaped piñata for a cosmic-themed party, adding stars and space elements.

Tips:

• Durability: Ensure the piñata is sturdy enough to withstand the excitement and be filled with treats.
• Safe Materials: Use non-toxic and safe materials for crafting the piñata to ensure it is safe for children.
• Fun Fillings: Include a mix of candies, small toys, and stickers to keep the kids excited and entertained.

14. Creative Cake Stands: Elevate Your Dessert Presentation

A creative cake stand made from DIY party supplies can elevate your party’s dessert presentation and add a touch of flair to your cake. Design your cake stand using materials like cardboard, wood, or even upcycled items. Decorate it to match your party theme, incorporating colours, patterns, or thematic elements. A unique and personalised cake stand not only makes the cake look more attractive but also enhances the overall party decor.

Example Themes:

• Retro Party: Use vintage patterns, bright colours, and fun shapes for a nostalgic and playful cake stand.
• Garden Party: Design a cake stand with floral decorations and greenery to complement a nature-themed celebration.
• Underwater Adventure: Create a stand with sea creatures, waves, and ocean colours to fit an aquatic theme.

Tips:

• Sturdy Base: Ensure the cake stand is stable and able to support the weight of the cake securely.
• Theme Integration: Incorporate elements of the party theme into the design for a cohesive and visually appealing look.
• Personal Touches: Add custom decorations or details that reflect the birthday child’s interests or the party theme.

Conclusion: Save Big and Celebrate Big with DIY Party Supplies

Hosting a memorable party doesn’t have to break the bank. By incorporating DIY party supplies, you can create a personalised and festive atmosphere without spending a fortune. From custom decorations and creative games to unique party favours and delicious homemade punch, DIY solutions offer endless opportunities to make your celebration special. Each DIY project allows you to tailor your party to your theme and preferences, ensuring that every detail reflects your vision.

Additional Tips:

• Plan Ahead: Give yourself plenty of time to complete DIY projects to avoid last-minute stress.
• Involve Others: Engage family or friends in the crafting process for a fun and collaborative experience.
• Budget-Friendly: Focus on cost-effective materials and ideas to keep your party budget-friendly.

With a little creativity and effort, you can achieve a beautifully decorated and entertaining party that your guests will remember. So gather your supplies, get crafting, and enjoy a celebration that’s both economical and extraordinary!

---

Stay Connected with Us!

Follow us on social media to stay updated on the latest party, event tips, and more! Don’t miss out on exclusive content, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, and exciting giveaways. Let’s party together and make every celebration unforgettable! Join our vibrant community of party enthusiasts on:

Facebook | Instagram