MoneyMindedMoms: Chuck E. Cheese - The Frugal Way

One of my friends is going through a really rough patch. Her father is very ill, she just had a baby and now her school-age daughter wants a Chuck E. Cheese® birthday party. Even though money is tight, my friend simply doesn’t have it in her to plan a party at their home right now. She asked if I had any ideas.

One of the things I know a lot about is how to stretch a dollar - particularly when the kids are involved and money is scarce.

Here’s what I told her: First, consider booking a Chuck E Cheese® Organizational Party online. In our area, this costs $5.99 per child -instead of the Birthday Party rate of $11.99 and $16.99 per child. Booking an organizational party online gives you 20 extra free tokens, a reserved table for 90 minutes, a dedicated server, (who does not accept tips) each child gets 16 tokens + 2 slices of pizza & unlimited drinks. Book an Organizational Party Here.

Second, bring your own cake. Then voila, you’ve got an instant 50-70% off party! There are some things to keep in mind if you do this. If you want the “Birthday Crown” or “Birthday Balloons” you’ll have to purchase them separately. And some locations may restrict organizational events on weekends. (But Friday after school can still be a pretty good time for a party.)

Lastly, print coupons and make sure you have them on hand in case you want to buy extra tokens or food: Printable Coupons

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Sabrina O’Malone works full-time while raising and homeschooling her 6 children ages 13 and under. (That’s no typo - six kids + a full-time job + homeschooling!) Thanks to the Great Recession, she is rediscovering the lost art of frugality - and writing about the secrets to maintaining a great lifestyle while saving money. To keep up to date on Sabrina’s comings and goings and other hot-button topics, check out the following:

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