One of my favorite hobbies is party planning--be it birthdays, baby showers, dinner parties, events small and large--I love the creativity, personalization, uniqueness, and excitement of party planning! With that being said, I do not have all the money in the world and unfortunately cannot buy anything and everything that I want. So I have to turn to the alternatives--bargain buys and DIY!
Today I thought I'd share some of my favorite go-to websites that I use to purchase really cute (and affordable!) items for any kind of party. I also buy products to use in different ways--for instance, a plastic tablecloth doesn't always have to be used as a tablecloth. It could also be used as a backdrop or decor for the floor, ceiling, and more! You'd be surprised with how many ways you could use things. (That's when Pinterest becomes your best friend!)
Okay, here we go...
Save-on-crafts.com
I swear you could find everything on this site! It's like an online Michael's or Hobby Lobby. They have so so many items on there for decent prices...I could spend a good few hours on that site just trying to look through it all! I like that they are very specific with their categories (i.e. "crystal chandeliers" and "apothecary jars"). It makes things easier to look for. I typically go on there to look for "party dishes" like cake stands, jars, and platters, as I feel like that have a good selection of unique pieces that you can't find just anywhere. They have such a big variety that it's hard to not find something that you like/need!
Shop Sweet Lulu
I love this site for "cute" stuff...if that makes sense. :) They sell things like mini wooden spoons and milk bottles--perfect for baby showers or first birthday parties. I also use this site when I'm trying to achieve a vintage look for my event. Their items are very cute and simple. I particularly like their packaging goods! They offer such cute ways to package food, you could even there just to get inspired. (I'm also dying to find a way to use those adorable tiny milk jugs!) :)
Shop Meri Meri
This is another boutique party supply store that sells unique handmade goods--everything from baking products to jewelry and accessories. Their items are also very cute and simple, but a nice way to spruce up any event. Since they make all of their items, you're sure not to find them anywhere else, which makes it all the more unique.
The Party Cupboard
Why I like them? Two words: Paper straws. They have a really good, if not the best, collection of paper straws! Lol...I know I sound crazy (forgive me for my party planner nerdy-ness), but paper straws have become a big trend and this place is the place to go for them! I also like them because they have a large selection of character themed party supplies (for kid parties), but they offer non-themed supplies in those categories as well. For instance, if you click on "Disney Frozen," a few pieces with the characters on them will pop up, but along with that, there will also be purple paper plates, a snowflake tablecloth, and other non-Frozen-themed items that they suggest you buy with it. I like that because that way, it doesn't look like Frozen just threw up in your dining room. ;)
Smash Cake & Co.
Another boutique party supply shop that also sells coordinating paper and gift wrap! You'd be
a m a z e d at how much you could create with just paper and gift wrap!
Etsy
Etsy is great for everything, especially party supplies. I turn to Etsy especially when I want customized digital party decorations that I can print and cut out myself. Why? Because they're
cheap (I'm talking no more than about $30 for a full party package),
personalized (which we all know costs an arm and a leg in itself),
and you receive
digital copies so you can print as much as you want of them! I like downloading paper patterns off of Etsy too. They're normally about $2-$3 for about 10 different patterns! You can use the patterns in digital items that you create yourself, or simply print out full pages of them and use them in your decorations.
Ikea
You can find sooooo many things at Ikea, I don't even know where to start! They are already known to have really good prices, and most of their items are decent. I encourage you to go there with an open mind and just look at all their stuff. You'll likely walk out with a few things. Lol. I think they just started a party supply line as well? At least it's new in my Ikea! Great place to get lots of good, cheap, items that you can use again and again.
Amazon
Because honestly, what can you
not get from Amazon? And it's usually much cheaper than regular party stores too! I look to Amazon for tablecloths and paper goods (plates, cups, etc.) for my events, especially if I'm looking for a certain print/theme. I remember I needed cow print paper plates one time and found A TON of other items by simply searching "cow print." If you're a Prime member, quick shipping is always a plus. Also the customer reviews make it a better buying experience in my opinion. Amazon always gets a two thumbs up from me. :)
Wal-Mart.com
Wal-Mart's website has so much more than the store. And just like Amazon...what can you
not find at Wal-Mart?? Lol...and you're pretty much guaranteed a good price.
Oriental Trading
I've used this website plenty of times before, and I like them alot, although I do feel that some of their products are low quality. But they are VERY inexpensive, so you get what you pay for. I do like some of their tote bags and drawstring backpacks. You can buy them in bulk at a very low price, and can use them as an alternative to your typical goody/favor/loot bag. I like giving guests something they can actually use for favors, so things like that always catch my attention.
Dollar Tree
Party supply galore! I get a lot of party supplies from Dollar Tree and I don't just mean their supplies in their "party section." This includes plates, platters, baskets, fake flowers, kid favors--and not the cheap party favors; more like spider-man water bottles and bouncy balls. I usually go here to get prizes for games at my kids birthday parties. But you can get so many things from Dollar Tree that you can manipulate or use differently. It's a great way to get creative with cheap items!
Target
And last but not least, my favorite store--Target! They have a great selection of party supplies. I particularly like their "Spritz" line. And don't get me started on their $3 and under section. I can find all kinds of stuff there. It's dangerous. But we already knew that. ;)
I also like to shop at the discount department stores such as
Marshall's, TJ Maxx, Home Goods, and
Ross. Really really good serveware finds at these stores! If you're like me and you want to buy things you can reuse again and again, go to these stores and get the actual glassware (like the glass drink dispensers) instead of the plastic ones. I have bought so many different kinds of serveware, cake stands, and platters here, you would think I have a problem. And maybe I do......but I spend next to nothing on them and they look and hold up so much better, so to me, it's worth it.
Finally, don't forget about your craft stores and their awesome coupons from their websites!
Michael's Arts & Crafts // JoAnn Fabrics // Hobby Lobby
Happy event planning!
