10 Kids’ Birthday Party Food Ideas On A Budget

Put on an easy party with our birthday ideas for kids at home, including an afternoon tea, pizza party, spa day and more. Keep them entertained with our affordable ideas for kids' party games.

For even more nibbles and treats, see our ultimate kids’ party food collection and then try our budget party finger food ideas.

Savoury budget party food

1. Chicken nuggets

Chicken nuggets on white dish and dipping sauce

Classic chicken nuggets are always a winner with kids. This easy recipe takes just 30 mins to make and the chicken can be oven baked or pan-fried. Serve with a selection of dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mayo or barbecue sauce.

For more ideas, see our kids’ chicken recipes.

2. Pizza with homemade sauce

Make your favourite takeaway dinner at home with this top-rated pizza recipe, complete with homemade sauce. It’s easy to make and a great budget option. Cut into small slices for little ones to dig into.

Discover more flavours and toppings with our kids’ pizza recipes.

3. Easy sausage rolls

The ultimate crowd-pleasing party food, these mini sausage rolls are the perfect size for youngsters and will go down a treat. Use shop-bought pastry for an easy shortcut, fill with sausage meat and bake for half an hour until golden brown. They’re also delicious served cold so can be made in advance.

See our sausage roll collection for everything from a giant sausage roll wreath to mini rolls.

4. Egg & cress club sandwich

Try cutting classic sandwiches into bite-sized pieces for kids to enjoy. This budget-friendly egg & cress club makes an easy addition to any buffet. You can also include simple options such as ham & cheese or turkey.

Try new filling ideas with our sandwich recipes.

5. Hummus veggie patch

Kids will barely realise they're getting their veggies in with this cute hummus dip. Use their favourite crudités for dunking.

Find more ideas with our kids’ snack recipes.

Sweet budget party food

6. Easy birthday cake

Birthday cake with pink frosting and candles

Can’t decide between chocolate or vanilla cake? Why not have both! With this easy birthday cake recipe, you can also colour the icing in your little one’s favourite colour and top with colourful sprinkles or a dash of edible glitter for an extra special touch.

For more cake ideas, including mermaid and unicorn versions, see our birthday cake recipes.

7. Instant frozen berry yogurt

This simple three-ingredient frozen yogurt can be made as a lighter alternative to ice cream at a kids’ party. Simply mix equal parts frozen mixed berries with plain Greek yogurt and a tablespoon of honey or agave. Kids will love the strong fruity flavours.

See more nutritious alternatives, see our healthy dessert recipes.

8. Fudgy brownies

What goes over better with kids than a pan of freshly baked brownies? These easy fudgy brownies can be customised with pretzels, nuts, chocolate chips, sprinkles or mini candies for an added treat.

For even more brownies, including salted caramel or peanut butter, see our kids’ brownie recipes.

9. Fruity skewers with yogurt dip

Kids can help out in the kitchen making these colourful fruit skewers. Pick out your favourite fruits, such as strawberries, bananas and grapes, and skewer for easy treats on the go. Try serving with a yogurt dip on the side flavoured with maple syrup and a dash of cinnamon.

See more easy snacks with our no-cook kids’ recipes.

10. Fairy wand biscuits

These cute biscuits are a fun kids' party activity that are purse strings-friendly, and kids will love tucking into them after. They can go wild with sprinkles, hundreds of thousands and whatever other decorations you have lying around.

Discover more kids' baking recipes.