What to Buy, Rent, or Skip for Your Next Birthday Party in Austin, TX

A low-guilt, high-impact guide for celebrating your kiddo sustainably and with less stress.

Your kid's next birthday party is in T-minus 30 days. Or less. You’re so proud of your kiddo and want to celebrate their big day—but finding the balance between over-the-top and underwhelming is definitely tricky.

You want it to be fun, but not chaos. Cute, but not wasteful. Not too big, not too small. Not too expensive, but definitely not boring. And let’s be real—you want to enjoy it too.

Thoughtful parents, I’m talking to you! 🫶

If you have a love-hate relationship with planning kids birthday parties, this guide is for you. You don’t want to get to the end of the day wondering if it was all worth it—or worse, feeling guilty about the cost, the clutter, or the landfill aftermath.

So here’s your ultimate guide to what to buy, rent, or skip for your next kids birthday party in Austin, Texas. Whether you’re party-planning at home, at a park, or at a local brewery with a kid zone, this list will help you save time and money, while being more friendly to the planet.

FTC Disclosure. This article includes affiliate links, from which I will receive a small commission should you purchase an item from the link. Girl needs commissions to build more themes! Maybe take a vacation. 

Step One (Yep!): Set a Budget

Yep, we said it. Start with a rough number. This helps you spend where it counts and avoid those random impulse buys or creeping into the over-the-top category.

✅ What to Buy

These items are worth the purchase—either because they’re essential, reusable, or add meaning to the celebration.

1. Food & Drinks

Whether you go store-bought, homemade, or catered, party food is a must. Absolutely support local if you can! Check out The Wander Center’s Ultimate List of Themed Party Ideas for menu and activity inspiration based on our 10 most popular party themes.

2. A Thoughtful Gift

You don’t need a mountain of toys—just something thoughtful:

• Experience gifts– my personal fav (movie night, arcade pass, rock climbing)

• Those one or two things they really want

• A personalized or handmade item

3. A Few Decor Staples (bonus if they can be reused!)

If you don’t have an awesome party decor rental company in your area (hint hint 👀) focus on purchasing decor for one “wow” area—like a dessert or photo wall—rather than decorating every surface. It’s more effective anyways and saves you $$! 

And, 

Here are a few items that can be used year after year and modified for each kid, each party: 

• A make-your-own changeable letter banner kit

• Plug-in string lights with color options

• Neutral serving pieces for the dessert table (cupcake and cake stand)

• Chalkboard sign

• A special birthday plate or crown for the birthday kiddo

4. Party Crafts & Activities

Keep the kids busy with easy, theme-matching party activities and crafts. Bonus if you already have supplies at home!

 Some ideas that can be modified to fit any birthday party theme:

• DIY scavenger hunt or obstacle course

• Craft-turned-party-favor. Provide materials for a fun, hands-on themed activity like painting wood cutouts from 24hourcrafts, decorating cookies, making magnets, or decorating an object. Kids can take their creations home as party favors! 

• Themed bean bag toss

  
  

👀 Psst! All Wander Center rentals come with a free themed party plan full of food, craft, and activity ideas.

🔁 What to Rent or Borrow

There are things you don’t need to buy new—or at all. Save the space and the cost by renting or borrowing these items. (Don’t be afraid to ask your friends!)

1. Party Decor

Rent full theme packages from a local company (heyyy, that’s us!) like The Wander Center. We offer affordable, sustainable party decor rentals in Austin, TX delivered right to your door (and picked up after). No clutter, no waste.

2. Entertainment & Extras

Borrow or rent:

• Bounce house, ball pit, etc.

• Glamping tent

• Karaoke machine

• Giant fans or extra coolers

• Canopy or folding tables & chairs

• Drink dispensers

• Etc.!

  
  

👉 These are often only used 1–2x per year, so there’s no need for every parent in the friend group to own them.

🚫 What to Skip

You don’t need everything. Here’s where you can save time, money, and stress:

1. Over-the-Top Party Favors

Most end up in the trash. Try one small, meaningful token (like a cookie or wildflower seed packet) or skip them altogether.

2. Decorating Every Inch

Focus your efforts on one “hero” area like the table or entryway. It’ll feel more cohesive and less overwhelming.

3. Giant Guest List

Smaller = easier, cheaper, more meaningful. Enough said.

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🪄 Want to Make It Even Easier?

Rent your kids birthday party decor in Austin, Texas from The Wander Center. We’ve got 10 fun, unique themes—from Safari and Fairy to Dinosaur and Glamping—plus fun add-ons.

✨ Let us deliver the magic. You focus on celebrating.

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About the Author

Dakota Rhoad is the owner of The Wander Center, a party decor rental service in Austin Texas, specializing in affordable, sustainable, and creative celebrations. With a passion for bringing joy and ease to families and reducing party waste, Dakota helps busy parents plan memorable events without the stress! Learn more at The Wander Center.