Cheap Back to School Party Ideas

Throwing a Back to School party but don’t have a huge budget or tons of time? You’ll love these simple back to school party ideas that can be found cheaply and even around your house!

HOW TO HOST A BACK TO SCHOOL PARTY THAT WON’T BREAK THE BANK OR TAKE HOURS TO PREPARE

Wouldn’t you agree that throwing dinner parties can be A LOT of work? Especially if you are the chef, set-up crew, decorator, photographer, entertainer, and clean-up crew? And that doesn’t count if you have little ones running around all while trying to do it all.

20 MINUTES IS ALL YOU NEED

That’s why we’re all about quick and easy party set ups that take under 20 minutes. like our Bon Voyage Dinner Party, You Are My Sunshine Party or Hocus Pocus Halloween Party. 

I’ve tried a new little rule for myself when it comes to dinner parties. This doesn’t apply to ALL parties, but I think it’s a good rule to aim for. On some recent parties I’ve thrown lately, I have only allowed myself 20 minutes to set up and decorate for the dinner party. (This rule doesn’t apply to food preparation.)

With this time restraint, there obviously can’t be elaborate decorations or be able to have every single detail perfect. But that’s okay. Because this is real life and sometimes there just isn’t time for perfection. However, that doesn’t mean that we still can’t be festive.

WHERE TO GET BACK TO SCHOOL PARTY DECOR 

The dollar store is probably my favorite place to grab party supplies! I’m not usually one for cheesy decorations, but you can always find some basic party supplies that will be perfect for your back to school party.

Here’s what I’m talking about: 

Pick up a pack of cheap flash cards and make a back to school banner. Chances are you already have string and clips at home to assemble your banner.

BACK TO SCHOOL PARTY FAVORS

New school supplies are always a favorite, so why not package them up cute and set them out as favors? Grab some cute paper bags (I used these ones) and fill them with new crayons, markers, note pads, etc.

For the place cards, use a new pencil. Wrap a piece of masking tape around and trim off the edges. Write the names on it.

CENTERPIECES 

For a quick school-themed centerpiece, pull out a mason jar and fill with freshly sharpened colored pencils. Also, pick up a vase of sunflowers or find a random patch on the side of the road and cut your own!

Look around for some lined paper napkins or fold a piece of paper to add an accent to your place settings.

OTHER BACK TO SCHOOL PARTY IDEAS YOU’LL LOVE

Back to School Cupcakes 

How to Throw a Back to School Backwards Dinner