I saw this video before, but it showed up on my FYP, and while I know it’s supposed to show how crazy the costs of everything have become, I watched it and saw a chance to show everyone how to shop for a birthday party on a budget. No slight to Rae- I love her content and think she is hilarious.
In the video, Rae is at a big box store (Walmart) with a budget of $50 for a friend’s birthday.
Her shopping list included:
- Cake
- 2 frozen pizzas
- 2 suitcases of mini soda cans
- Candles
- Plates
- Cutlery
- 2 pkg streamers
- Balloons
- Plastic tablecloth
- Banner
At her first go round, she is over budget, so she decides to make the cake from a mix, and proceeds to finish her shop. She does end up over budget by $1.
If our friend Rae started at Dollar Tree…. It would be much different.
- 2 cake mixes $3.00
- 2 cans of frosting $3.00 (because 1 can isn’t enough for a two-layer cake)
- 1 can of soda, or 1 12-ounce jar of apple sauce, or 1 can of pumpkin for the cake mix to use in place of oil, eggs, and water in the cake mix. This is an old trick and works well $1.50.
- 2 2-liters of soda $2.50
- Candles $1.25
- 2 pkg of steamers $2.50
- 1 pkg of balloons $1.25
- 1 tablecloth $1.25
- 1 banner $1.25
- 2 pkg plates $2.50
- Cutlery $1.25
- Sleeve of plastic cups (because the soda is in 2 liter bottles) $1.25
For a total of $22.50. With the leftover cash, pick up 2 Costco pizzas, and if there is any leftover, maybe grab 2 pints of store-brand ice cream at Dollar Tree!
I love Dollar Tree for party supplies. There is no reason to spend a lot of money on disposable party supplies. I’ve always done birthday parties on a budget!
Why am I referring to them as “quests” and not “hustle“?
May 4-8, 2026 is Teacher Appreciation Week, and to celebrate, there are some freebies and deals around.
This week has been wild. I’ll post a separate update tonight, but needless to say, I am so glad it’s Friday.
