Everyone wants their kids to have great parties, with lots of friends and fun, but sometimes hiring a circus just isn’t in the budget. Don’t worry; an awesome party is easy to throw with the right finds from second hand stores. Below you’ll find ideas for themes, as well as a free event budget template that will go with any gathering you plan.

1. Try a Tea Party

Tea parties are easy to plan, and they’ll leave your little one feeling elegant and appreciated. Thrift stores have great glassware, so you’ll locate the cups and saucers you need with no trouble. You might also find cloth napkins, tablecloths and even centerpieces to help set the mood. If you need extra seating, spare chairs are almost always available where furniture is sold.

Once you’ve set your mood, let everyone dress up a little. If you set up a dress up station using second hand used clothing, you’ll be helping even the smallest guest feel all grown up, and the creative play may last for hours. Don’t forget to let them accessorize! Inexpensive hats and jewelry are plentiful, even the kids know that the right accessories can make an outfit.

2. Yo-Ho, Yo-Ho, Pirates Prevail

If a tea party isn’t what you’re looking for, consider throwing a pirate-themed party. Like a tea party, this is a great time to put together a dress up station. Pirate costumes are easy to put together, and you’ll often find pirate themed toys in the toy section at second hand stores. If you don’t want them playing with plastic swords you could buy a wooden box and stuff it with party favors. They’ll love a treasure hunt, complete with a hand drawn map.

Looking for more pirate themed party ideas? This site covers everything from invitations to costumes.

3. Adopt a Stuffed Pet

If your child is an animal lover, throw a pet adoption themed party and let every child take home a new friend. Second hand stores get lots of stuffed animals, so there will be dogs and cats available, as well as more unusual plush friends. Even if your child prefers lions and tigers, these pets are guaranteed to be housebroken. Take it a step further and ask guests to bring an item to donate to your local animal shelter.

For the budding teddy bear enthusiast, you’ll find everything you need to have a teddy bear picnic. All you’ll need are sheets, some baskets to transport the food, and a lot of bears. At second hand prices, everyone can take one home. Remember to put up some “do not feed the bears” signs.

4. Study the Stars Party

For the star lover, star parties are always welcome. Buy a few used telescopes and some binoculars, and you’ll have everything you need to spend an evening under the night sky. Don’t forget the creature comforts, like blankets to sit on and pillows for comfortable sprawling.

You’ll find a lot of information about the stars in the kids’ section of the Astronomy magazine website.

5. Watch an Outdoor Movie Screening

If you don’t think star watching will keep the kids occupied all night, you could always have an outdoor movie screening. There are a lot of really good instructions online for putting together your own outdoor theater, and buying components at second hand stores will help you reduce the cost. The Garden Glove has a great collection of information on this subject.

Whatever party you enjoy with your child, don’t forget that the main goal is to make memories. Second hand stores can help you save money, but it’s how you put it together that they’ll remember.

Start planning your next party and download the free event budget template below!