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Anyone who has tackled a themed birthday party for a child in South Africa is likely to tell you it’s more than just cake and candles these days. If balloons and a bouncy castle were once the extent of the extravagance, today the details are the difference—from outfits matching the party vibe to snacks cleverly tied to the theme. For many local parents, the goal is to create unforgettable memories without breaking the bank.
One Pretoria mom recently made headlines when she hosted a Sixty60-themed party for her son, proving that local inspiration can lead to truly unique celebrations. Every element, down to the delivery bags, echoed the popular South African platform’s branding. This showcased a growing trend: South African parents are embracing creative themes, and with the cooler months approaching, indoor parties where these themes can truly shine are becoming increasingly popular.
Whether it’s a bash inspired by beloved cartoons like Peppa Pig, to a roaring dinosaur adventure, the possibilities are endless.
One theme that lends itself to a cosy indoor gathering is a Harry Potter-styled party. Imagine a home transformed into Hogwarts, with games and activities woven into the wizarding world. Guests bundled in warm robes and scarves, could enjoy “Golden Snitch” chicken nuggets or mini pizzas representing the different Hogwarts houses with clever toppings: red peppers for Gryffindor, yellow cheese for Hufflepuff, green peppers for Slytherin, and black olives for Ravenclaw.
Creating this magic doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Emma Watts, a 34-year-old mom, orchestrated an enchanting Harry Potter-themed party for her daughter and her best friend for under R2,000. Her secret? A blend of creativity and sourcing affordable party supplies online.
Picture credits: Emma Watts
Inspired by Pinterest, Emma turned to online platform Temu to find budget-friendly decorations that didn’t compromise on style. “The quality was impressive, especially considering the low prices I found. I did look around, but online offered the best value. From Hogwarts house-themed banners to DIY ‘Have You Seen This Wizard’ posters, everything looked fantastic,” she shared.
Picture credits: Emma Watts
No need to break the bank
According to a recent News24 survey, 46% of South African respondents report saving more than half of their shopping budget by using Temu, with nearly 40% making purchases on the platform at least once a month.
Anushae Tariq, a single mother of 2-year-old Aliyan, had a similar experience when planning a Cars-themed party for her son. Determined to make his day special without overspending, she turned to the internet for solutions. “I wanted a memorable party for him but also had to stick to a budget,” she explained.
Picture courtesy: Anushea Tariq
Like Emma, Anushae discovered a treasure trove of affordable party essentials online, from car-shaped balloons to racecar tablecloths. “The quality was amazing for the price. I couldn’t believe how much I could get without overspending,” she added.
Her favourite find was a car-shaped cake topper, which gave Aliyan’s cake a professional touch, along with mini toy cars as party favours, costing just R75.
Picture courtesy: Anushea Tariq
Both Emma and Anushae found that online platforms such as Temu offered a wide range of themed items that kept the children entertained and added a special touch to their events. “If it wasn’t for the options I found online, I probably wouldn’t have done the party as other decor shops were too expensive,” Emma admitted.
Anushae echoed this sentiment: “It felt like a professional event, but it was so affordable.”
Shop around
Emma advises other parents to shop around online, look for deals and get creative with DIY elements. “Have a look on Pinterest for ideas, save them on your phone, and then search online – you can often find at least half of those things at a much lower cost,” she recommends.
These experiences highlight how resourceful South African parents can leverage online resources to create magical and memorable birthday celebrations for their children without breaking the bank. With a little creativity and savvy online shopping, anyone can throw a fantastic themed party. “I’m already looking forward to next year’s party!” Anushae exclaimed.