Welcome to Southern Savers, where finding deals and steals is simple and rewarding!

See I told you, this would help!

Coupon Abbreviations
  • SC = Store Coupon
  • MC = Manufacturer Coupon
  • SS = Smart Source
  • RMN = Retail Me Not
  • PG = Proctor and Gamble
Coupon Terms
  • WYB = When You Buy
  • B1G1 = Buy One Get One Free
  • .75/1 = 75 cents off one item
  • .75/3 = 75 cents off three items
  • EXP = Expiration Date

Going Nuts? I can help you understand coupon terms and abbreviations

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure here.

If you’ve ever thrown a birthday party for one of your kids, you know that the costs can add up. Presents, decorations, party favors, plates and napkins and cups… oh my! My top tip to keep costs down is to choose a time when you don’t have to serve a ton of food. My favorite party times are 10 am and 3 pm. Keep it simple and choose some of these 20 birthday party food ideas for kids.

20 Birthday Party Food Ideas for Kids

Grilled cheese bites

Make grilled cheese sandwiches and then cut into squares or fun shapes.

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches

Cut these into small squares or use cookie cutters for fun shapes. Be sure to check for any potential allergies—if there are any, use sunflower seed butter or almond butter.

Pizza pinwheels

Roll up pepperoni and mozzarella cheese in crescent rolls, slice into rounds, and bake.

Pigs in a blanket

Save money by skipping the lil’ smokies and just get regular hot dogs and cut them into four pieces! Wrap in crescent rolls and bake.

Mini meatballs

Serve plain or with a dipping sauce (BBQ, ranch, etc.).

Cheese & cracker tray

Save money by buying blocks of cheese and slicing it yourself.

Popcorn

You can just make regular buttered popcorn, or you can melt chocolate and drizzle over the top!

Pretzel sticks

Serve with a side of cheese dip or mustard.

Veggies & ranch dip

Choose easy to prep veggies like carrot sticks, celery, and cucumber slices.

Fruit skewers

Put grapes, strawberries, and bananas on toothpicks.

Banana & peanut butter bites

Slice bananas and top with peanut butter and sprinkles.

Apples & caramel dip

Serve apple slices with a simple homemade or store-bought caramel dip.

Trail mix

Mix pretzels, cereal, raisins, and chocolate chips.

Cheese sticks

Buy mozzarella string cheese, cut in half for easy grabbing.

Graham cracker s’mores dip

Melt chocolate and marshmallows in a dish and serve with graham crackers for dipping.

Rice Krispies treats

Make a big batch and cut into small squares.

Chocolate-covered pretzels

Dip pretzel rods in melted chocolate and sprinkles.

Jello cups

Make in small cups and serve with tiny spoons.

Dirt cups

Prepare chocolate pudding topped with crushed Oreos and gummy worms.

Donut tower

Stack store-bought donuts into a cake shape.

For more ideas, see my post with all my best birthday party tips!

Kid birthday parties can be expensive! Feed everybody while keeping it budget friendly with these frugal birthday party food ideas for kids.