The Times Australia
The Times Magazine

.

DIY Is In: How Aussie Parents Are Redefining Birthday Parties

  • Written by The Times

When planning his daughter’s birthday, Rich opted for a DIY approach, inspired by her love for drawing maps and giving clues. Their weekend tradition of hiding treats at home sparked the idea, and with a pirate ship playground already chosen as the venue, a themed treasure hunt came naturally. Instead of handing out party bags at the end, the children built their own by solving clues and uncovering hidden “treasures” throughout the park.  

Rich and his wife planned everything themselves, using everyday tools like Microsoft Word, Google Maps, a camera phone and a home printer. Rich spent around five hours preparing the hunt, from scouting locations and taking photos to writing poetic clues and setting up each treasure with items like zip ties and water bottle anchors. They added thoughtful touches including a quiet corner for neurodivergent kids and kept food simple with a homemade fruit platter and cupcakes, which were their daughter’s favourite.  

The result was a party full of adventure and joy. The kids loved it and parents were equally impressed. Rich says the positive feedback made it all worthwhile and he would absolutely recommend DIY parties, even offering to share his own materials with others.  

With rising costs and a shift toward more intentional parenting, Aussie mums and dads are getting creative when it comes to birthday parties. Gone are the days of cookie-cutter packs, DIY is in, and it’s all about adding personality, fun, and meaning without blowing the budget.  

From handmade party favours to backyard scavenger hunts, parents are embracing the joy (and savings) of doing it themselves and tools like VistaPrint are making it easier than ever to pull off something special.  

Whether it’s a fairy garden tea party or a dinosaur-themed adventure, parents are turning to simple, affordable ways to make every detail feel personal.

Think: 

* Custom invitations and signage to set the tone 

* Personalised stickers for lolly bags and party favours 

* DIY photobooth props to keep kids entertained 

* Matching thank-you cards to round out the day  

It’s not about going over the top but it’s about creating moments that feel unique to your child and manageable for your wallet. 

Times Magazine

Building a Strong Online Presence with Katoomba Web Design

Katoomba web design is more than just creating a website that looks good—it’s about building an online presence that reflects your brand, engages your audience, and drives results. For local businesses in the Blue Mountains, a well-designed website a...

September Sunset Polo

International Polo Tour To Bridge Historic Sport, Life-Changing Philanthropy, and Breath-Taking Beauty On Saturday, September 6th, history will be made as the International Polo Tour (IPT), a sports leader headquartered here in South Florida...

5 Ways Microsoft Fabric Simplifies Your Data Analytics Workflow

In today's data-driven world, businesses are constantly seeking ways to streamline their data analytics processes. The sheer volume and complexity of data can be overwhelming, often leading to bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Enter the innovative da...

7 Questions to Ask Before You Sign IT Support Companies in Sydney

Choosing an IT partner can feel like buying an insurance policy you hope you never need. The right choice keeps your team productive, your data safe, and your budget predictable. The wrong choice shows up as slow tickets, surprise bills, and risky sh...

Choosing the Right Legal Aid Lawyer in Sutherland Shire: Key Considerations

Legal aid services play an essential role in ensuring access to justice for all. For people in the Sutherland Shire who may not have the financial means to pay for private legal assistance, legal aid ensures that everyone has access to representa...

Watercolor vs. Oil vs. Digital: Which Medium Fits Your Pet's Personality?

When it comes to immortalizing your pet’s unique personality in art, choosing the right medium is essential. Each artistic medium, whether watercolor, oil, or digital, has distinct qualities that can bring out the spirit of your furry friend in dif...

The Times Features

NSW has a new fashion sector strategy – but a sustainable industry needs a federally legislated response

The New South Wales government recently announced the launch of the NSW Fashion Sector Strategy, 2025–28[1]. The strategy, developed in partnership with the Australian Fashion ...

From Garden to Gift: Why Roses Make the Perfect Present

Think back to the last time you gave or received flowers. Chances are, roses were part of the bunch, or maybe they were the whole bunch.   Roses tend to leave an impression. Even ...

Do I have insomnia? 5 reasons why you might not

Even a single night of sleep trouble can feel distressing and lonely. You toss and turn, stare at the ceiling, and wonder how you’ll cope tomorrow. No wonder many people star...

Wedding Photography Trends You Need to Know (Before You Regret Your Album)

Your wedding album should be a timeless keepsake, not something you cringe at years later. Trends may come and go, but choosing the right wedding photography approach ensures your ...

Can you say no to your doctor using an AI scribe?

Doctors’ offices were once private. But increasingly, artificial intelligence (AI) scribes (also known as digital scribes) are listening in. These tools can record and trans...

There’s a new vaccine for pneumococcal disease in Australia. Here’s what to know

The Australian government announced last week there’s a new vaccine[1] for pneumococcal disease on the National Immunisation Program for all children. This vaccine replaces pr...