Your questions answered by an expert. This week’s question comes from Maggie in Indiana.

Dear Sara, 

I love the projects you show on your blog. I’d love to do some DIY projects for my daughter’s upcoming birthday, but I work full time and don’t have time. Where can I buy these things already made? 

Thanks, 

Maggie 

{Image Credit: Design*Sponge}

Hi Maggie,

Thanks for the great question! It’s always difficult to evaluate whether it’s cheaper to make things yourself or worth it {and easier} to purchase. Especially as personalized touches are the trend at parties right now– its as if you have to stay up all night making bunting just to make a party successful!

First of all, I don’t know how old your daughter is turning, but I’m sure she is grateful for a party, no matter if the cake is homemade or bought from a store. And I truly believe that the mark of a successful party is a fun and relaxed hostess, not the number of items that say the birthday girl’s name. But when I do want personalized elements and don’t have the time to make them the first place I turn is to etsy {www.etsy.com}. Even if I can’t find exactly what I am looking for, many of the vendors are willing to customize items to make them perfect, or looking at items inspires me to be more general in my theme so I can find something that will fit {for example: if I am looking for unicorns, sometimes searching under princess or castle will give me more interesting results}. I also look at Amazon, since they seem to have everything these days, often at the best prices. There are also a few shops with adorable party items {Sweet Shop LuLu, BHLDN} but sometimes are a bit pricey.

To be totally honest, though, I rarely find exactly what I need. I usually want something pretty specific that is not yet available. So I tend to make a lot of things {or ask friends and family to make things}. I often will just try something and see if it works, while my husband does the responsible thing and researches the best method. Whatever gets it done, I say. And I’ve been known to take a monotonous task home {like, say, trimming the edges of 100 cloth napkins} and do it while watching a movie or a tv show. It somehow makes it less painful to me. But remember that DIY isn’t always cheaper, so do it because you want to do it. Also— start early and give yourself plenty of time as it will probably take longer than you think.

Regardless of which route you take, remember that it isn’t about the perfect decorations or food, but about making memories. That’s the most important part of any celebration.

Good Luck!! xoxo