How to Celebrate a Birthday on a Budget (Without Sacrificing Fun)
Planning your birthday doesn’t have to feel stressful or drain your wallet. If you’re wondering how to celebrate a birthday on a budget, I’m here to tell you that it’s completely possible.
There are so many fun, creative, and meaningful ways to celebrate without spending a lot of money. From free things to do to cheap party themes, keep on reading for my list of budget friendly birthday ideas.
How to Celebrate a Birthday on a Budget
1. Go out for Dinner
Going out to eat might sound expensive, but you can absolutely make it work on a budget. Start by choosing how much you want to spend, and then pick a restaurant that fits that price range. You can do a sit-down dinner, or you can go somewhere more casual and still have a great time. Think CAVA, Chipotle, or any good quick service spot.
Another money saving option is to order takeout from a nice restaurant and enjoy your birthday dinner at home. Sometimes the vibe of staying in, eating good food, and enjoying a cozy night-in might be just as special (if not better) than eating out.
2. Walk Around the Mall and Go Shopping
I don’t know about you, but one of my favorite part of shopping is simply walking around; looking at things, saying “oh this is cute,” and then putting it back down. Especially at stores like HomeGoods and Walmart.
If you’re like me, you can make that part of your birthday fun. Head to the mall or your favorite stores and do some window shopping, browse different sections, and just enjoy looking around.
If you actually want to buy something, set your budget ahead of time and pick up a few items that fit within what you’re comfortable spending.
3. Eat Your Favorite Dessert
Celebrate your birthday with a sweet treat and grab your favorite dessert. Whether it’s stopping by your favorite donut shop, picking something up from a local bakery, or getting cookies and ice cream; this is a delicious and fun way to celebrate.
4. Have a Picnic
One of the best things about a picnic is that it can be super budget friendly. You can go to a park, the beach, or even set up a picnic right in your own backyard.
You can enjoy a solo picnic or do it as a birthday idea with friends/family. All you have to do is grab a blanket or two, pack some snacks or light foods, and enjoy your meal outdoors.
5. Host a Game Night
Raise your hand if you love a good game night? A game night is one of my favorite budget friendly birthday ideas because it doesn’t even feel low budget. You’re too busy interacting, laughing, and competing with everyone to worry about fancy decorations or expensive food. Most of the focus is on the games themselves, which makes it fun, simple, and super affordable.
You can play card games, DIY games, do trivia, or mix a bunch of different game styles to keep the night interesting. For food, you can stick to snacks and finger foods, or invite your guests to bring something to share for a potluck style vibe.
6. Have a Pajama Party
Another one of my favorite birthday party ideas, especially for a girls’ night, is a pajama party. You can decorate with simple balloons and a birthday banner, but most of the focus is really on the cozy vibe. Everyone shows up in comfy pajamas, and the whole night feels relaxed and fun without needing a big budget.
You can keep the food super simple by ordering pizza or sticking to snacks like popcorn, chips, or sweets. For activities, you can watch a movie, play games, or even bake cookies together.
7. Have a Birthday Self Care Day
There’s just something about ringing in a new year feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. If you’re looking for a birthday idea that’s all about relaxation and pampering, have a self care day.
You can set a budget and treat yourself to getting your nails or hair done, or you can keep it simple and diy your self care at home. You can do your nails; do a face mask; take a long and relaxing shower; read a book; and just enjoy gently pouring into yourself.
8. Do a Fun Craft
Crafts are a great birthday idea, especially if you want an activity based celebration you can do alone or with a friend.
From making tie-dye T-shirts to having a paint night with your friends, there are so many options you can try. Just set a budget first, and then choose a craft that fits within the amount you want to spend.
Free & Budget Friendly Birthday Ideas
9. Grab Birthday Freebies
When it comes to celebrating your birthday on a budget and you’re looking for free birthday ideas, consider grabbing some birthday freebies.
If you’ve never heard of “birthday freebies,” they’re basically rewards that different restaurants and retailers give you as a little “happy birthday gift”. These can be anything from a free drink or dessert to discounts on clothes and beauty products.
So many places offer them like: Starbucks, Sephora, Krispy Kreme, and Baskin Robbins. The only thing to keep in mind is that each company has its own rules for redeeming their birthday freebie. Some make it as easy as signing up for their loyalty program or app. Just do a quick check to make sure you meet the requirements for the places you want to redeem from.
And if you’d like a list of companies that offer birthday freebies, click the link below to explore your options and start claiming your gifts!
10. Have a Free Birthday Photoshoot
If you have a phone or a camera, or you know a friend or family member who does, then BOOM! you’ve got everything you need for a cute birthday photoshoot.
Get dressed up in a cute outfit, grab a phone, and take some fun birthday pictures to celebrate your day.
CHECK OUT: 20 Fantastic Teen Birthday Party Ideas For An Incredible Celebration
11. Go to a Free Community Event
If you live in an area that usually has community events, check to see if anything free is happening on or around your birthday. It might be a free concert, a community family night, a local festival, or a free activity or attraction being offered.
Budget Friendly Birthday Party Ideas
When it comes to celebrating a birthday on a budget; especially if you’re planning a party, you’re probably looking for budget friendly birthday party ideas.
The truth is, any birthday party can be budget friendly and work around whatever amount you’re able to spend. It just takes a little creativity and planning. As you get ready to celebrate, keep some of the factors below in mind to help you throw a fun and affordable birthday party.
CHECK OUT: 19 Epic Birthday Party Ideas For Adults Beyond A Dinner Party
12. Set a Spending Amount
One of the key parts of having a budget-friendly party (and actually sticking to it) is setting a specific spending amount. Before you plan anything or buy anything, write down the exact amount you want to spend, and add a small buffer just in case you go slightly over. Then do your best to stick to that number.
Your budget could be $50, $100, $150, $200, whatever works for you. This amount will help guide how much you spend on decorations, food, activities, and everything else for your party.
13. Have Your Party at a Free or Low Cost Location
If there are ways for you to cut costs, definitely take advantage of them. And one of the best ways is by choosing a free or low cost location for your birthday party. This could be your home, a park, the beach, or even a friend’s house. You can also rent a simple outdoor space at a park for a low fee if needed.
By choosing a free or inexpensive location, you can save hundreds on your birthday celebration and put more of your budget toward food, decor, or activities instead.
14. DIY and Shop Around for Decorations
When it comes to saving money on birthday decorations, one of my best tips is to DIY and shop around. You can easily make flyers, posters, and even menu cards using things like Canva; then print them out to instantly make your party look like you spent way more than you actually did. You can also DIY centerpieces or decor pieces. Like grabbing affordable flowers from Trader Joe’s or Costco and making your own floral arrangements.
Shopping around is also key because it lets you compare prices and choose items that match both your budget and your quality standards. For example, you might assume Amazon has the best price, but then you check Dollar Tree or Walmart and find the same item (or something similar) for way cheaper. A little browsing can save you a lot of money.
15. Use Balloons Within Your Decoration
One of the easiest ways to instantly create a party atmosphere is with balloons. Just having balloons around screams celebration, so take advantage of them when decorating. You can use balloons to brighten up your space, add pops of color, and make the party feel more festive without spending much money.
If you’re not a fan of balloons or your party theme doesn’t fit them, no worries. You can decorate with flowers instead. They can be fresh or fake, depending on your budget. Streamers and fringe party decorations are also fun and affordable options that can instantly add a “party vibe” to your space.
16. Take Advantage of Decorations You Already Have
Another great way to save money on your decorations, is by decorating with things you already own. If you already have a tablecloth, use it. If you have faux flowers, picture frames, candles, chairs, or small decor pieces; incorporate them into your party setup.
And if you’re in need of something, don’t be afraid to ask a friend or family member to borrow it. You might be surprised by how many people already have things like extra vases, serving trays, or party supplies they don’t mind sharing. By using what you already have (or borrowing items instead of buying them), you can save even more money on your party without sacrificing style.
17. Get Creative With Your Party Menu
In addition to saving money with your decorations, another great place where you can save a lot of money is with your party food. There are so many different ways to work your menu around your budget without sacrificing the quantity or the quality of the food. Because let’s be honest, many people may not remember the decorations but they will remember some delicious food.
So below are some of my personal favorite ways to save money when it comes to the food portion of your party.
Budget Friendly Food Ideas for a Birthday Party
18. Cook the Food
One of the best ways to save money on party food is to cook the food yourself instead of ordering takeout or catering from a restaurant. It’s often significantly cheaper to buy the ingredients and make the dishes at home. And with so many easy recipes online (plus any personal favorites you already know how to make), it can feel much more doable to prepare the food on your own.
19. Make Foods That Are Great in Bulk
Another great way to save on food is to make recipes that work well in bulk. Dishes like pastas, salads, fruit platters, dips, and meatballs are affordable to make in large portions. And they can feed a lot of people without costing a lot of money.
20. Have a Potluck Style Menu
Having a potluck style menu is another great idea, especially if you’re throwing a more casual birthday party, like a game night, picnic, or a pajama party.
It’s a fun way for everyone to contribute. And it brings people together over good food with lots of variety without putting all the cost on you.
21. Have a DIY Food Station
Lastly, another way to save money on food, when throwing a birthday party on a budget; is by setting up a DIY food station. Where your guests can customize their own meal.
I’ve seen so many fun setups, like a “build your own” taco bar. Where it has different tortillas; a few meat options; and toppings like sour cream, lettuce, pico de gallo, cilantro, and onions.
Your guests get to personalize their tacos, and honestly, most people wouldn’t even realize this is a budget friendly idea. Because it feels like an interactive activity and a meal at the same time.
Here are some other great birthday food bar ideas you can try:
Pasta Bar: Offer different pasta noodles and sauces. (Example: fettuccine, spaghetti, rigatoni + sauces like chicken alfredo, meat sauce, mushroom sauce)
Bagel Bar: Bagels with different cream cheese flavors and toppings
Burger Bar: Burgers, buns, and toppings like tomatoes, lettuce, onions, jalapeños, pickles, etc.
