Most times, celebrating birthdays and other special occasions involve major expenses. While this is not a bad thing, financial situations aren’t always rosy and a big party might not be feasible sometimes. However, this doesn’t mean you have to spend your big day moping. There are many ways to enjoy your birthday to the fullest without breaking the bank. Here are a few ideas for a low-key celebration.
Stay indoors
As most introverts already know, you don’t necessarily need to leave the house in order to have fun. If you’d rather stay in on your birthday for one reason or another, whether your birthday is the only time you get to relax or you’re just not that outgoing, there are more than a few things to do from home. For instance, you can bake a modest cake, make a playlist of your favorite upbeat songs, and invite some close friends over for a dance party. And if you prefer to spend the day by yourself, you can treat yourself by bingeing on a comedic TV series or play a game, all from the comfort of your bed. Who knows, you might even win some shopping money!
Get free stuff
If you’re the kind of person who can’t imagine celebrating your birthday without your favorite foods, it might be wise to keep an eye out for freebies at grocery stores or restaurants that you frequent. Most of these establishments have birthday packages available for free to those who sign up. Sign up at least a month in advance and at as many places as possible. This way you’d have something to enjoy not just on your birthday but all through your birthday month. Freebies can be anything from free meals to concert tickets.
Plan outdoor activities
Wishing to keep costs low on your birthday doesn’t mean you have to avoid going out. There are several enjoyable outdoor activities that cost little or nothing. If, for instance, you have friends close by, you could organize a potluck picnic where each person brings a food item. After eating and enjoying the open air, you all can take a long drive around your favorite parts of town, visit a museum, or shop for antiques at a thrift store, taking fun pictures every step of the way. Alternatively, you can simply head to the park with a big bowl of ice cream and a good book.
Do nothing
Doing nothing, while not particularly celebratory, is obviously the best way to save cost. On your birthday, doing nothing is a way to sit back, count your blessings, and practice gratitude. Clear your schedule, make a simple meal, and just use the day to take stock and be thankful for all the positive things in your life that make it worth living.
As birthdays are one of the few days when we give ourselves license to splurge, celebrating one on a budget can be a bit of a downer. However, since special days are more about the experiences you have than how much you spend it is possible to have a perfect birthday without spending much if you’re creative about it.