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Looking for some frugal birthday celebration ideas? In this post, I’m sharing 23 fun things to do for your birthday on a budget!
My birthday is coming up soon and I’ve been trying to think of a fun idea to celebrate on a budget. We don’t usually go all out for birthdays, but I like to do something fun to celebrate!
I came up with these frugal birthday celebration ideas as I was brainstorming. Now, I just have to pick one!
23 Frugal Birthday Celebration Ideas
These fun ideas will help you celebrate a birthday on a budget!
Birthdays are a time of celebration, but don’t think you need to spend a fortune to have a good time.
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Go out for appetizers and dessert only.
If you love going out to a restaurant for your birthday, go for the best things that you normally skip – appetizers and dessert! Indulge in chips and queso, or that huge stack of cheese fries, and a yummy dessert.
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Use birthday coupons.
Does your favorite restaurant have a email sign up online? Go ahead and sign up and receive offers in your inbox. Many restaurants will send a coupon for your birthday! I just got a free appetizer coupon for my birthday. So, we could go there for a free appetizer and only buy a dessert and maybe a drink or two. 😉
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Make a nice dinner at home.
In my opinion, there is nothing better than a nice dinner at home. Fancy it up a little with a nice tablecloth, china dishes, or make it a picnic!
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Get a fancy bakery dessert.
Order a special dessert from a favorite bakery for a frugal birthday treat. This goes great with making dinner at home!
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Have an ice cream sundae party!
There are few things I love more than ice cream sundaes. You only need a few ingredients to have a fun ice cream sundae party. Just grab ice cream, waffle cones, whipped topping, sprinkles, candy, and any other toppings you love.
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Go for a hike and picnic.
Pack up a picnic and head to a local park for a hike and picnic birthday celebration.
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Visit a vineyard.
Vineyards are usually free to visit and could be a great place to have a frugal birthday celebration! Just pack some picnic food, a blanket, and buy a bottle of wine from the vineyard. Don’t forget to pack wine glasses or plastic cups.
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Play at the park!
If the weather is nice, head to the park with some snacks, a Frisbee, or your dog and enjoy some time outside.
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Visit a state park.
There are so many nice state parks to visit, and a birthday is a perfect time to go exploring! Search for a waterfall, hiking trails, or a great lake view.
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Grab a Groupon.
Groupons are the perfect way to get a deal on trying something new, like a new restaurant or a fun attraction.
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Play putt putt.
Head to mini golf for a little friendly birthday competition. Grab an ice cream cone on the way home! Search online or Groupon for a deal.
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Go bowling.
Bowling is a fun way to celebrate a birthday! Get a small group of friends or family together, and head to the bowling alley. Check online for deals, or for cheaper nights to bowl.
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Volunteer.
Spend part of your birthday making someone else’s day better by volunteering. You could walk dogs at the animal shelter, spend time at a nursing home, or volunteer at an after school kids program.
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Have a girls night!
Plan a fun girls night at home with movies, snacks, and manicures. You don’t have to go out or get dressed up, just get comfy and relax with the girls.
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Movie night!
Grab a movie rental from Redbox or on Netflix and some snacks from Dollar Tree for a fun birthday movie night. Obviously, the birthday person gets to pick the movie.
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Go to a matinee movie.
If there is a movie out you are dying to see, go to an earlier matinee. The earlier movies are usually cheaper and less crowded.
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Head to a farmers market.
Grab some delicious snacks and produce, maybe a fresh bouquet of flowers, and enjoy a nice day out.
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Have a cookout.
Invite a few friends or family over for a simple cookout. Have everyone bring a side or dessert.
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Pizza party!
Have a pizza party at home! Grab ingredients to make a family size pizza, or individual flatbread pizzas, and watch a movie after.
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Work on a project
Is there a project you have been wanting to work on? Make it a birthday project and have fun knocking it out!
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Craft night!
Have your eye on a Pinterest DIY? Grab the supplies and invite friends over for a birthday craft night! Be sure to grab some snacks! I had so much fun having my friends over to make this craft project.
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Family game night
Get your family’s favorite game out, and have fun playing games together. You can make it competitive or just play for fun.
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Have some quiet time
There is nothing wrong with having some quiet time to yourself, and your birthday is the perfect time to do just that. Stay home and enjoy a bubble bath, read a magazine or book, paint your nails, or whatever else helps you relax.
Bonus Seasonal Ideas:
Winter:
- Go ice skating
- Drive around and look at Christmas lights
- Find a deal for a Christmas lights tour
Related: 28 Frugal Winter Date Ideas
Fall:
- Go to a pumpkin patch
- Host a pumpkin carving/painting party
- Visit a haunted house with friends
Related: 12 Frugal Fall Date Ideas
Summer:
- Search for discounted tickets to a local water park
- Go canoeing or kayaking
- Plan a fishing day trip
Related: 21 Cheap Summer Activities
Spring:
- Go driving in the country and stop at a hole in the wall restaurant
- Plant new flowers
- Go for a bike ride
Related: 31 Frugal Valentine’s Day Date Ideas
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Macy Smith says
We are very minimal when it comes to gift giving. Gifts are usually handmade, second hand or a ‘needed’ item for a new stage in development. We do similar gift giving at Christmas time amongst family and friends but never thought to do this for birthdays.