Celebrating a Loved One While on a Budget

By Ernest Hamilton Jan 25 2021, 16:17 PM EST

It can often be hard to celebrate special occasions like birthdays when you are on a budget. Unfortunately, many feel it is necessary to overspend in order to make someone feel special. But if you are creative, it does not need to destroy your budget, and you can still have a great time.

Finding the Perfect Present

Gifts are often an expensive part of birthdays, but you don't have to spend too much. Find a pretty card or make your own and write a long note from the heart. Tell the person what they mean to you and make them feel special. That is a great idea because many people don't take the time to write a long note. A bouquet does not have to break the bank, and it would be the perfect complement to the handwritten card. If you are thinking about sending flowers to say, "Happy Birthday," you can see the best birthday flowers here. You can read the guide on the top 10 picks and why each one is popular, as well as learn special meanings.

Decorating for the Special Day

Whether or not you are having a large gathering, decorating is an excellent way to make someone feel special. It's easy and inexpensive, and it makes the day seem more fun. You can find supplies at the dollar store, like balloons, streamers, and birthday signs. Look for brightly colored ones or decorate with your loved one's favorite colors. If you don't want to shop in-store, you can find large packs of decorations online. If you have craft supplies at home, you might not need to purchase much. For example, you can create fun signs using paper and markers. Or you might use paper plates to create a Happy Birthday sign.

Choosing Inexpensive Food

Instead of taking your loved one out to eat, consider cooking something special at home and having a few friends over. You might ask them to choose their favorite meal for you to cook. If they do not prefer, you could try the lasagna, spaghetti with meatballs, or baked sandwiches. You can make many ahead of time to make the day easier. It is also easy to make your own cupcakes or cake, even if you are not into baking. You can use a boxed mix and make it taste better with a couple of tricks. For example, if you have layer pans, create a layer cake. To make it richer, add an extra egg, replace the oil with butter, and replace water with milk. You might be surprised at how much that can dress up the recipe. Finally, allow the particular person to choose their cake flavor.

Fun Activities

It doesn't have to be expensive to celebrate a birthday. Some of the best ways to celebrate might involve doing something simple. For example, you could try: