Birthdays are meant to be fun, but let’s be honest—they can also be crazy expensive! Between gifts, parties, and special outings, the costs can add up fast. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to spend a fortune to make your birthday—or your loved one’s—meaningful and memorable.
And since I’m turning 40 this week (what?!), I figured this was the perfect time to talk about budget-friendly ways to celebrate without sacrificing the fun!
From creative, low-cost traditions to my own simple plans for my milestone birthday, I’ve got plenty of practical, frugal-friendly ideas coming your way.
So, grab your coffee, get comfy, and let’s talk all about celebrating birthdays on a budget!
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Podcast Episode Recommendations
- #59: Community Building 101: How to Define Your Circles
- #13: 5 Savings Funds Every Family Budget Needs
- #10: How to Avoid the Comparison Trap with Your Finances
- #3: How to Create the Ideal Family Budget for Your Family
It’s My Birthday! How to Celebrate Without Breaking the Budget
Well hey there and welcome back to another episode of the Financial Fix Up Podcast. I’m your host, Sarah Brumley and today – well today is a special one because it’s my birthday!
That’s right, today I turn 40, and honestly, I have mixed feelings about it. On one hand, I feel incredibly grateful for the life I’ve been blessed, the family and friends I have, and the lessons I’ve learned over the years. On the other hand… how did I get here so fast?!
But in honor of this milestone, I thought it would be the perfect time to talk about birthdays and how to celebrate them without breaking the budget. Because if we’re being honest, birthdays can get expensive really quickly—whether it’s for us, our kids, or our loved ones. And in a world where social media makes it seem like every birthday has to be a huge, Instagram-worthy event, I think it’s time to push back on that idea.
Because, let’s be real – birthday spending has gotten out of control, and while it’s easy to feel like you have to go all out – that’s just not realistic for most families, especially when budgets are tight. I mean, let’s talk about the costs:
- Kid’s birthday parties? By the time you add up decorations, entertainment, party favors, and cake, you’re easily looking at $200 to $500—sometimes even more—for just one party.
- And adult birthdays aren’t much better. A ‘simple’ celebration with dinner, gifts, and activities can add up fast.
- Then there are the big ones—30, 40, 50. Milestone birthdays come with even more pressure to go all out with trips, big parties, and extravagant gifts. It’s a lot!
And here’s the thing: none of that is necessary to have a meaningful, memorable birthday. Some of my best birthday memories weren’t about how much money was spent but about who I spent them with and the little things that made them special.
So today, I’m sharing budget-friendly birthday celebration ideas that don’t sacrifice fun, memories, or meaning. Whether you’re planning your own birthday, a party for your kids, or even just trying to be more mindful of spending, this episode is packed with practical ways to make it special—without the financial regret later.
So grab your coffee—maybe a celebratory cup of Starbucks in my honor—and let’s get to it!
Budget-Friendly Birthday Celebration Ideas
Alright, now that we know birthdays can get expensive fast, let’s talk about how to make them fun, meaningful, and memorable—without draining your wallet.
Because the truth is, you don’t need a big budget to celebrate well. You just need a little creativity and intention.
Step #1: Experience over Expense
One of the best ways to celebrate without overspending is to focus on experiences rather than things. Because let’s be honest, most of us don’t remember every gift we’ve received over the years—but we do remember the fun moments, the laughter, and the time spent with people we love.
Instead of spending money on expensive outings or flashy gifts, try this:
- Plan a picnic in the park with homemade snacks and a cozy blanket.
- Have a DIY spa night with face masks, candles, and a warm bubble bath.
- Host a game night with board games, snacks, and friendly competition.
- Make a birthday bucket list—things you want to do throughout the day, like drinking your favorite coffee, watching a favorite movie, or going for a long walk in a beautiful spot.
For me, I’d rather spend time with my family, sip my favorite coffee, and just enjoy a relaxed, intentional day playing board games or working on a puzzle with friends instead of feeling pressured to do something big.
So, think about what brings you the most joy and relaxation—and plan your birthday around that!
Step #2: Food Without the Fancy Price Tag
Now, we all know that food is a huge part of any celebration. And while I love a good restaurant meal, it’s not always the most budget-friendly option—especially for a family.
Instead, here are a few ways to make birthday meals special without the big price tag:
- Make your favorite meal at home. Whether it’s homemade pizza, breakfast-for-dinner, or a big pot of spaghetti, it can be just as fun (and way cheaper) than dining out.
- Host a potluck. If you’re celebrating with friends or family, have everyone bring a dish. That way, you get a great meal without the cost or stress of making everything yourself.
- Do a dessert night. Skip the big meal and go straight for the sweets! Bake your favorite cake, make a batch of brownies, or set up an ice cream bar at home.
You might also consider having just a few snacks and some drinks to go along with them. For me? A birthday isn’t complete without coffee in the morning and a glass of red wine in the evening. That’s pretty much my perfect celebration right there!
Step #3: Frugal Festivities for Kids and Families
Now, if you’re planning a kid’s birthday, I know it can feel like the pressure is even higher. But the good news? Kids don’t need expensive parties to have a great time!
Some of the best, most memorable parties are the simple, at-home ones.
Here are a few fun and affordable ideas:
- DIY decorations. Grab some supplies from the dollar store or let your kids create their own party decorations as a fun craft activity.
- Simple at-home party themes. Think movie night, backyard camping, a scavenger hunt, or even a cupcake decorating contest!
- Skip the party favors. Let’s be real, most party favors end up in the trash within a few days. Instead, focus on creating a fun experience—that’s what kids will remember most.
One fun idea I love? Instead of a one-day party, turn it into a birthday week.
Each day, do something small but fun—like picking a special meal, watching their favorite movie, or having a little adventure. It spreads out the celebration without the stress (or cost) of a big event.
Step #4: Thoughtful, Not Expensive, Gifts
Let’s talk about gifts. Because gifts don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful.
In fact, some of the best gifts I’ve ever received weren’t store-bought at all.
Here are a few thoughtful (and budget-friendly) ideas:
- Write a letter. A heartfelt note about why you appreciate someone can be more valuable than anything money can buy.
- Create a memory book. Gather photos, print them out, and jot down little notes about each one.
- Give the gift of time. Offer to babysit for a friend, cook a special meal for someone, or plan a coffee date together.
- DIY gifts. If you love baking, make a batch of homemade cookies. If you enjoy crafts, create something small but personal.
At the end of the day, it’s not about how much you spend, but about making someone feel loved and appreciated. And even the littlest kiddos will appreciate those homemade cookies.
Step 5: The Gift of Time and Connection
And finally, let’s talk about what really matters—time with the people we love.
Because at the end of the day, what makes a birthday truly special isn’t the gifts or the decorations—it’s who we spend it with.
So, instead of focusing on things, focus on connection:
- Take a long walk with a friend or loved one.
- Plan a cozy family movie night with popcorn and blankets.
- Call someone you haven’t talked to in a while and catch up.
- Spend time journaling or reflecting on what you’re grateful for in this new year of life.
Sometimes, the best way to celebrate is just slowing down and being present. And at the end of the day – memories last longer than expensive gifts or fancy events.
Our 40th Birthday – Focused on Community
So, now that we’ve talked about all the ways to celebrate birthdays on a budget, I thought I’d share how Justin and I celebrated ours this year!
Yep—we are both now 40, and rather than planning separate celebrations, we decided to combine forces and keep it simple. No big party, no fancy venue, no stress—just a casual night at home with the people we love.
A Laid-Back, At-Home Celebration
Honestly? We just want to spend time with our people. Life is busy, and it’s easy to let months go by without getting together. So, instead of making this a big, elaborate thing, we used our birthdays as an excuse to bring friends and family together, relax, and enjoy each other’s company.
We planned a game night, some puzzles, and just an open space for conversation and laughter. No pressure, no schedule—just good people hanging out and having fun.
And if you know us, you know this is pretty much our ideal way to spend an evening anyway.
Simple, Crowd-Pleasing Food
Now, let’s talk about the food—because a party isn’t a party without something good to eat, right?
We were intentional in skipping anything complicated or expensive and focused instead on easy, delicious, and stress-free.
Think finger foods, homemade dips and chips, and because my husband makes the best barbecued chicken wings ever – we had those, too.
And of course, there was dessert. Nothing fancy, just a lovely bunch of cupcakes, but it wouldn’t have been a birthday party without a sweet treat, right?
The best part? We got to enjoy the night, too**,** instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
The Real Reason We’re Doing It This Way
More than anything, we wanted to use this birthday as an opportunity to build community.
Lately, we’ve been really intentional about prioritizing relationships—making time for friends, creating space for connection, and just enjoying the people in our lives. And this? This was a perfect way to do that.
It’s not about the decorations, the gifts, or even turning 40. It’s about slowing down, being present, and celebrating the people who make life richer.
And honestly? That feels like the best kind of birthday.
How Will You Celebrate Your Birthday?
And I share this because I want to remind you—celebrations don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. However you choose to mark a birthday, the most important thing is that it feels right for you.
Maybe that’s a quiet night at home. Maybe it’s a potluck dinner with family. Maybe it’s a long walk and a coffee date with yourself. Whatever it is, let it be simple, let it be joyful, and most of all—let it be you.
So whether it’s your birthday or you’re planning one for someone else, I hope today’s episode encourages you to embrace simple, budget-friendly ways to celebrate.
And I’d love to hear from you! What’s your favorite budget-friendly way to celebrate birthdays? Shoot me an email at sarah@lemonblessings.com—I’d love to hear your ideas!
Whatever you decide, just know that I’m cheering you on! You’ve got this! Thanks for celebrating with me today! Have an amazing day and I’ll chat with you again next time!
