[USER]

What do you all do for celebrations like an anniversary or birthday that don’t break the bank? Going to a nice dinner these days costs $200+ and doesn’t seem worth it anymore.

I’m on a quest to find creative and budget-friendly ideas for celebrations.

Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, holiday, or any special occasion, I’d love to hear your suggestions that won’t break the bank!

How can we make these moments memorable without spending a fortune?

Here are a few points I’m particularly interested in:

Decorations: What DIY decoration ideas do you have that can make a big impact for little cost?

Food and Drink: Any recipes or meal ideas that are delicious yet affordable?

Activities: What fun games or activities can we include to keep guests entertained without overspending?

Themes: How can we incorporate themes that are both fun and economical?

I believe that celebrating doesn’t have to mean extravagant expenses. If you have any tips, tricks, or personal experiences to share, please comment below!

Your input would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

[Sylvia]

Ethnic food, a walk and find gourmet dessert at a bougie market or bakery

[Dena]

I just booked a candlelight concert tix were 35$ each it’s an immersive experience with live violinists playing Beatles songs!

[John]

C’mon. There are a lot of places around me that we can get a very nice dinner with drinks for under $150, and I live in a HCOL area.

Are you only ordering the lobster?

[Robert]

As far as I’m concerned, it’s all about balance. Yes, I live a frugal lifestyle. But I will occasionally splurge on experiences.

The money will come back.

The time will not.

[Melissa]

Depends on what we feel like, some years it’s el Gacho and that runs about $600 for 2 with drinks, some years we go for a walk and eat ice cream.

Money is there to be spent and enjoyed, if I can’t enjoy it in the moment as well as save for future then it’s pointless.

What if I died tomorrow and did nothing fun and meaningful with my spouse.

No regrets

[Nisha]

I hate going out for dinner tbh.. mostly because my husband and I are so picky about food quality, service and ambience.

More often than not, we prefer to eat somewhere casual where we know the food will be really good (think “hole in the wall” type of place) and then out for dessert at another place – maybe a French patisserie.

If we do go out, it will be for brunch or late lunch, followed by a long walk and talk.

My premium time is 4am, so I dont want to go out, sleep late and jeopardize high priority activities (for me), such as the gym, deep research, long runs etc.

Also- and I know I’m an anomaly in that I hate the effort involved in dressing up.

I live in gym wear because it’s practical and suits my lifestyle.

The idea of dressing up to go and eat seems bizarre to me. To my mind, clothing is the wrapping paper- the real “gift” is the health and physique, so I’d rather focus on that.

[Ashley]

I can’t think of a single birthday or anniversary where my husband and I spent $200 on a meal…maybe one?

[Anthony]

we have a fire outside, grill up an amazing meal at home for $75 and play games or watch a move afterwards. or, sometimes take the pontoon out and do the same in the summertime.

going out to eat is fun but now expecially now that people are expecting a 20% tip for so-so service, the juice isn’t worth the squeeze.

one of the downsides of becoming a good cook is that it takes a lot to impress me now, especially when I’m 3x the money for the experience!

[Connie]

Birthday dinners out with our four kids can easily be $150 to $200. If we/the birthday kid choose a more expensive restaurant we’ll say water only for drinks to save money.

[Shawn]

In our house you get the dinner of your choice, cake of your choice, and presents aren’t always needed/wanted so we don’t go overboard.

Last year I got a hose for my birthday because the one in my garden was just rotten.

It’s all what you make it

[Imma]

this reminds me, our anniversary is next week and my husband and I haven’t even planned anything.

I guess that’s pretty cheap.

[Jennifer]

Instead of going out I purchase a couple of nice steaks for dinner that we cook.

For Dh’s birthday I usually find seafood on sale & make a nice dinner with what I can get.

[Aaron]

For adults or kids? Two very different things. My kids get birthday parties at the park with cake and Kool-Aid and dollar tree decor.

For my wife and me, on our birthdays we buy ourselves one nice thing, and go to the movies.

[Bryan]

Go watch a sunset or sunrise together ….maybe with picnic lunch or beverage. Mountain top.

Roof top. Beach etc.

[Krissteen]

Instead of gift, I often reserve a trip for the family… then just a nice dinner at a kid’s place of choice

[Ben]

Every year on my wife’s birthday I update our file of “what to do if I die” which sounds morbid to think about what an incredible gift this would be if she ever had to go through this.

Also we just had our 10 year wedding anniversary.

The internet says that it’s not the year for silver, gold, or diamonds, but rather a replacement for her beloved but dying electric toothbrush. This is love.

[James]

You can live for now and later. Don’t let life past you by to save money for later.

You can enjoy life now and fire

[Lindsey]

Celebrate in a different way than eating out. Do a day trip, outdoor activity, hike, visit a zoo. I also can’t justify the cost/time and low quality of eating out, so cook my own meals and celebrate in other ways.

It’s also not very enjoyable with servers hovering over you and asking how your food is in my opinion when you’re trying to have a conversation.

Not sure why people always have to celebrate with food. Not good for your waistline either.

[Jade]

We do Michelin star restaurants on special occasions. Usually $500+ for both of us.

Be mindful we also enjoy our drinks, and that’s pricey.

[Christine]

We are cheap we do moderate price restaurants or take out with our choice of desert
We could care less about ambience

Also, we don’t do gifts because we think of our new cars as our on going gift to us

[David]

Food is big in our family. We don’t mind going out to enjoy a nice meal. An Omakase for two at a nice Japanese restaurant could cost $500.

[Author]

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