Celebrating a birthday as an adult doesn’t have to be expensive to be memorable.
Whether you love being outdoors, enjoy cooking, or just want to hang out with friends, there are plenty of creative ways to have fun without spending a lot of money.
In this blog post, we’ll explore 20 cheap birthday ideas that are perfect for adults looking to celebrate their special day in unique and affordable ways. From game nights to DIY spa days, these ideas will help make your next birthday one to remember, all while keeping your wallet happy.
19+ Cheap Birthday Ideas for Adults
1. Potluck Party
Host a potluck party where everyone brings a dish. This spreads out the cost and ensures a variety of food that everyone can enjoy. It’s also a great way to experience different types of cuisine in a casual setting.
For organization, use an online sign-up sheet to ensure a good mix of appetizers, main courses, desserts, and drinks. This way, you avoid duplications and cover all bases for a full meal.
2. Game Night
Organize a game night with board games and card games that you already own. This is an excellent way for adults to enjoy some nostalgic fun and engage in light-hearted competition without spending money on entertainment.
You can make it more interesting by having small, inexpensive prizes for winners or creating themed game rounds based on genres or decades.
3. DIY Spa Day
Have a relaxing spa day at home using homemade face masks and DIY beauty treatments. Ingredients like honey, oatmeal, and bananas can create effective treatments at a fraction of the cost of a spa visit.
Enhance the atmosphere with candles, soothing music, and perhaps a homemade sugar scrub. It’s a luxurious experience that won’t break the bank.
4. Outdoor Movie Night
Set up an outdoor movie night using a borrowed projector or by setting up your TV outside. Guests can bring their own blankets and lawn chairs, and you can provide popcorn and drinks.
This idea works great for summer birthdays and can be a memorable evening under the stars watching favorite films or new releases.
5. Virtual Birthday Party
In times when meeting in person is not possible, a virtual birthday party can be a fantastic way to connect with friends and family. Use a platform like Zoom or Google Meet to host a celebration.
Plan activities like virtual games, a group toast, or even watch a movie simultaneously by sharing screens. It’s cost-effective and still very personal.
6. Picnic in the Park
Choose a scenic park and have a birthday picnic. Ask guests to bring various picnic items, or provide simple snacks like sandwiches and fruit. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy nature and celebrate casually.
Don’t forget to check the weather and have a backup plan in case of rain. Games like frisbee or a scavenger hunt can add fun elements to the outing.
7. DIY Wine Tasting
Organize a DIY wine tasting at home. Ask each guest to bring a bottle of wine under a certain price limit. Download tasting notes and score sheets from the internet to guide your tasting.
This can be a sophisticated yet inexpensive way to enjoy good wine and good company. Pair the wines with simple cheeses and crackers to complete the experience.
8. Themed Dinner Party
Choose a theme like Italian, Mexican, or ’70s Retro and host a dinner party. Guests can come dressed according to the theme, and the food can match as well.
This allows for creativity in both attire and cooking, making for a fun and engaging party atmosphere without the need for expensive decorations.
9. Karaoke Night
Host a karaoke night using a home karaoke system or by utilizing karaoke apps available on most streaming devices. This is a great way to have a laugh and enjoy some music.
Provide simple snacks and drinks, and let your guests showcase their singing talents or cheer each other on.
10. Crafting Party
Set up a crafting station with materials you already have or can buy cheaply. Choose crafts like making jewelry, custom t-shirts, or decorative home items.
This is not only a fun activity but guests leave with a personalized souvenir from your birthday, which adds to the memorable experience.
11. Bake-Off Party
Invite your friends for a bake-off where each guest brings their favorite recipe and ingredients. Spend the day baking together, and then enjoy the results. It’s a great way to share recipes and enjoy homemade treats.
You can even have a friendly competition with small prizes for the best-tasting or most creatively decorated items.
12. Charity Day
Instead of receiving gifts, organize a day where you and your guests volunteer for a local charity. This is a meaningful way to celebrate and give back to the community. Choose a cause that is close to your heart.
After volunteering, you could gather at a local café or park for casual refreshments, making it a fulfilling and memorable birthday.
13. Backyard Camping
Set up tents in your backyard and enjoy a night of camping at home. You can have a bonfire (if allowed), roast marshmallows, and share stories. It’s a simple pleasure that requires minimal setup but offers maximum fun.
For those without a backyard, indoor camping with fort structures and fairy lights can create a similar vibe.
14. Breakfast Party
Host a breakfast or brunch party at your place. Serve pancakes, eggs, and mimosas. Breakfast foods are generally cheaper and easier to prepare than dinner items.
This type of party can be a refreshing change, especially if it’s a morning-time celebration, setting a lively and cozy tone for the day.
15. Second-Hand Costume Party
Throw a costume party where all outfits must be sourced from thrift stores or the back of closets. It’s a fun challenge that encourages creativity and recycling.
Set a small budget cap to ensure that it stays inexpensive and enjoy seeing the unique and often hilarious costumes your friends come up with.
16. Local Sports Game
Attend a local sports game as a group. Tickets for minor league games or high school sports are often very affordable and provide a lively atmosphere to celebrate a birthday.
This can be especially enjoyable if the birthday person is a sports enthusiast. Group rates can also sometimes be negotiated for larger parties.
17. Photo Scavenger Hunt
Create a photo scavenger hunt around your city with a list of specific items or landmarks to find and photograph. Teams can use their phones, and the first one to complete the list wins a prize.
It’s an adventurous and interactive way to explore your surroundings and can be followed by a casual dinner or drinks at a local diner.
18. DIY Pizza Party
Host a make-your-own pizza party. Provide the bases, and have guests bring their favorite toppings. This is a great way to cater to various dietary preferences and is generally cheaper than ordering out.
It’s also a fun, hands-on activity that gets everyone involved in the cooking process.
19. Book Swap
For a quieter, more intimate celebration, organize a book swap. Each guest brings a book they love but are willing to part with, and everyone swaps at the party.
This idea caters to book lovers and provides a platform for discussions about literature and personal interests. Pair this with some simple snacks and wine for a sophisticated, relaxed event.
20. Flashback Movie Marathon
Choose movies from the decade the birthday person was born or their favorite movies from their childhood. Set up a cozy space with blankets and pillows and have a movie marathon.
This is a nostalgic and relaxing way to spend a birthday, and it can be paired with favorite childhood snacks and drinks for an added touch.
How to Plan
To plan an effective yet cheap birthday party, start by choosing a theme or main activity from the list above. This sets the tone for the event and helps streamline the planning process.
Next, create a budget and stick to it. Use digital invitations to save on costs and manage your RSVPs easily. Always plan for a few extra guests in case of last-minute additions.
Finally, remember that the focus is on fun and not extravagance. With creativity and planning, you can host a memorable adult birthday party without spending a lot of money.