31 Cheap 18th Birthday Ideas (To Celebrate on a Budget)

How to plan 18th birthday on a budget

Hosting a birthday party can be expensive if you don’t plan it right. Here are some tips to help you celebrate your 18th birthday on a budget:

1) Set a budget ahead and start saving for it:

The best way to make sure your 18th birthday is celebrated without breaking the bank is to set a budget and start saving for it ahead of time. That way you’ll have enough money to cover all your expenses, without having to worry about going over budget.

2) Choose a less expensive venue:

If you’re celebrating at a restaurant, choose one that’s less expensive. Or, if you’re hosting the party at home, consider having it in your backyard or another outdoor space.

3) Ask for friends’ help:

If you’re planning a big party, ask friends to help out with catering, decorations, or setting up and cleaning up afterwards. That way everyone can pitch in and the cost will be spread out among many people.

4) Have a potluck:

If you want to have a more casual party, ask your guests to bring their favorite dish. That way you’ll still get to enjoy all the best food without spending too much money on catering.

5) Make your own decorations:

Instead of buying decorations, make your own. That way you can save money and customize the party to your own style. You can find tons of ideas online or in magazines.

6) Use free activities:

If you’re looking for things to do, consider using free activities like going for a walk, playing games outside, or visiting a nearby park.

7) Serve a simple menu:

Hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza and other dirt cheap meals are perfect for a budget birthday party. You can also ask guests to bring a dish or dessert to share.

8) Have the party outdoors:

Not only will this save you money on decorations, but also on refreshments. You can buy games like water balloon toss or Frisbee to keep guests amused.

9) Take advantage of online discounts:

If you’re planning to buy any party supplies or favors, check online discount sites first. You can often find great bargains that not everyone has access to!

10) Keep the guest list small:

Invite only your closest friends and relatives to make sure you don’t go over budget.

Cheap 18th birthday ideas on a budget

Here are a few cheap and frugal 18th birthday ideas to celebrate your special day on the budget:

1) Go camping:

18th birthday is the age when most teens stop being children and start being adults. 18 years old has evolved a lot over the years, so 18th birthday should be all about things you love to do. If you are someone who loves camping in nature, 18th birthday is the time to explore the world around you.

2) Plan a picnic:

What could be more fun than celebrating your 18th birthday with a picnic in a park? This is perfect for people who want to celebrate their 18th birthday surrounded by friends and family.

3) Throw a party:

Why not throw a party and invite all your friends over to celebrate your special day? Make sure to have plenty of food, drinks, music and dance. 18th birthday is the perfect time to buy some new clothes and get new accessories too.

4) Go to a movie:

If you are looking for a low-key way to celebrate your 18th birthday, go to the movies with friends. This is a perfect way to relax and spend some time with your loved ones.

5) Take a road trip:

If you have always wanted to take a road trip, the 18th birthday is the perfect time to do it. Pack your bags, and hit the road with your friends or family. You will have a lot of fun and create some unforgettable memories.

6) Celebrate at a restaurant:

If you don’t want to cook or clean up after a party, celebrate your 18th birthday at a nice restaurant with your friends and family. This is a great way to have some fun, eat delicious food and create memorable memories.

7) Go out for drinks:

18th birthday is the age when most teenagers start drinking alcohol legally. Take your loved ones out for drinks at your favorite bar or club. Alcohol gives everyone a bit of extra courage so you will have lots of fun.

8) Have a pool party:

If you are lucky enough to have a swimming pool in your backyard, throw a pool party and invite all your friends. This is the perfect way to cool down during hot summer days and have some fun.

9) Celebrate at home:

Why not celebrate your 18th birthday at home with your friends and family? This is a great way to save money and have a lot of fun. Make sure to have plenty of food, drinks and games to keep everyone entertained.

10) Spend the day at the beach:

Another great way to celebrate your 18th birthday is by spending the day at the beach with your friends. Enjoy the sun and the sand while celebrating one of the most important days of your life.

11) Take a cooking class:

If you are interested in cooking, take a cooking class to learn some new recipes. This is a perfect way to spend your 18th birthday and learn something new.

12) Visit a theme park:

If you love excitement and adventure, visit a theme park and enjoy all the rides and attractions it has to offer. This is the perfect way to celebrate your 18th birthday and have some fun.

13) Have a spa day:

If you want to relax and pamper yourself on your 18th birthday, go for a spa day. This is a great way to spend the day and feel refreshed and rejuvenated.

14) Try a new hobby:

If you are looking for something new to do, try a new hobby. This is a great way to spend your 18th birthday and learn something new.

15) Take a dance class:

If you love to dance, take a dance class and learn some new moves. You will have a lot of fun and get some exercise too.

16) Make a scrapbook:

If you love arts and crafts, make a scrapbook to document your 18th birthday. This is a great way to spend some time with your friends and relax.

17) Have a tea party:

If you love tea, have a tea party with all your friends on your 18th birthday. This is the perfect way to enjoy delicious snacks while celebrating this special day.

18) Play board games together:

Spend the day playing board games with your friends and family. This is a great way to relax and have some fun on your special day.

19) Go wine tasting at local wineries:

If you love drinking wine, go wine tasting with your loved ones on your 18th birthday. There are many wineries around the world where you can learn about wine-tasting while sipping some tasty wine.

20) Go to the park:

If you want to relax and enjoy some fresh air, visit your favorite park. This is the perfect way to spend an afternoon celebrating your 18th birthday.

21) Get a new pet:

If you are interested in animals, get a new pet on your 18th birthday. There are many pets available for adoption, so you are sure to find the perfect furry friend.

22) Go to a concert:

If there are any singers or bands you love, go to their concert on your 18th birthday. You will have fun singing along with everyone else while enjoying the music.

23) Learn to drive:

If you have been wanting to learn how to drive, take a driving class on your 18th birthday. This is the perfect way to spend the day and gain some independence.

24) Paint pottery:

If you’ve always been interested in art, paint some pottery on your 18th birthday. This is a great way to spend the day and relax with friends.

25) Celebrate with a theme:

Decide on a theme for your 18th birthday celebration beforehand. You can celebrate as a cowboy, rock star or anything else that you love. This is a great way to personalize your celebration and have some fun.

26) Make your own customized t-shirt:

Make your own customized t-shirt with a picture of you on it. This is the perfect way to celebrate your 18th birthday and show off your creativity.

27) Have a blacklight party:

Have a blacklight party with all your friends to dance the night away. This is the perfect way to let loose and spend some time with your friends.

28) Visit a new city:

If you have always wanted to visit a new city, go and explore it on your 18th birthday. This is the perfect way to see new places and have some fun.

29) Go for a hike:

If you love nature, go for a hike on your 18th birthday. This is a great way to celebrate and enjoy some fresh air while getting a workout.

30) Go to a comedy club:

If you love having a good laugh, go to a comedy club on your 18th birthday. This is the perfect way to spend an evening with friends and let loose.

31) An outdoor BBQ:

An outdoor BBQ is a great way to create a casual and relaxed atmosphere on your 18th birthday. This is one of the easiest ways to spend time with loved ones and enjoy yourself.

18th birthday gift ideas (that you can wish for)

Here are a few of the gift ideas that most 18-year-old love to get on their birthday:

1) A gift certificate to your favorite restaurant:

If you enjoy going out to eat, a gift certificate to your favorite restaurant is the ideal present. You may use it on your 18th birthday to dine at a fantastic restaurant.

2) A new piece of jewelry:

Get a new piece of jewelry for your 18th birthday if you enjoy it. This is an excellent way to celebrate yourself and display your flair.

3) An all-inclusive trip:

If you’ve always dreamt about going on a vacation, an all-inclusive trip is a perfect present. This is a great way to relax and spend some time with friends on your 18th birthday.

4) A new video game or computer game:

A new video or computer game is the ideal way to celebrate your 18th birthday. This is a great present for anyone who enjoys playing games.

5) A new purse or wallet:

A new purse or wallet is an excellent gift for any 18 year old. This is a practical present that they will undoubtedly use and appreciate.

6) A new outfit:

A new outfit for your 18th birthday is an excellent gift to receive. This is the perfect way to celebrate yourself and have some fun.

7) An expensive dinner:

If you love going out with friends, taking them to dinner with a generous gift card is the ideal present. This is the perfect way to spend an evening on your 18th birthday.

8) A day at the spa:

A day at the spa is the perfect present. This will allow you to enjoy some time to yourself and feel refreshed on your 18th birthday.

9) Tickets to a show or sporting event:

Tickets to a show or sporting event are the perfect gift idea for your 18th birthday. This is a great present and you can enjoy it with your closest friends and family members.

10) A new phone:

A new phone will allow you to stay in touch with loved ones on your 18th birthday. This is an excellent way to celebrate yourself and feel useful.

11) A new laptop or iPad:

A new laptop or an iPad is the perfect gift idea for your 18th birthday. This will allow you to stay connected and have a lot of fun doing it.

12) Concert tickets:

Concert tickets are the ideal present if you enjoy going out with friends. This is a great way to celebrate your 18th birthday and have a fantastic time.

13) A weekend away:

If you want to get away for your 18th birthday, a weekend away is the perfect present. This will allow you to relax and spend some quality time with friends.

14) A new bike:

A new bike allows you to get out and enjoy nature on your 18th birthday. This is the perfect way to spend some time outside and celebrate yourself.

15) A family trip:

A family trip for your 18th birthday is an excellent present to receive. If you are close with your family, this will allow all of you to have a fantastic time.

Final thoughts on 18th birthday ideas (that fits your budget):

No matter how you choose to celebrate your 18th birthday, make sure to have lots of fun and create some unforgettable memories. These are some great ideas to help get you started, but feel free to come up with your own ideas as well.

The most important thing is to plan ahead and make sure that everyone feels welcome at your party. This way you can add to it each month and see the amount grow larger with time.

Happy 18th birthday!

Anika Jindal

Hi, I'm Anika. With my majors in Accounting and Finance, I'm here to empower people by sharing the simple and actionable money management and money-saving tips to live a debt-free financially independent life. I have been featured on popular websites like Bankrate and Authority Magazine.