Fun, Inexpensive Ideas for Birthdays

Consider making your friend's birthday a day filled with friends and new things.birthday party favors image by Photoeyes from Fotolia.com

Celebrating birthdays on a budget doesn't have to mean you won't have lots of fun. Birthdays can be enjoyable, regardless of the price tag, so long as you take into account what the birthday party's guest of honor likes. From sports and adventures to a surprise photo album, you can make an inexpensive birthday one to remember.

Create a Playoff

If your birthday guy is into sports, consider creating a playoff game at your local park in his honor. You can do a soccer, kickball or softball tournament and use supplies you already have or can borrow. Invite enough friends to create two teams, then allow the birthday guy to choose who he wants to be on his team. Let the two teams battle it out in a series of three games.

No matter where you live, there are sure to be a few trails you've never explored. Call up a few buddies and check out the scenery on your friend's birthday. Taking an adventure like this in a town that may seem familiar can really open up your eyes to all that you're missing. For an special treat, go through the trail ahead of time and leave small gifts for your birthday friend. Do not leave food, as it may attract wildlife.

When inviting guests to the party, ask them each to bring a picture of the birthday honoree. It can be a picture of the guest with the honoree or just the honoree. Instead of party-goers signing a guestbook, have them place the pictures in a photo album. The guests can even create their own caption for their photo. The end results will be a collaborative photo album of the honoree and guests, which can be given as a present from everyone who came to the birthday party.