When my best friend’s birthday comes around every July, my temptation to go all-out with gifts is strong. Online shopping is one of my favorite hobbies! But I’ve got bills to pay, and I’m sure y’all do too. Here are some budget-friendly ideas for creative birthday gifts for summer that your guest of honor will cherish.
Handmade Photo Album
Got an artsy touch? A closet full of craft supplies from that scrapbooking phase last year? Bring it all out, lay it all on your dining room table, and bust out your glue stick. A photo album full of your best memories with the recipient, accented with their favorite colors and plenty of funny captions, will be a welcome addition to their coffee table.
A few months ago, I invested in a little instant-film camera; why not pick one up? Spend a fun day with your loved one and take a bunch of pictures! Instant film is the best at capturing those silly, candid moments. Those tiny photos will add a retro feel to your album, and your recipient will remember the fun y’all had snapping those pics!
Home-Cooked Brunch—Complete With Wine
I don’t know about y’all, but I love to cook for people. I love having company over and planning a meal to their tastes. And what better way to celebrate a birthday while taking advantage of sunny summer weather than an outdoor brunch?
Mimosas are the go-to brunch beverage, of course, but a good wine is just as delicious and can bring your home-cooked meal to the next level. Consider the taste preferences of your guest of honor as well. Cook their favorite food, pair it with a complementary wine, and give them a bottle to take home! Next time they take a sip, they’ll remember the wonderful time y’all had at brunch.
Plants, Plants, Plants
Bringing home a plant feels extra special—it’s a little living thing! If your birthday guest “oohs” and “ahhs” at your garden but is lost on how to start their own, why not gift them a starter kit? Include a personalized pot (remember the craft supplies in your closet? Pull ‘em out!), some soil, some seeds, and an easy-to-follow beginner’s guide.
Do they love plants but can’t keep them alive? Succulents are a good bet. Aloe vera has the added benefit of cooling down the skin on those hot summer days.
Birthday celebrations don’t have to be a stress on you or your budget. They can even be fun to put together! These tips for creative birthday gifts for summer will bring a big smile to your guest of honor’s face and leave your other guests wanting some of their own.
