This may sound silly, but it's important to me so here goes: My husband (best friend, amazing dad, etc) is turning 50 on the 22nd. We threw him a big surprise party in June because he used to say he wanted a summer birthday, so as not to get lost in Christmas, and also he prefers the heat of summer. I thought the way to guarantee a surprise party was to have it 6 months early, lol. It was nice, and enjoyed by all. But it was a long time ago (especially with all that's happened since then).
ANYWAY his "real" birthday is coming up in just over 2 weeks and I have no plans for it, but do not want it to just pass by without being noticed. Especially since it's the 50th. But we have very limited money right now. Does anyone have any thoughts or ideas on how to make this landmark birthday special on a limited budget? Any help would be appreciated!
I would decorate the house with signs / notes / balloons (you can buy a package of the kind you blow up really cheap) and you and your son give him a surprise party that day when he comes home from work (or if he's off for the holidays, when he wakes up). Make him his favorite meals that day and eat them by candle light as a family. That would make me feel extra special, and not cost anything!
Sounds like you've gotten some great advice so far. Here are some ways that you might be able to let your son get in on the action:
You and the boy make a cake from scratch (ok, a boxed mix...), let him help icing it and decorate (he should be able to manage dumping sprinkles on it!).
Use your computer to print out fun signs to stick around the house.
Hide little notes to him that he'll find throughout the day -- on his pillow, next to his toothbrush, in his wallet, on the dash of the car, in his shirt pocket, etc.
Make him king for a day. You and your son can decorate a home made crown.
Make his favorite meal for dinner, eat it by candle light
get him a homemade coupon book. 50 coupons for various things, from a nap to an afternoon off of yard work to a guy's night out to a date night of his choice...the variety could go on! you can cater it to what he likes to do. for hubby i'd offer him a sunday afternoon wandering home depot then the book store for coffee, all on me. that would cost me all of $5 for the coffee. even if he cashes it in one a week, you'll be able to stretch it out.
Central Market has great premade meals. You can have him choose a 'menu' and buy his favorite foods. That way you still have a special dinner without an expensive restaurant.
If you are a wine drinker, check out this article: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/fea/taste/win...
