50th birthday on a budget

[Tiredycustard]

Tricky one 😖. My partner and I have been dating for 6 months and it’s his 50th in a couple of months.

We live apart; I’m a lone parent of 5 and he has no children (he’s in my social ‘bubble’). He knows my finances are ridiculously tight.

Where on earth do I start trying to do something meaningful and memorable for his 50th? He wants to spend the weekend with me and has no interest in involving his few close friends - so a small distanced garden party is out (and it’s a tricky time of year weather-wise for anything outside anyway).

In between my lack of funds and Covid ... I’m totally stumped. To add to the challenge - I don’t drive so would have to pay for transport if I wanted to take him anywhere aswell.

I have a few ideas for gifts but that will blow any money I have anyway leaving little to none for any kind of ‘celebration’.

I’m totally stuck! Please help!!!!!

What are his interests, do you have a budget , and can you arrange a babysitter ?

How about a train to a nice village location or historic city , stroll around the shops/countryside , then a picnic / afternoon tea / meal. Quite often its something different that makes it different. What are his interests ?

I honestly don't think this is something you need burden yourself with.

Of course, get him a present within your means but really, he's managed half a century without you - making a huge birthday fuss is not your responsibility. I hope he isn't expecting you to make a birthday for him? If he has any decency or sense he will know you already have far too much to do and little enough money already.

If you want to spend the day together that should be enough!

Are your children old enough to be left alone, or will they be involved?
Are you near the countryside for a nice walk and picnic? Or maybe cooking a nice meal and perhaps making a bday cake? A film night with popcorn and wine or make your own sharing board?
If there is a local one, I highly recommend a treasure trail for a cheap activity- about £7 and then send you the booklet for a local clue hunt involving puzzles near to you. Kids might like it too.

I did a box of presents for DHs 50th with numbers that all added up to 50 - some things cheap, some things more expensive
so it was things like 2 socks (ie one pair) a bakers dozen of biscuits I had baked with DD and put in a jar, a bottle of 12 year old whisky....can't remember any more but it got quite creative

wrapped them all up, put them in a big box, which was also wrapped, with a note explaining it

I did a big birthday recently but at home for similar budget reasons! I decided on a Mexican themed night - had fun dressing up, kids watched Coco, had the music, a few drinks. It was great and a lot more meaningful and special because of the time and effort out into it. Can involve kids or make it more grown up. Another idea I saw recently was a "pub/wine bar" in each room of the house :) You could do any theme to suit x

Also forgot to say but something like this is easy to make: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DATE-NIGHT-VOUCHERS-Promise-Cards-Partner-Birthday-Stocking-Valentines-Gift-/273061008174

Thanks all for the great suggestions!

Yes, the kids can be left for a short while so I think a light brunch out will be nice (and within my means).

Flump - the bar idea is excellent! The kids want to do something in the morning (they’ll no doubt make lots of decorations) so that will be meaningful to him as he’s very fond of them. In the evening I was going to go mad with fairly lights, tea lights and a few tasteful decorations in the conservatory and have more of a grown up theme (I’ll be able to prepare ahead as we don’t go out there much). Will probably put a drinks area in there

Also really like the idea of the vouchers. Will have to get my thinking cap on!

He’s mostly into fitness and music (playing and listening) but insists There’s no need for me to buy him anything. I’m sure I’ll be able to come up with some ideas within budget though. I think the effort in the preparation will (hopefully) mean more to him than how much I’ve spent (he’s very understanding to my financial situation).

Thanks again!

If he's into playing music (guitar?) can you ask him for a couple of songs that the kids could learn and you could have a singsong and record them singing along with his guitar. That would be a nice memory/keepsake. If they like singing they could even do a song each and have an "x factor" night.
Oven pizzas with extra toppings are cheap but a tasty treat.
Some of the kids could help you bake a cake or make treats.

Sounds like he'd be happy to just spend the time with you.
Don't pressure yourself.