💸 Weekend Plans Under $50 (That Don’t Feel Cheap)
We’ve all been there: it’s Friday afternoon, your bank account is giving you side-eye, and your group chat is suspiciously quiet because everyone is broke but too proud to say it.
But here’s the truth: having fun doesn’t need to break the bank. In fact, some of the best weekends happen when you get creative with just a little bit of cash.
So whether you’re flying solo, hanging with your partner, or trying to wrangle your chaotic besties, here are 7 awesome weekend ideas under $50 that’ll make you feel like a budget-savvy legend—not a penny-pinching hermit.
1. Host a Fancy DIY Picnic ($20–$30)
Grab a blanket, raid your fridge, and hit up a local park. Add a baguette, some cheese, fruit, and a bottle of sparkling water. Bonus points for fairy lights, Spotify playlists, or pretending you’re in a Nancy Meyers movie.
💡 Pro tip: Check your dollar store for cute picnic gear—yes, really.
2. Thrift + Challenge Day ($20)
Head to your local thrift or vintage store and set a $10–$15 limit. Give yourself (or each other) a theme: “2003 Music Video,” “Power Librarian,” or “First Day at a Nonexistent Job.” Then strut your stuff. Fashion show in the aisle? Mandatory.
💡 Make it spicy: Winner gets treated to a $5 milkshake.
3. Hike + Local Smoothie ($0–$10)
Find a local hiking trail or nature preserve (the AllTrails app is a gem) and spend the morning getting those endorphins. Then reward yourself with a healthy smoothie you need and absolutely deserve to reenergize your body. Nature + healthy drink = weekend gold.
💡 Pro tip: Look for trails with waterfalls or scenic views. Instant Instagram.
4. At-Home Movie Marathon + Themed Snacks ($10–$15)
Pick a theme—‘90s rom-coms, horror flicks, animated classics—and build your snack menu around it. Watching Clueless? Make mini PB&Js and strawberry milk. Watching Lord of the Rings? Popcorn and “Second Breakfast” waffles.
💡 Level up: Dress in character. Yes, robes and swords for LOTR. No regrets.
5. Mini Spa Day at Home ($20 max)
Light a candle, throw on a chill playlist, and become your own wellness guru. Grab some drugstore face masks, soak your feet, and finally try that weird jade roller thing. It’s like a spa day—minus the $200 guilt and strangers touching your face.
💡 Group version: Everyone brings one spa item. PJs required.
6. Try a “Food Crawl” on One Street ($15–$50 depending on how wild you get)
Pick a street with several food spots, then sample one small item or drink from each place. Think tacos at Spot A, fries at Spot B, ice cream at Spot C. Split items with a friend and you’ll taste more for less!
💡 Theme idea: “Around the World” – hit spots with different cuisines.
7. Free Local Events + $10 Treat Budget ($0–$10)
Check your city’s event calendar. Farmers markets, open mic nights, art walks, or outdoor concerts are often free. Use your $10 for a treat: a food truck snack, a handmade candle, or a lemonade in a mason jar you’ll reuse exactly once.
💡 Search tip: Look on Facebook Events or your city’s subreddit.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Boring, You’re Just Budgeted ✨
You don’t need $200 to have a good time—just a little creativity and a dash of “we’re doing this.” These ideas prove you can keep your wallet and your weekend happy.
Tag us #jellifinance in your thrifted fits, food crawls, or bougie picnics. We want to see how you make magic with $50 or less!
