The Fourth of July is a great time to celebrate the American spirit and to spend time with friends and family. If you’re looking to have a fabulous and festive Fourth of July while sticking to a budget, we have 10 great ways to celebrate for under $10.
- Host a Barbecue. Barbecues are the most popular American past time for celebrating the Fourth of July. You might be thinking… I thought this list was for things under $10. Well it is. Instead of you buying and making everything for the barbecue, why not delegate items to friends and family and make it a pot luck. Give everyone items to bring that total $10. That way the barbecue isn’t costing everyone a fortune but rather $10 to eat and enjoy time with those they love.
According to an article by time.com, “A 10-person cookout cost roughly $55.84- or about $5.58 per person. The estimated cost of groceries includes hot dogs, burgers, buns, pork spare ribs, ketchup, mustard, chips, potato salad, chocolate milk, lemonade and watermelon.” $5.58 per person, that’s cheap!
- It’s time to light up the sky with fireworks. Fireworks of some sort are usually a MUST when it comes to the Fourth of July. But you don’t have to go crazy with the big explosives. Instead stick with sparklers, or get those cool poppers that snap when they hit the ground. Also look to see if your warehouse stores like Costco, Sam’s Club and Bj’s sell firework bundles at a reasonable price. Don’t forget when lighting off fireworks to be careful and responsible as you don’t want to have any injuries.
- It’s time for a water balloon fight. We live in sunny South Florida so here’s hoping the Fourth of July is a beautiful day for the pool or beach. Get some red, white and blue water balloons and have a fun time! Organize a water balloon toss, or if you want to get creative, make it a water balloon corn hole game… not sure how that will turn out but hey, why not give it a try!
- Show your Red, White and Blue Love. If you don’t already have an American Flag at your home, it might be a great idea to purchase one and fly it proud on the Fourth of July. Amazon has great prices on flags and flag bases and many are well below that $10 mark. Visit the American Legion site for rules regarding how to fly, handle and dispose of Old Glory properly.
- Make a donation. There are an endless number of organization dedicated to serving the needs of military personnel and our veterans. Why not give back with either money or your A simple donation of $10 can go a long way and a commitment of your time can go even further.
If you’re looking for a way to give back, be sure to look at Charity Navigator as they offer a list of organizations that are looking for financial and physical support based on locations. - Bake a pie! Who doesn’t love pie, especially on a holiday because holidays are the times in our lives where the calories don’t count. Pies are another one of those fun loving traditions that goes hand-in-hand with the Fourth of July. So try baking an apple pie, a blueberry pie or create your own recipe and make it a red, white and blue pie.
- What goes great with pie? Ice cream!! Make it a festive day with Red, White and Blue foods. For instance frozen popsicles comes in those colors and are so much fun! Also try a sundae making station with vanilla ice cream, blueberries and red cherries. Something that gives that patriotic feel.
- Let’s add some color to your day. Decorations are always a plus when it comes to a barbecue or just a fun gathering with family. Spice up your July Fourth with red, white and blue coasters. You can get them for as cheap as $1 each and they are a great touch to add to the party. You can also make Red, White and Blue Utensil holders with mason jars and even make some cute candle holders too. There are so many items you could find at a $1 store to add color to your day. Just be careful you don’t go overboard with budget.
- Mini American Flags. Mini American flags are another great way to spice up your July 4th Add one to each burger or the desert plate or even make them the center pieces for the tables. Take a mason jar, a flag and some inexpensive flowers and there you have it, a beautiful centerpiece.
- Adopt a Solider. We talked about giving back with a donation or your time but what about adopting a solider and sending a care package. Operation Gratitude is an organization that works to collect items needed for military men and women overseas. There is also a place where you and write a letter to the men and women risking their lives. While you might not know them, you’d be surprised what a simple letter could do to their day.
Whatever it is that you decide to do this Fourth of July, be sure that you give thanks and celebrate the day safely.
Enjoy!