Enginero.com `en-jin-neer-o`

Today is my birthday! I’m 31 years old today and contrary to the opinions of my beloved consumerist compatriots, I think birthdays are as good of a time as any to be frugal . By now, if you’re following along, you should know that I am happy to be frugal and that I make everyday choices in that regard. So, why would my birthday be any different? Simple, it’s not.

With that snappy sentiment in mind, here’s my Top 5 birthday ideas for the frugal nut in your life, because I know that you know they are damn near impossible to shop for:

1. Actions speak louder than things: Take time out during your day to let the birthday person know that they’re special. Purposefully call them when you know you’ll get their voicemail and sing them “Happy Birthday”. That’s a great message to receive, especially on a work phone. Send them an email when you know they might be away from their desk. It’ll be a nice surprise for them upon their return.
2. Give the gift of food: Tonight my wife made one of my favorite dinners and she did the dishes. It was an opportunity for me to treat myself to a little extra “after work relaxation” and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. Another good idea for this is to try a new recipe, especially if they are growing tired of the “usuals”. This is a tradition in our house and with her birthday coming up soon, I’ll be doing the same for her.
3. Make being together the event: You don’t need to buy tickets to a concert or make reservations at Ruth’s Chris to show someone you appreciate them and want them to have a special birthday, just make a plan to spend time together. Pack a nice lunch and go to a park on your lunch break or rent their favorite movie or one they really wanted to see and then handle all of the popcorn making, etc.. during the show.
4. Birthdays can be about need: I would rather have the stuff I need, because I basically never really “want” anything material. If your birthday person is the same way, pay close attention to them when they mention things they need and pick one that can be wrapped. I kid you not, my mom gives me 2 sticks of deoderant for Christmas every year (no I don’t stink). She buys them because she knows I will use them.
5. Time can be the greatest gift of all: What about handling all of the daily chores for them, so they can have some more “me time” on their special day. It doesn’t have to be cleaning out the garage or repainting the guest bathroom, but a week of from mowing might be nice. The list goes on and on, but the point remains the same… doing, instead of spending, can be mutually beneficial.

Remember, the amount of money you don’t spend on a frugal person is like an extra gift to them and you. Give me nothing over something I don’t need/want/and will have to return anyday.

Do you have any frugal gift ideas of your own?