6 Ways to Celebrate a Major Life Milestone at Home (Without Spending a Ton of Money)

You did it. You’ve landed a killer new job, moved into a new place, graduated, or checked off an item on your life goals list. Congrats! Your first impulse to mark that monumental moment might be to celebrate, which might include a big-ticket purchase to mark the occasion. But what if you don’t have a ton of cash to spend on jewelry, a new digital device, or a piece of art or furniture, or simply don’t want to blow your budget to do so?

You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to celebrate an achievement; it can still feel special with smaller, meaningful moments and activities that give your work the recognition it deserves. Treat yourself without stressing out your finances while still celebrating your amazing achievements.

If you love to cook, put your skills to work and whip up that intricate meal you’ve been dreaming of. Set the table with the fanciest dishes and tableware you own and light a few candles for extra ambiance, and invite a few friends or family members over to toast and share in your excitement. You can add a special bottle of bubbly if you want to imbibe, and dress up if you feel inclined. Multiple courses? A round of appetizers for the table? Absolutely. It’s just one night, so don’t be afraid to go big.

If you want to purchase something to commemorate the occasion, consider going local. Find a local artist whose work you love and buy a print or treat yourself to that ceramic bowl you’ve been eyeing at that little housewares boutique down the street. You’ll be directly supporting an artist or retailer and investing in their dream while celebrating yours!

Buying a piece of jewelry or furniture is often something people do when they hit a career milestone or life goal, so if that’s what you envision for yourself, you can do it without making a huge dent in your budget. Consider vintage furniture for a piece with history and future potential; an antique or mid-century piece could cost significantly less than something similar purchased new. If you love the patina of something with a story, consider spending on a vintage rug or accent chair or checking out resale sites and shops for a bag or piece of jewelry with a little wear and a lower price tag. It will be all the more special with a back story! 

Is there a watch, ring, or maybe even a painting that has been passed down through your family for decades? It might be your turn to protect and cherish it for its future owner. Ask your parents, grandparents, uncles, or aunts about the object in question; some families have certain pieces that are meant for an oldest grandchild once they hit a certain age or milestone, and that could be you! Wearing or owning something with that rich history and sentimentality is a story all its own.

Do you have a journal or a scrapbook? If so, put pen to paper and write about your big accomplishment, how you achieved it, and how you feel now that you’ve reached your goal. Put it away somewhere special and revisit it when you’re feeling discouraged. You can also write a letter to yourself a few years in the future and set a reminder to open it on a certain date to see how far you’ve come.

Whether you take a day off from work or wait to celebrate on the weekend, carving time to reflect on your win can feel satisfying all its own. Use this as a moment to watch a movie marathon, indulge in a face mask or two, or simply curl up with a good book while your phone is in airplane mode. Sometimes celebrating is about slowing down and taking the time you need right here and now.