It’s St. Patrick’s Day! That means different things for different people, but a celebration is at the core of everyone’s planned events on the day. Instead of spending your hard-earned cash on restaurants and bars or splurging on purchases for your family, here are ways to enjoy the holiday without denting your pockets.

Decorations on a Dime

DIY Decorations

Ignore the allure of those shiny plastic green decorations that will end up in the dustbin at the end of the day. Get your creative gloves on and use what you already own.

• There has to be green somewhere in your wardrobe, right?
• Use shamrock cookie cutters to bake your festive cookies — complete with green icing and sprinkles.
• Get construction paper to make shamrocks for hanging, leprechaun hats, paper chains, clovers, and pot of gold centerpieces.
• Upcycle old items and paint mason jars green or use green fabric scraps for table runners.

Dollar Store Finds

You already know you can get interesting finds at dollar stores for cheap. Why should the St. Patrick’s holiday be any different? Look for green party supplies, from balloons to streamers, tablecloths, and napkins. Check your supplies for festive tableware and decorations. Use Pinterest as your inspiration for achievable DIY decoration designs.

Green Feast without Greenbacks

Potluck Party

Having a get together? Join the recent potluck trend doing the rounds on social media and ask guests to bring green-themed dishes. You can add to the fun by asking them to have the dish start with the first letter of their name. Potlucks lower individual food costs and provide a variety of treats for everyone to enjoy.

Budget-Friendly Irish Fare

You don’t have to break the bank with an expensive menu or hire a chef if you’re hosting. Consider serving traditional Irish dishes like soda bread, colcannon (mashed potatoes with kale), corned beef and cabbage, or shepherd’s pie. They use affordable and readily available ingredients that don’t take too much time to prepare.

Use seasonal vegetables like cabbage, carrots, leeks, parsnips, kale, and potatoes. Resist the urge to purchase expensive drinks. Instead, go for homemade green smoothies or festive green punch. Use kiwis, green grapes, avocadoes, cucumbers, and spinach for an extra nutritional boost. Remember to balance the smoothie with sweet fruits like pineapple and mangoes.

Fun and Games without the Fortune

Classic Games with a Twist

Take a trip to Ireland without spending a dime. Use traditional games like charades, Pictionary, or board games with a St. Patrick’s Day theme like Guess the Irish Landmark or act out Irish proverbs to brush up on your Irish knowledge.

Get your kids involved with the festivities by organizing a “leprechaun treasure hunt” around your home or backyard. The price could be hidden shamrocks with interesting dares or green treats.

DIY Activities

Have a shamrock cookie decorating contest with friends and loved ones using store-bought dough and icing. Aside from the prize everyone loves — eating the cookies — you can also provide an inexpensive gift for the winner.

You can also organize a “green thumb” challenge by planting seeds in small pots or decorating flowerpots. The plan lets you engage in environmentally friendly activities without wasting money or losing out on the fun.

Get to Planning

Like we mentioned, you don’t need to dent your pockets when celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. There are plenty of affordable, fun, and engaging activities, meals, treats, and drinks for you and your loved ones.

All it takes is a bit of creativity and resourcefulness to achieve a festive and memorable St. Patrick’s Day. When all else fails, you could always participate in free community events or parades to commemorate the Irish saint’s day.

Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit!