The holiday season usually means you are spending money while trying not to break the bank, making practical decisions when it comes to gift buying, travel expenses, and festive decor. But what if you decided to splurge and gave yourself a budget of $500 — how wild could you go?
If you need a little inspiration, below are the 12 ways of Christmas and holiday spending that are crazy, but doable for just $500.
Also here are extravagant holiday gifts billionaires have bought.
Hire a Private Chef
Don’t want to go out or cook? Bring a fine dining experience into your home for yourself, some family or friends by having a private chef make a five-star meal in your very own kitchen. Between food costs, service and tip, you can indulge for about $500.
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Book a Last-Minute Trip
It’s called Christmas vacation for a reason: it should be fun to travel somewhere or stay in the local lap of luxury. Use $500 for airfare and a nice hotel or find a rental in town for a staycation that’s your home not-too-far-away from home.
Do a Treat Yourself Day
Book a holiday spa package with a friend or loved one with massages, skincare treatments and premium wellness upgrades. You’ll feel like a million bucks while only spending $500.
Level Up Your Hobby Gear
You might have wanted to get a new set of workout clothes or soup up your favorite ride, though normally can’t afford it. Now is the time to drop $500 on something you love as a gift to yourself.
Take a Class
It can be hard to find the time, let alone the money to book a workshop or sign up for a course to learn a new skill. However, with the holiday break and some extra money to spend in the range of $500, you could finally register for that one class you’ve always been wanting to take.
Plan a Fun Night Out
This isn’t dinner and a movie. This is a high-end meal, complete with Uber rides, cover charges and premium seats to a show or entertainment. $500 can make a magical night of memories for you and some besties.
Do Some Home Upgrades
All year long you have probably held off on getting that new couch, adding to the entertainment center or finally getting that new home appliance. With $500 and some holiday deals, you can finally make your house a home that’s up to your standards.
Invest In Your Passions
Ready for that fitness journey? Hire a trainer to get going. Want to learn a new language? Purchase an online course. Hoping to make music? Buy the instrument. $500 is the perfect amount to put towards a starter kit for something you’ve always wanted to do, just in time for the new year.
Commission Art
If you have dreamed of having your family’s portrait painted, getting some glamour shots taken of yourself or having an original work by a local artist, $500 will get you a masterpiece for your walls.
Host a Private Holiday Bash
Instead of a potluck and some board games, invite a select few guests and go all out with catering, decorations and maybe even some live entertainment like a DJ or magician. Your $500 could make the best party of the season.
Buy Luxury Gifts
Pick one or two people on your gift list, then buy them exactly the thing they’ve always wanted, but could never afford. Go big with $500 and a generous heart.
Pay Off a Debt
Not exactly exciting or cool, but how insane would it be if you paid off a credit card or student loan? $500 towards a debt-free life is not as crazy as you might think.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 12 Crazy Ways To Spend $500 This Holiday Season
