We have had some really - creative - cheap thrills!
You sound young - so here is a creative birthday experience that was CHEAP and GREAT!
On a cold, rainy dark day in January, my birthdy, an envelope arrived at my desk that said open immediately! I did - it was a steamy love letter from my wife describing what she would like to do with me in a motel room along with a key to a room at Motel 6 with instructions to be there immediately after work.
When I arrived, I was greeted at the door by my wife wearing not much! The room was filled with candly light and soft music. After some passionate kissing, she asked me to take shower to relax. When I got out of the shower, there was a sheer robe and thong underwear laid out for me to wear!
Room Service (Pizza Hut) arrived - we had dinner and wine in our room. We watched a couple of risque movies while petting and playing. You can imagine what else happened!
Three kids and 22 years later, about once every 2 months we take a little trip out of town to a motel just to be adults and enjoy each other! We shop, buy stupid underwear and just have a great time!
Be creative! it does not have to be expensive to be nice!