10 Cheap Hobbies for Fun and Relaxation.
Posted: May 27th, 2008 | Author: Joe | Filed under: Saving, Tips | Tags: Cheap, entertainment, Hobbies, How To, Lifestyle, Saving Money | 35 Comments »There was a time when my wife and I would go out to the movies every weekend to catch the latest “must see” release from Hollywood. That’s about the same time I would buy the latest upgrade for my PC to run the latest game that was fetching rave reviews. Yes, I’m a former Unreal and Quake addict.
But the times, as the saying goes, have changed.
Flash forward 8 years and I’m writing this on my old gaming PC, circa 1999. The last movie my wife and I saw in a theater was The Return of the King in 2003.
Why the lifestyle change? We now have two small children that take up most of our time (and money). Don’t get me wrong, we wouldn’t have it any other way, but scaling back to live on a single income has meant making tough decisions about what is important enough to spend our limited financial resources on. Hence, the foregone computer upgrade, and lack of an entertainment budget.
That doesn’t mean we don’t have fun. It just means we’ve had to find inexpensive hobbies to amuse us in what we jokingly call our spare time. Here are some of the ways we entertain ourselves on the cheap:
1. Playing Music.
This can be costly if you are buying an instrument, but teaching yourself to play is relatively cheap. Also, the various equipment and maintenance (reeds, strings, picks, piano tuning, etc..) are re-occurring expenses, but relatively infrequent. Upright pianos can often be found for free (“if only someone will take it away!”), and other instruments can be found likewise through want ads or freecycle .
Even if you don’t go the hand me down route, many new instruments can be purchased for a one time cost of a couple hundred dollars. My wife bought me an acoustic guitar somewhere in the $400-600 range for my birthday a few years back, and I’ve only ever spent money on new strings every couple of months or so. Any serious guitarist will tell you that this is not often enough, but hey- it’s only a hobby. This type of hobby is not to be ignored especially if you have children. Children love music, even if you’re not a trained musician. Trust me, I know. I have been playing guitar for 6 years now and I’m no Eric Clapton but my kids love it. Most of the time. 
Great, cheap guitars for beginners can be found for under $200.
2. Writing.
You’ll be amazed at what you can learn about yourself through regular writing, whether it is in a journal or a blog. Plus, there’s no better escape from the drudgery of life. If you really like to write and find that you’re not half bad it, you can even make a few extra dollars doing it. Check out content development sites like AssociatedContent and HubPages or start your own blog.
3. Reading.
Reading is the single best way to increase your knowledge, or escape from the dull realities of your everyday life. The best part is – it’s absolutely free through your public library. With the Internet and inter-library exchanges, you can find most any book at your local library. You’re already paying for it with your tax dollars, so why not use it?
4. Knitting and Crocheting.
My wife loves to knit. It’s pretty rare in our generation, but it is a soothing hobby for her and she’s even made some hats, scarves, and the obligatory sweater for the kids. Having a relaxing hobby to unwind after a day of chaos AND making your own clothes for mere pennies – that’s a good thing in my book.
5. Astronomy.
OK,I know what you’re thinking: “Astronomy is a cheap hobby? No way!” The problem here is that any hobby can get expensive if you get carried away, it’s just that getting carried away with astronomy entails dropping a couple grand on delicate equipment like telescopes and lens. But it doesn’t have to be that way. You can get quite a bit out of a pair of binoculars (much less expensive than a telescope), and a star map.
6. Photography.
Photography was once a keen interest of mine, but after I left college I dropped it like a bad habit. The problem was that I no longer had access to a photo lab and I was horrible at remembering to get my film developed. Plus the cost of film and the development of that film was not exactly cheap. But digital cameras have changed that. You can get a decent digital camera for less than $200 and if you get really good at photography, development is dirt cheap now as well.
7. Walking, Hiking and Running.
These are excellent hobbies because they’re cheap AND healthy, and who doesn’t like that? It’ll only set you back the cost of a good pair of shoes and maybe some appropriate clothing.
8. Painting and Drawing.
Paints and paper are relatively inexpensive, and you may have a budding Rembrandt or Picasso inside you. Hey, you never know!
9. Meditation and Yoga.
Two more healthful hobbies that cost little to nothing. You may want to sign up for some classes to get a proper introduction to the techniques, but there are also many how to books for the DIY enthusiasts. I bought a couple such books back when I was still in high school. The techniques I learned from them have helped me get through some pretty tough times over the years. I’ve haven’t practiced either for quite a while, but writing this post makes me want to get back into the habit again. What can I say, after having two small children I long for the peacefulness these hobbies can bring.
10. Baking and Cooking.
If you love to cook, or bake, then this is a win-win hobby! You get the pleasure of making your own meals and desserts, while saving money on groceries. And again, this one can be loads of fun with young children involved.
If you have an inexpensive hobby that’s not on the list, please leave a comment – I’m always on the lookout for something new!
Photos:
Camera and Books © Zsuzsanna Kilián
Yarn © Ben Earwicker
Guitar © Ana Paola Oliveira Loeblein
Yoga © My Yoga Online
Technorati Tags: Hobbies, Lists, Lifestyle
Like you said I’ve learned a lot about myself by blogging and Meditation is a very relaxing thing that I’ve gotten more and more into lately.
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[...] freelance writing. It’s one of my 10 cheap hobbies, but thanks to the Internet, it’s more than just a hobby. I’ve been writing (on and [...]
You’ve got to be open to relaxtion to really enjoy yourself. No matter what the activity is, if you’re worrying about what bills, problems etc. nothing you do will make a dent. So, if you’ve put aside a day for relaxation – whether it’s playing sports, taking a picnic with your kids, get in the right mind-set first. Meditating first thing in the morning – or listening to relaxation music. Anything to help you be in the moment when the time comes for your fun day!
Thanks for the great article. In times like these, with the global economy in crisis-mode, many people like myself have had to scale back discretionary spending on things like entertainment and luxuries. And most people find themselves bored and with a void in their lives without their weekly movie outing, trip to the mall, or Starbucks coffee. This article lists many ways to occupy your free time with healthy and cheap ways to stimulate the mind and entertain the soul. Another hobby I like to do is museums. They often have student discounts, child discounts, senior discounts, evening discounts, and discount days throughout the week. Much cheaper than going to the movie theater, takes more time up, and stimulates the mind.
Good! I choose reading and writing, they are my best cheap hobbies.
[...] Hobbies can waste money without you realizing it. I think having expensive hobbies id fine as long as you get the resources and already do good to secure financially. However, having expensive hobbies are not affordable for most of us. Thus, we should adapt our lifestyle to the extent we can afford. There are many priorities in life such as children’s education, retirement plan, saving, cash reserves, and so on. So why not turn to some alternatives of cheap hobbies that can also be pleasant? In an article I found, there listed 10 cheap hobbies you can do to make your life colorful without ruining your financial health. Most are even wonderful activities you can do together with family. Check here. [...]
Playing guitar is cheap hobbies for someone who can play it. But This is not for everyone.
For Me reading comic books can be enjoyable moment.
If something that we can enjoy together with family, going to beach could be the best relaxation.
you could volenteer help out in town or in a hospital but this was very helpful
@Cody,
That’s another great idea! I used to volunteer at my community hospital when I was younger (before I could really have a part-time job) and it was a wonderful experience. It can also open many doors for you too, by way of networking with various people in the community.
Get yourself a $5.00 watercolor set, a $7.00 pad of watercolor paper, and a good watercolor paint brush for about $10.00. Now you have spent under $25.00 and are ready to paint. Check-out how to paint with watercolors videos from the library or video store. Have fun!
Jason
reading, writing and yoga are the best i choose for me thanks
So how much money have you made from this since you started?
who doesn’t like cheap stuff… auctions are a good way to get great deals… here’s a auction worth checking out for everyday use- http://www.pennybidlive.com
Good list. I do pretty much everything on here but I’m finding it difficult to find inexpensive things to do with children. With the wonders of nintendo ds and ipods it’s hard to get them to try and enjoy reading and writing.
I am a stay at home mother to two little girls and my husband and I have most of these hobbies! However, I have yet to crochet anything, but upon reading this article I will give it a try! Also, my new years resolution was to write a book and I’ll take this article as a sign that I should start it up! Right now!
I just went for a nice relaxing walk on walking trails we have going through our city here in st johns nfld (trails that we develop at work) and was thinking of ways to relax with a hobby. I know walking and hiking are great, but I thought about bird watching. Has anyone had a chance to do this?
finding time to do even two of these things while trying to balance a family life and a job is tough – but nice list indeed. Internet is mega cheap for the fun it brings and the little effort it takes to indulge!
I know all too well living on a single income. I am a single mother of a teen.
I have new hobbies: 1. writing/bloggin
2. crochet blankets
3. Tv which I never did before
4. staying organized
Living and learning in these 2010 economic times is hard. Try being a single mother.
Great blog…
Actually once you buy the telescope for astronomy, then you don’t have to buy it again and can enjoy your astronomy hobby. It just takes investing in a couple of grand for that hobby, and over time it would for itself especially if you’re an astronomy buff.
Right now I’m saving up $1,000 for a telescope, its not so bad compared to more expensive hobbies out there that require you to drop money constantly.
[...] a Hobby. Most of hobbies are inexpensive to develop and cheap to maintain. Find one or two hobbies that match your profile. Place your usual watching TV time with your new [...]
Flying a kite or building and flying your own kite is rewarding and cheap.
Origami! All you need is paper. Between libraries and the internet, you can find lots of inspiration and “patterns” to get you started.
I really enjoyed reading the website…I have just gone from full time employment to part time…I love knitting, reading, cooking and walking ….so hopefully I will be able to fill my days off..with things that I enjoy
I am physically disabled with NO DISPOSABLE INCOME, so of the 10 hobbies in the list only a couple are suitable for me.
Reading,writing and drawing are ok for short periods but would get very boring to do on a daily basis. As for knitting and crocheting – I have absolutely no interest in these at all.
I am unable to spend long hours sitting at a computer, so can anyone suggest something for me that is not physically demanding and involves NO MONEY AT ALL?
Wow. I’m pretty surprised that no one mentioned gardening as a good, cheap hobby. You can do research and/or participate in gardening forums online. Soil, gardening tools, containers, and seeds can all be had for cheap and/or free if you got a bit of DIY spirit in ya.
jigsaw puzzles; cheap, fun and good to keep your mind sharp.
My daughter has played the piano for 9 years. It has been a sacrifice. Lessons have been costly. She is now 13. She has her own students ($7. per half hour, which is inexpensive). It has been more than a hobby for her, of course, but I am one of her students now! Our family singing and playing together has been worth its weight in gold. Make memories. Live it, and live it loud. On purpose:) Thanks.
[...] your favorite artist and discovering what they do to relax will most likely show you they find solace and peace of mind by creating in an entirely different [...]
Awesome list and I do some of these. I found that if you have a decent computer and like games that programming is a good hobbie. It takes a lot to learn but it is absolutley free with all the tutorials they have online now. I’ve recently started with Python programming and hope to move up to C++ eventually. It also can earn you money if you get good enough at it.
Woodworking can be an inexpensive hobby as well. It can also be very expensive…lol my advice…start out slow and work your way into it.
Dan
I love flying RC airplanes, it can be very inexspensive if you stick with the foamies until you learn how to fly but after that just but buy what you can afford. It is the most heart pounding addrenilene rush there is.
You can also play cards. That’s always good to pass time, and overtime you can develop your skills to become a card shark!
Thanks for the link! (Great post!)
Playing music and listening to music can often be a great way to relax. The guitar is a great instrument for relaxation. Guitar lessons are easy to find online for free or for very little money. This makes the guitar a good entry level instrument if you are looking for a relaxing and rewarding hobby.