Frugal Hobbies That Save Money And Boost Happiness

Finding joy in the simple things is at the heart of frugal living. Finding cheap hobbies when you’re on a budget is a must. So often, we think that hobbies or activities we truly enjoy have to come with a price tag, but the truth is, some of the most rewarding hobbies cost next to nothing. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a long day, learn a new skill, or just find a creative outlet, you don’t need to spend a fortune to live a rich, fulfilling life. At Love to Frugal, we believe that living well on a budget means enjoying life’s little pleasures—without overspending. One way to achieve this is by engaging in frugal hobbies that are not only fun, but will save money, as well.

In today’s post, we’re diving into the benefits of having a hobby, showing you that hobbies aren’t just a way to pass time—they improve your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. For me personally, I find that having hobbies are a must in my life and enhance my own quality of life. I’ve been very fortunate to be able to enjoy my own hobbies and also turn a few of them into side hustles. Some of my hobbies, i.e. painting and writing, have helped to enhance our quality of life through making extra money that we’ve used to help pay bills, get out of debt and enjoy some of the finer things in life.

This is a long post but full of so many great ideas, so I hope you enjoy!

*This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you buy a suggested product, I will earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. For more information, see my disclosure page.

The Benefits of Having a Hobby

Having a hobby isn’t just about filling your time. It’s about enriching your life in meaningful ways. Here are some of the incredible benefits you’ll enjoy when you carve out time for hobbies:

Stress Relief:

Hobbies allow you to unwind and de-stress by focusing on something you love rather than daily pressures. I’ve always said that doing something you love is better than any therapy.

Mental Stimulation:

Engaging your mind in something creative or challenging—like puzzles or learning a new language—keeps your brain sharp. Using your brain can be a big deterrent for Alzheimers and dementia. It’s a muscle and we should never stop using it.

Creativity Boost:

Hobbies help you flex your creative muscles, which can spill over into other areas of your life, helping you think outside the box.

Social Connections:

Many hobbies can be done in groups, or can help you meet new people with shared interests.

Physical Health:

Hobbies like hiking, gardening, or yoga are not only enjoyable but also help keep you physically fit.

Skill Development:

Learning something new, whether it’s cooking or crafting, can give you a sense of accomplishment and confidence. We should never think we’re too old to learn something new.

Sense of Purpose:

A hobby provides something to look forward to, giving you a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Self-Expression:

Through art, writing, or music, hobbies give you an outlet to express your thoughts, feelings, and creativity.

Improved Focus and Patience:

Hobbies that require concentration and practice, like knitting or playing an instrument, help improve your focus and patience.

Increased Happiness:

Doing something you love brings joy and contributes to an overall sense of well-being.

Better Time Management:

Finding time for hobbies helps you learn to balance fun with responsibilities, improving your time management.

Economic Benefits:

Many frugal hobbies that save money, such as cooking or gardening, not only save you money but can even generate income.

Resilience Building:

Overcoming challenges in a low-pressure environment helps you build resilience for bigger life obstacles.

Legacy and Personal Growth:

Hobbies like genealogy allow you to explore and preserve your personal history, contributing to a deeper sense of self.

20 Frugal Hobbies That Save Money and Enrich Your Life

Now that we’ve explored the numerous benefits of having a hobby, let’s look at some of the best frugal hobbies that can actually save money. These activities will bring joy, fulfillment, and maybe even a little extra cash—without putting a dent in your wallet.

1. Reading: A World of Knowledge at Your Fingertips

Whether you love fiction, non-fiction, or anything in between, reading is a hobby that costs very little, especially if you utilize your local library. It’s a perfect way to relax and immerse yourself in new worlds or ideas.

Frugal Tip: Take advantage of free library resources like e-books and audiobooks. Also, some local libraries will get rid of books for free! Another great source are used book stores. A friend recently told me that she donated several books to a used book store and received store credit/points. She was then able to redeem her points on her next book purchase, receiving an 80% discount!

2. Gardening: Grow Your Own Goodness

Gardening gives back in many ways—it’s relaxing, rewarding, and can even reduce your grocery bill if you grow your own fruits, vegetables, or herbs. This is one of the best frugal hobbies that can save money, as it can lead to home-grown produce at a fraction of the store price.

Frugal Tip: Start your garden with seeds or cuttings from neighbors or friends. In the spring, Dollar Tree has seed packets 4/$1.00. I’ve always had the best luck with them and that tiny investment can yield a bounty!

3. Cooking and Baking: Create Delicious Memories

Learning to cook or bake from scratch is a practical and enjoyable hobby. It’s also a must if you like to eat and your on a budget! You’ll save money by making your meals at home and you can also get very creative in the kitchen! Many see cooking as a chore, but it doesn’t have to be. Have fun by experimenting with different recipes while also bringing your food budget down.

Frugal Tip: Meal plan based on sales and seasonal produce, and try batch cooking to stretch your food budget further.

You may be interested in: Reverse Meal Planning: Easy Solutions To Save Time And Money

4. Crafting and DIY Projects: Get Creative and Save

Crafting allows you to make personalized gifts or decor for your home at a fraction of the cost of store-bought items. From sewing to painting, there’s a crafting hobby for everyone.

Frugal Tip: Look for supplies at thrift stores, yard sales, or even upcycle items you already own. I’m always looking for low cost (or free) surfaces to paint on at my local thrift store or Dollar Tree. YouTube is always a great source for inspiration in the crafting world.

5. Hiking and Nature Walks: Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Sometimes, the best things in life are free, and hiking or taking nature walks are perfect examples. It’s a great way to stay active, clear your mind, and connect with nature.

Frugal Tip: Join local hiking groups or explore nearby parks to enjoy guided hikes for free.

6. Photography: Capture Life’s Beautiful Moments

You don’t need an expensive camera to get started with photography. Even your smartphone can help you capture beautiful moments, making this hobby both fun and affordable.

Frugal Tip: Use free online photography tutorials and apps to improve your skills.

7. Writing: Put Your Thoughts on Paper

Writing is a low-cost hobby that allows you to express your thoughts, ideas, and creativity. Whether you’re journaling, blogging, or crafting stories, all you need is pen and paper.

Frugal Tip: Start a blog on a free platform or join writing groups to share your work. You can also turn blogging into a side hustle (like me) but in order to do that, there will be some costs to incur. It’s still a very inexpensive hobby/gig and if you love to write, it would be a perfect option.

8. Volunteering: Give Back and Gain More

Volunteering is not only a fulfilling way to spend your time, but it also helps build social connections and valuable skills.

Frugal Tip: Seek out volunteer opportunities that match your interests for a truly rewarding experience.

9. Learning a New Language: Broaden Your Horizons

Thanks to free apps and online resources, learning a new language has never been easier or more affordable. This hobby is a fantastic way to challenge yourself and expand your cultural knowledge.

Frugal Tip: Use free language apps like Duolingo or find online language exchange partners for practice.

10. Playing Music: Make Your Own Melodies

Whether you’re picking up an old instrument or learning a new one, music is a great way to unwind and express creativity. There are many free resources online to help you learn.

Frugal Tip: Borrow instruments or buy used ones, and take advantage of free online tutorials.

11. Puzzles and Brain Games: Keep Your Mind Sharp

Puzzles and brain games like crosswords and Sudoku are not only fun but also mentally stimulating. Many puzzles are available for free in newspapers or online.

Frugal Tip: Swap puzzles with friends or family to keep things fresh without spending money. There are also FREE apps you can download and play on your phone like ‘Crossword Jam (my husband and mom’s favorite), Wordle, Wordscapes, etc. Just go to the App Store on your phone and type in Word games’. Make sure to choose the free versions if you don’t want it to cost you.

12. Stargazing: Explore the Night Sky

All you need is a clear night sky and a bit of curiosity to start stargazing. This peaceful hobby is a great way to relax and connect with nature.

Frugal Tip: Download free stargazing apps to help identify constellations and track celestial events.

13. Yoga and Meditation: Find Inner Peace

Yoga and meditation offer wonderful ways to reduce stress, improve focus, and stay active. You don’t need a lot of space or equipment—just a quiet spot and a willingness to practice.

Frugal Tip: Follow along with free yoga and meditation videos online or find community classes that offer donation-based payment options. I took yoga classes at a local church a few years ago and they were totally free!

14. Letter Writing and Pen Pals: Revive a Lost Art

Letter writing is a meaningful way to connect with others, whether you’re writing to friends, family, or pen pals from around the world. It’s a thoughtful and creative form of communication.

Frugal Tip: Use recycled paper or old stationery to keep costs low.

15. Board Games and Card Games: Fun for Everyone

Games are a great way to bond with family and friends without spending a lot of money. Many classic board and card games can be found second-hand, or you can even make your own.

Frugal Tip: One of our favorite board games is Sequence. We play this game almost every Friday night with our friends after dinner. (We take turns with hosting dinner at our homes then play the game. It’s so much cheaper than going out and it’s a lot of fun!

16. Birdwatching: Connect with Nature

Birdwatching is a peaceful hobby that lets you appreciate the beauty of birds in their natural environment. It’s a great way to get outdoors and learn more about the wildlife around you.

Frugal Tip: Create homemade bird feeders to attract birds to your yard. It’s amazing how many different species you can see at feeding time.

17. Watching YouTube Videos: Learn or Be Entertained for Free

Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill, explore a hobby in-depth, or just enjoy some entertainment, YouTube has countless free videos on every topic imaginable. You can dive into DIY tutorials, fitness routines, documentaries, and even frugal living tips.

Frugal Tip: Use YouTube playlists to curate content around your interests, whether that’s learning how to cook, do home repairs, or stay entertained for free.

It’s perfect for budget-conscious individuals looking for entertainment or education at no cost!

18. Genealogy Research: Discover Your Roots

Researching your family’s history is a rewarding hobby that can deepen your understanding of your heritage. Many resources are available for free online.

Frugal Tip: Utilize free online databases and connect with genealogy communities to share resources and tips. Ancestry.com will let you look a some things for free, but if you want to dive deeper, you’ll have to pay for a subscription.

19. Jigsaw Puzzles: Patience and Reward

Jigsaw puzzles are an affordable and enjoyable way to pass the time. They offer a sense of accomplishment as you piece together a picture, and they can be shared with others.

Frugal Tip: Swap puzzles with friends or purchase them second-hand to keep costs low. You can also checkout the ones from the Dollar Tree. Turn your puzzles into art by putting a coat of Mod Podge over the entire surface of the completed puzzle, let it dry and frame it. You’re preserving your efforts and it’s inexpensive artwork!

20. Upcycling: Turning Trash Into Treasure

This has been one of the most profitable hobbies, for me. I LOVE taking something that may look like it’s ready for the trash pile and turning it into something great! For years, I’ve taken empty wine bottles and turned them into olive oil dispensers, lighted bottles or unique vases. I’ve also taken scrap wood pieces from new home builds (with permission) and turned them into scrap Santa’s. I didn’t have to spend anything on the surfaces and was able to use my creativity and make some money, too!

Frugal Tip: Start by looking around your own home for items that you may not really want or need and see if maybe a coat of paint might change the look or if you can repurpose that item. Look for free or inexpensive materials online (like Facebook Marketplace) or at yard sales

These are a sample of some of the ‘scrap’ Santas that I make from wood scraps and sell or give as gifts. I actually have people collect them.

21. Balance Your Budget/Checkbook

I know…you probably think I’m crazy, but I actually enjoy doing this. I’ve always loved math and getting the check register to balance (to the penny) is a challenge that I find quite rewarding. I also always know how much we actually have in the bank and it keeps my finances basically stress free.

Frugal Tip: By budgeting and keeping an accurate register, you will always know how much money you really do have and this is one of the best frugal hobbies that will help you to save money, work on becoming debt free and achieving financial goals.

22. Scrapbooking: Preserve Memories Creatively

Scrapbooking is a meaningful and creative way to preserve memories, whether it’s from special occasions or everyday moments. It allows you to express your creativity while reflecting on cherished times.

Frugal Tip: Use old magazines, newspapers, or even free online printables to create your scrapbook without spending a lot on supplies.

23. Dancing: Move to the Music

Dancing is a fun, physical activity that requires no equipment and can be done in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re following along with YouTube dance tutorials or simply moving to your favorite songs, it’s a fantastic way to stay active and reduce stress.

Frugal Tip: Follow free dance classes on YouTube, or join a local community group that offers low-cost dance sessions.

24. Knitting or Crocheting: Create Handmade Gifts

Knitting and crocheting are relaxing, low-cost hobbies that can result in practical or beautiful handmade items, such as scarves, blankets, or even home decor. Once you learn the basics, you can make gifts for loved ones or items to use yourself.

Frugal Tip: Look for free patterns online and consider using recycled yarn from thrifted sweaters to keep costs low.

25. Joining a Sports League: Stay Active and Social on a Budget

Participating in a local sports league can be a fun and active way to stay fit while also making new friends. Many community leagues, like those for bowling, soccer, basketball, or softball, are affordable and often provide the necessary equipment, reducing upfront costs. Plus, staying active through sports is much more budget-friendly than pricey gym memberships.

Frugal Tip: Look for community-run or non-profit leagues, and check out secondhand stores or online marketplaces for affordable equipment if needed. This is an ideal option if you love staying active and enjoy socializing, all while sticking to a frugal budget.

Final thoughts…

Hobbies have the power to enrich our lives in countless ways, and you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy them. In fact, many of the best hobbies are frugal hobbies that save money while still providing immense joy, personal growth, and fulfillment. Whether you choose to get lost in a good book, explore the outdoors, or pick up a creative project, the possibilities are endless. The beauty of frugal living lies in discovering how much happiness can be found in simplicity, and hobbies are a great way to practice that mindset. So, why not try one of these hobbies and discover how you can live well—happily, creatively, and frugally—every day?

Do you have any frugal hobbies that also save money? If they aren’t on this list, please share in the comments. I’d love to hear what they are!

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