32 cheap hobbies to get rid of boredom

Boredom can strike at any time, and finding affordable ways to pass the time can be a challenge. Whether you want to learn something new, stay active or just relax, there are plenty of hobbies that won’t break the bank. Here’s a list of 32 cheap hobbies that will help you beat boredom without breaking the bank.

1. Reading

Reading is one of the cheapest ways to escape to new worlds. Public libraries offer free books, audio books and even e-books. You can also find free or cheap books in second-hand bookshops or online.

2. Journaling

All you need is a notebook and pen to start journaling. It’s a great way to reflect, organise your thoughts or keep track of your daily life.

3. Hiking

The trails are free to explore and all you need is a pair of comfortable shoes and a sense of curiosity and adventure. Walking is not only a great physical activity, but also a peaceful way to enjoy nature.

4. Drawing or Sketching

You don’t need fancy tools to start drawing, or even a whole drawing set. A simple pencil and paper is all you need to get creative and express yourself artistically.

5. DIY Crafting

Use what you’ve already got at home or pick up some cheap supplies to get started. Whether it’s knitting, origami or scrapbooking, DIY crafts are a great way to spend your time.

6. Photography

It’s not necessary to invest in expensive equipment to get started with photography. Most smartphones have pretty good cameras, and you can explore your surroundings, capture interesting moments, and even practice photo editing with free apps.

7. Cooking or Baking

Trying out new recipes or getting the hang of your go-to dishes is a great way to have some fun and learn a new skill. Start with simple, affordable ingredients and gradually build your skills.

8. Writing

No matter if it’s short stories, poetry, or even a blog, writing can be an extremely fulfilling hobby. All you need to get started is a computer or a pen and paper.

9. Yoga

There are lots of free online tutorials that make it easy to practice yoga at home. All you need is a mat or towel, and you’re good to go for a relaxing, mind-clearing workout.

10. Meditation

This relaxing practice doesn’t require any equipment, just a quiet space and some guidance. There are plenty of free meditation apps and videos online.

11. Puzzles

There are lots of free puzzles out there, from crosswords to Sudoku. They’re great for challenging your brain and providing hours of entertainment.

12. Board Games

If you have board games lying around, it might be a good idea to dust them off and invite some friends or family for a game night. You could even try making your own DIY board games.

13. Learning a New Language

There are lots of free online resources, including apps like Duolingo, that make it easy to learn a new language without spending a fortune. Just practice for a few minutes every day and you’ll be picking up useful phrases in no time. Everyone’s using Duolingo nowadays!

14. Birdwatching

All you need is a local park or your backyard. Keep a notebook or use a free birdwatching app to track and identify the birds you see. Then, you can keep track of them in your book!

15. Upcycling

Transform your old clothes, furniture, or other items into something new and useful. It’s a great way to get creative while being eco-friendly and sticking to a budget.

16. Gardening

Even if you don’t have a garden, you can still enjoy the benefits of gardening by growing herbs on your windowsill or in containers. It’s a great, inexpensive hobby. You can get your garden started without buying seeds just by using up kitchen scraps.

17. Learning an Instrument

While buying an instrument can be expensive, you can start with something more affordable, like a ukulele or harmonica. There are also free apps and tutorials that can help you learn without paying for lessons.

18. Origami

All you need to get started with origami is paper and a bit of patience. There are plenty of free patterns and video tutorials online.

19. Stargazing

If you enjoy looking at the night sky, stargazing is a great hobby that doesn’t cost anything. You can download a free app to help you identify stars, constellations, and planets, like Starmapper.

20. Podcasting

Starting a podcast is as simple as using your phone’s voice recorder. You can share your thoughts, interview friends, or create a story-based show. It’s a hobby that doesn’t require any fancy equipment.

21. Listening to Podcasts

On the other hand, if making one isn’t your thing, listening to podcasts is a great way to relax. There are thousands of free podcasts on just about every topic you can think of.

22. Learning Magic Tricks

There are lots of free tutorials online that can teach you some simple magic tricks using everyday items. Show off your sleight of hand or card tricks to your friends.

23. Volunteering

Spending your time helping others is a great way to make the most of your free time. It doesn’t cost anything and it’s a great way to meet new people and support a good cause.

24. Geocaching

This treasure-hunting activity is a great way to have some fun and it doesn’t cost anything! All you need is a GPS-enabled device to search for hidden caches in your local area.

25. Soap Making

It’s really simple to make your own soap at home with just a few inexpensive ingredients. It’s a useful hobby that also allows you to get creative with different scents and shapes.

26. Dancing

Turn on some music and dance in your living room! Dancing is a great way to get some exercise, unwind and have fun without spending any money.

27. Blogging

If you enjoy writing or have a topic you’re passionate about, why not start a blog? There are lots of platforms that offer free blogging services, which is a great way to share your thoughts or expertise with the world.

28. Thrift Shopping

Looking for unique items at thrift shops is a fun and affordable hobby. You never know what hidden gems you might find, from clothes to books to home décor.

29. Candle Making

Candle-making kits are pretty affordable, and you can even repurpose old candles to make new ones. You can make your candles your own by choosing scents and colours to suit your style. It’s a great way to relax and be creative.

30. Learning Calligraphy

With just a pen or marker, you can start learning the art of beautiful handwriting. There are lots of free resources and tutorials out there to help you.

31. DIY Home Projects

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of a DIY project, whether it’s repainting furniture or building small decor pieces. And the best part is, it’s cost-effective too! You can turn old items into new ones or get supplies at a low price.

32. Fishing

If you live near a body of water, fishing is a great way to relax and enjoy nature without breaking the bank. You might need a license, depending on where you live, but you can often borrow or find gear cheaply.