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Finding hobbies as an adult is difficult enough as it is, but one thing people don’t often talk about is how expensive it can be to find one that sticks. If you’ve ever spent a small fortune at the craft store only to abandon your knitting project halfway through, you know what I’m talking about. The reality is that trying out a bunch of different hobbies can add up fast. The last thing you want to do is spend hundreds of dollars on dance classes you end up quitting or invest in fancy camera equipment only to realize that photography isn’t really your thing. If you’re just looking for a way to fill your free time after work but you’re not quite sure what you’ll like, trying out a few cheap hobbies is the way to go.
There are plenty of cheap hobbies out there that don’t require any special equipment or expensive classes to get started. With a little inspiration, you can do a lot from the comfort of your own home using items you already own or can buy on the cheap. If you’re looking for something to do without a huge startup cost, here are 16 cheap hobbies you can start basically for free.
1. Become fluent in a new subject
I’m a firm believer that curiosity is one of the greatest assets you can have, which is why learning is such a rewarding hobby to cultivate (and one that doesn’t have to cost you much). Try diving headfirst into a subject you’ve always found fascinating—or something completely outside your usual lane—to broaden your horizons. Check out books from the library and study up on Greek mythology just because, or teach yourself a bit of French ahead of that Paris trip. It’s a hobby that can cost as little as a few hours of your time, but the payoff is lifelong.
2. Add jogging to your routine
For some, jogging may sound like a trigger word, but if you’re looking to add a bit of movement to your list of hobbies, it’s truly a great low-pressure option to consider. The best part? You can go as slow or as short as you want for it to count as a hobby. All you really need is a trusty pair of running shoes and a little motivation to step outside. It’s also a great excuse to explore your neighborhood, clear your head, and soak up the fresh air—especially during warmer months.
3. Learn to upcycle your clothes
Adding a personal touch to those thrifted finds is a fun way to make them truly yours. How cute would a pair of thrifted Levi’s look with a tiny embroidered heart or a cute patch stitched onto the back pocket? Learning to patch, embellish, or reinvent your thrift finds adds character and brings new life back into pieces that you might otherwise pass over. It’s a practical skill that can stick with you forever and doubles as a cozy, low-key activity to pair with your thrifting adventures.
4. Host weekly or monthly gatherings
If you want to become the friend who excels in the art of hosting, start by getting something on the calendar on a regular basis. And because we’re all about making things budget-friendly here, I’ll say that hosting doesn’t have to be anything fancy (or expensive) to be a blast. Think low-pressure gatherings like a cozy movie night in pajamas, a themed potluck dinner, or a game night where guests bring a favorite board game. No need to go crazy with elaborate decorations or a huge spread of food. Just give yourself an excuse to gather your people, do something fun, and flex your hosting skills in the process.
5. Watch and review movies
Reviewing movies can be a great pastime that turns those post-credits thoughts of Wuthering Heights into an internal dialogue. This hobby can make your movie-watching experience more intentional, helping you think more critically about what you’re watching and feel the weight of your personal experience with a movie even deeper. Create a Letterboxd account, jot down your thoughts in your notes app, or grab a notebook to do it by hand. If you don’t count the cost of your streaming service subscriptions, this hobby is totally free!
6. Practice your penmanship with handwritten letters
In a world of quick texts and automated AI responses, a handwritten letter can feel incredibly personal these days. Writing letters gives you space to slow down, reflect, and practice your penmanship, while providing friends or family members with a fun surprise in the mail. Share an update about what’s going on in your life, mention something that made you think of them, or ask questions that’ll prompt them to write back. Whatever you decide to write, handwritten letters are such a heartfelt way to communicate with the people you love!
7. Start a junk journal
Journaling is a worthwhile hobby in itself, but if you want something that feels a little more creative, try making a junk journal. It involves not only writing about your day but also gluing in little tidbits and mementos you encountered throughout. Business cards from places you visited, the coffee sleeve from your favorite café, receipts, paper tickets, and even food packaging all make excellent additions to your junk journal. By the time you fill up the book, it’ll be overflowing with pieces from your day-to-day life that you might’ve just overlooked otherwise.
8. Read library books
Reading is a fantastic hobby you can do anywhere, anytime, and it doesn’t have to cost you a thing. If you haven’t already, head over to your local library and get yourself a library card. Wandering through the library’s shelves will give you the same thrill as browsing a bookstore, but leaving with a whole armload of books is absolutely free. If audiobooks are more your thing or you live and die by your Kindle, allow me to introduce you to the Libby app. It works with your local library card to allow you to download ebooks and audiobooks straight to your phone, tablet, or e-reader. It’s my favorite hack for free reading material, minus the trip to the library.
9. Practice your drawing skills
If you used to doodle all over your notebooks in class as a kid, this hobby is for you. Unlike some other forms of art, drawing doesn’t require any special equipment or supplies to get started. Literally all you need is a piece of paper and a pen or pencil, which I’m willing to bet you already have at home. If you’re not sure where to start, find some tutorial videos online to learn the basics of how to draw things like faces, plants, or animals. Then experiment with adding texture, highlights, and shadows to make your drawings look even more realistic.
10. Go on daily walks
Before you roll your eyes at just how lame this hobby sounds, let me just say that walking is a fantastic activity for your physical and mental health. It’s something you can do basically all year round to get out of the house, relax your mind, and move your body without spending a dime. Slip on your comfiest shoes, grab your AirPods, queue up a playlist or podcast, and head out to explore your neighborhood. If you want more of a challenge, find some nature trails in your area where you can go hiking and really immerse yourself in nature. Once you start doing it more and more, you’ll realize how great it can be for both your overall health and happiness.
11. Hone your cooking skills
You’ve gotta eat anyway, so why not turn cooking into something you actually enjoy doing? If you know your way around a microwave and that’s about it, start with the basics, like learning the differences between various cooking techniques and practicing your knife skills. Watch some tutorials online for more instruction, then try out your skills with recipes you’ve always wanted to try. If you want a more prescribed approach, work your way through a cookbook to experiment with new dishes and techniques. Don’t fret too much if you don’t master it right away. That’s what a hobby is for: learning day by day and slowly getting the hang of it until it feels like second nature.
12. Practice taking and editing photos on your phone
It frustrates me all the time when my phone camera doesn’t do the spectacular scene in front of me justice, but it’s not too difficult to learn some basic photography and editing skills from your phone. Watch some YouTube videos to learn how to adjust your camera settings and experiment with things like exposure, framing, and editing techniques. Then just start snapping photos! Practice your new skills by taking photos around your house or heading outside for some nature shots. Once you’ve got a knack for it, framed photos make the sweetest surprise gifts for loved ones.
13. Go thrift shopping
Thrifting isn’t technically free if you end up buying something, but it beats shopping at big-box stores or online retailers. Plus, the thrill of the hunt is often the best part, so even if you don’t purchase anything, it’s super fun to browse and search through the pickings. You could also challenge yourself to stick to a set spending limit: see how many treasures you can find with just $10, for example. Whether you’re shopping for clothing and accessories or home decor and furniture, check out thrift stores, estate sales, or yard sales in your area for a fun and cheap way to spend your time.
14. Grow your own herbs
If you’re interested in gardening but not super confident in your green thumb, growing herbs is an easy and budget-friendly place to start. You can purchase seed packets for a dollar or two apiece, and then all you need are a few small containers, some potting soil, and a sunny spot on a windowsill or countertop. Follow the directions for your specific types of seeds, then watch as your handiwork grows and thrives. In just a few weeks, you’ll have homegrown herbs you can harvest and use to top your favorite dishes.
15. Start meditating
Looking for a hobby that adds a little more self-care to your days? You’d be surprised what a short meditation can do for your mind. Whether you need to ground yourself after a hectic workday or want to start the day with a clear head, you can tailor your meditation routine to your own needs. Start small with just a few minutes at a time, then build up to longer sessions. You can go the completely free route by incorporating some simple breathing exercises into your day, or explore guided meditation options like Calm.
16. Volunteer in your community
It doesn’t cost a thing to give back to your community! Donating your time is one of the best ways to give back, and I’m willing to bet there are tons of organizations in your area that could use some help. Look into volunteer opportunities at local food banks, animal shelters, crisis centers, or your parks and recreation department. Bonus: Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and maybe make some friends in the process!
Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She writes and edits stories across a broad range of topics including decorating, food, entertaining, travel, and more. With a pulse on the latest trends, she uses her eye for detail and design to create timely, inspiring content for our readers.
Madigan Will, Assistant Editor
As an Assistant Editor for The Everygirl, Madigan writes and edits content for every topic under the digital media sun. As the oldest of four siblings, she enjoys utilizing her big sister persona to connect and inspire readers—helping them discover new ways to maximize their everyday.
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This article was originally published on The Everygirl
