If you want to save some money and get a new hobby at the same time, we have the answer. Here is a collection of great money saving hobbies you can enjoy in your spare time.
Getting in the garden and growing your own fruit and vegetables is a great way to save money and help the environment. Nothing is more delicious than homegrown vegetables and the meals you can create with them. Some vegetables and fruits are easier to grow than others. Potatoes are easy to grow, and you can keep them in the ground until you’re ready to eat them for preservation. For potatoes, you can simply plant some sprouting spuds and watch them multiply. Tomatoes are another easy plant to grow, but they need a greenhouse or similar structure. If you’re planning to grow your own fruits and vegetables every year, you could invest in a glass greenhouse to increase the range of vegetables and fruit you can grow. Otherwise, a small plastic greenhouse you can store away in the winter will work well for a few years if it's looked after.
Even having the TV on can be expensive for those on a tight budget. Reading is a great way to broaden your knowledge and save on the electricity bill. You can find a local library where you can borrow the books you wish to read for free. Or many local businesses offer a book swapping service. You can also pick up books at a low cost from charity shops. Reading is excellent for your brain and can be a fun way to spend the day or evening. Try choosing books about topics such as DIY, cooking or other pursuits that will help you save money in other areas of your life. If you prefer fiction books, you can still enjoy reading in the knowledge that your electricity bill might be a bit lower or you’ve saved money by staying in and not going out to the cinema or other costly activities.
Buying new clothes can be expensive unless you’re a thrifty spender who buys from charity shops or thrift stores. Another great way to save money is to get a sewing machine to repair and make your own clothes from home. You will need to invest some money to get the necessary equipment, but once you’ve perfected making your own garments, you can earn money by selling them online or offering to repair or tailor your friends’ clothing. Sewing is a popular hobby that many people enjoy. You can replicate fashionable garments you find in high-street shops using sewing patterns. Many online resources and books are available to help you perfect your sewing skills and become a sewing professional. You could even use your new hobby to create clothing for family and friends as presents at Christmas or on birthdays; who wouldn’t love a handmade scarf or personalised top.
Camping is a great alternative if you love to travel and visit new locations but don’t have the budget to stay in a hotel or a B&B. Buying a few bits of camping equipment such as a tent, airbed, sleeping bag, stove, and camping chairs will come with a bit of upfront investment, but you can purchase all of this equipment and use it repeatedly for several camping trips. Camping can be a fun adventure for all of the family; get back to basics and connect with nature. Staying on a campsite can be very reasonable compared to staying in a hotel or a B&B. Many campsites have facilities such as toilets and showers, so you don’t have to worry about feeling unclean on your holiday. You can stay at a campsite for as little as £10 per night, a considerable saving on a hotel or B&B. Once you and your family get used to camping holidays and build up a collection of equipment, it will be easy to pack the car and find a place to camp for the weekend without spending too much on accommodation. This will give you more money to spend on holiday activities, food and treats.