36 Things to Do Instead of Spending Money

When you're trying to save money, it's easy to start feeling like your budget is putting a giant NO sign on all the fun stuff.

Going out for coffee? Costs money.
Shopping? Costs money.
Going out for dinner? Definitely costs money.
Even a quick “I'm just going to browse” trip to the store somehow turns into $75.

But cutting back on spending doesn't mean you have to be bored.

In fact, some of the best ways to have fun cost absolutely nothing. You just need to get a little creative and resist the urge to treat spending money as your default form of entertainment.

If you're looking for things to do instead of spending money, I've put together 36 ideas to help you stay entertained, productive and connected while keeping your budget in check.

36 Things to Do Instead of Spending Money

1. Learn a new game

Pull out a board game you've forgotten about, learn a card game, or teach yourself a new game online. If you have kids, let them choose the game and make an evening of it.

You probably have something sitting in a closet right now that hasn't been played in ages.

2. Read a book

Instead of browsing online stores when you're bored, pick up a book.

Check your own bookshelf for something you haven't read yet, revisit an old favourite, or borrow something from your local library. Libraries are one of the best free sources of entertainment around!

3. Send an encouraging message

Think of someone you haven't talked to in a while and send them a thoughtful text, email or message.

Tell a friend you're thinking about them. Thank someone who has helped you. Send your family member a funny memory. It costs nothing, and it might make someone's day!

4. Play your own version of a cooking show

Open the cupboards and refrigerator and see what you can make using ingredients you already have. Give yourself a challenge: pick a few random ingredients and see if you can turn them into an actual meal.

Bonus points if you narrate the process like you're hosting your own cooking show.

This is also a great way to use up food before it gets forgotten in the back of the pantry.

5. Make some money

Not spending money doesn't mean you can't make money.

Walk around your house and look for things you no longer use. Clothes, toys, small appliances, home décor and other unwanted items could potentially be sold locally or online.

You might even turn your no spend day into a make money day!

6. Cross something off your to-do list

You know that thing you've been putting off?

Do it.

Clean out the email inbox. Make that appointment. Finally organize the paperwork. Fix the wobbly drawer. Return the library books.

It may not sound exciting, but there is something so satisfying about crossing an annoying task off your list.

7. Look for free community activities

Check your local library, community centre, recreation centre or municipal website for free events.

You may find free concerts, outdoor movies, workshops, festivals, children's activities, walking groups or other community events.

Free doesn't have to mean boring!

8. Try a new hairstyle

Instead of shopping for something new, experiment with what you already have.

Try a different hairstyle, learn a new braid or recreate a look you've saved online. Social media and YouTube are full of inspiration and tutorials.

9. Go for a walk

This is one of the simplest things to do instead of spending money. Take a walk around your neighbourhood, visit a local trail or simply wander somewhere you've never explored before.

Leave your wallet at home so you aren't tempted by an impromptu coffee or shopping stop.

10. Go camping in your backyard

If you have a backyard, pitch a tent and have a backyard camping adventure.

Make it as elaborate or simple as you like. Bring out sleeping bags, tell stories, play games and have dinner outside.

No backyard? Build a blanket fort in the living room instead.

11. Write a bucket list

Make a list of all the things you'd love to do someday.

Your bucket list doesn't have to be made up entirely of expensive vacations and big adventures, either. Include small things you've always wanted to try, places you'd like to visit, skills you'd like to learn and experiences you'd like to have.

You might be surprised by how many of your ideas can actually be done for free or very cheaply.

12. Take a nap

Honestly, sometimes the best thing you can do when you're tempted to spend money is go to bed.

If you're tired, bored and scrolling on your phone, you're probably not going to make your best spending decisions. Put the phone down, get comfortable and take a nap.

13. Rearrange some furniture

Give a room a completely different feel without buying a single thing. Move the furniture around, rearrange your décor or switch things between rooms.

It's amazing how different your home can feel when you look at your existing stuff differently.

14. Go house hunting, for fun

Love looking at beautiful houses? I sure do!

Open up a real estate app and browse homes in your area, across Canada or somewhere you've always dreamed of living. Set yourself a ridiculous budget and see what kind of dream home you can find.

Just remember: looking is free. Buying is not.

15. Invite a friend over for coffee or tea

Instead of meeting at a coffee shop, invite your friend to your home.

Make coffee or tea, put out a few snacks you already have and enjoy an afternoon of conversation.

You get the social experience without the restaurant or coffee shop bill.

16. Pick some wildflowers

If you're somewhere it's permitted, pick a small bouquet of wildflowers and bring them home. Or you could just enjoy the flowers where they grow.

Nature provides plenty of beautiful entertainment for free.

17. Organize a junk drawer or closet

I know. This doesn't exactly scream “fun.”

But if you're someone who loves the feeling of getting organized, tackling a small space can be really satisfying. Pick one drawer, shelf or closet instead of trying to reorganize your entire house.

You'll have a finished project before you know it!

18. Watch something that makes you laugh

Watch funny clips, old family videos or your favourite comedy show. Better yet, send the funniest things you find to a friend and have a virtual laugh together.

Entertainment doesn't always need to involve a shopping trip or a night out.

19. Shop your closet

Instead of shopping for a new outfit, shop your own closet.

Pull out pieces you haven't worn in a while and see what combinations you can create. Try styling something in a completely different way. You may rediscover an outfit you forgot you loved.

20. Bake something

Check your pantry for ingredients you already have and bake something delicious.

Cookies, muffins, bread, brownies, whatever sounds good.

If you have enough ingredients, make something to share with a neighbour or friend.

21. Find a free way to earn rewards

If you enjoy earning rewards through surveys, receipt apps or loyalty programs, use some of your downtime to explore legitimate programs that are available in Canada. I actually really like Swagbucks. I've earned quite a few Starbucks gift cards over the years!

Just remember that these shouldn't become an excuse to shop. The goal is to earn rewards or a little extra money without spending money you wouldn't otherwise spend.

22. Listen to a podcast or audiobook

Put on a podcast or audiobook while you walk, clean, organize or relax.

There are podcasts covering practically every interest imaginable, from home organization and personal finance to comedy, history, hobbies and current events. I like to use Libby to listen to free audiobooks through the library.

23. Read the archives of your favourite blogs

Have a few websites you love? Instead of scrolling through shopping sites, go back through their archives. You might discover older articles you missed the first time around.

And if Simply Frugal happens to be one of your favourites, there are plenty of old posts to explore! 😀

24. Finally make something you've saved on Pinterest

We've all done it.

Save recipe.
Save craft.
Save organizing idea.
Save DIY project.

Never actually do it.

Today is the day. Pick one thing you've been saving and actually try it using supplies you already have.

25. Do a “5-minute fix” tour of your house

Walk through your home and look for little things that need attention.

A picture that needs hanging. A button that needs sewing. A drawer that needs adjusting. A pile of paperwork that needs sorting.

Give yourself 5 minutes in each room and see how much you can get done.

26. Mend your clothes

Before tossing something because it's missing a button, has a small tear or needs a little repair, see if you can fix it. Learning a few basic mending skills can save money and help your clothes last longer.

27. Use those gift cards

Maybe you have gift cards sitting around? Check your wallet, purse or junk drawer. You may have forgotten about some of them!

Instead of spending your own money on something, use a gift card for an item or experience you were already planning to buy.

28. Tackle an organizing project

Choose one small organizing project and work with what you already own.

Organize your pantry. Sort the bathroom cabinet. Tackle your paperwork. Clean out the freezer.

And remember: you don't need to buy a bunch of organizing products to get organized. Sometimes the best organizing tool is simply getting rid of the things you don't need.

29. Clean the car

Give your car a good cleaning inside and out.

Vacuum the seats, clean the windows, wipe down the dashboard and get rid of all those random receipts and wrappers.

It'll feel like you've got a freshly detailed car without paying for one.

30. Call someone you love

When was the last time you actually called someone instead of sending a text?

Call a relative or friend you haven't talked to in a while. You don't need an elaborate plan. Just catch up.

31. Make birthday cards

If you have cardstock, paper, markers or craft supplies at home, make a few cards for upcoming birthdays.

You'll have them ready when you need them, and you'll avoid the last-minute store purchase.

32. Bake your favourite cookies

Yes, this one gets its own spot. There's something extra special about making your favourite treat at home instead of going out to buy one. Plus, you'll have a whole batch instead of only one!

33. Return things you've been meaning to return

You know that purchase sitting by the door? The one you've been meaning to return for two weeks?

Go do it.

You'll get your money back and clear something off your mental to-do list at the same time.

34. Take advantage of free local fitness opportunities

Rather than signing up for a membership just because you're bored, look for free fitness options in your community.

Try a walking trail, free outdoor fitness equipment, a community recreation program or a free workout video at home.

You don't need an expensive gym membership to move your body.

35. List more things you no longer need

Turn decluttering into a money making project.

Go through your home and find things you aren't using anymore. Take photos, write descriptions and list them for sale on a local marketplace.

You get a cleaner home and the possibility of making some extra money. That's a pretty good no spend activity.

36. Clean your outdoor spaces

Give your patio, balcony, deck or yard some attention. Sweep, tidy, weed, rearrange your outdoor furniture or clean things that have been neglected.

Then sit outside and enjoy the space you've created.

The best things to do instead of spending money are the ones you already have

The next time you're bored and find yourself reaching for your wallet, pause for a minute.

Ask yourself: “What could I do right now that doesn't require spending money?”

You might be surprised by how many options you have.

Read something. Bake something. Call a friend. Go for a walk. Organize a drawer. Sell something. Learn something. Make something.

You don't need to spend money every time you want to have fun.

And honestly, one of the best parts of embracing a more frugal lifestyle is realizing that a good time doesn't have to come with a price tag.

So save this list for the next time you're tempted to spend money because you're bored. Your wallet will thank you!

What are your favourite things to do instead of spending money? I'd love to hear your ideas in the comments!