Just because you’re frugal, doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to treat yo’ self once in a while! It also doesn’t mean your treats have to be expensive! Here are 16 ways that you can treat yourself for free today!
Feel-Good Ways to Treat Yourself for Free
Rewarding yourself for little (or big) accomplishments and treating yourself to a little pick-me-up to help you get through the week, is important. I’d also go as far to say it’s a necessity in order to not fall victim to frugal fatigue. However, it’s not always a good idea to spend money every time you feel like doing something special for yourself.
But, don’t let that discourage you. There are quite a few ways that you can feel like you did something nice for yourself without paying a cent.
The next time you feel like treating yourself, try any of these 16 Ways to Treat Yourself for Free.
Read at the beach:
This is something my husband and I would do regularly before we had kids. We would make a day of going to the beach with a book or magazine and just sit and read. People watching is also fun.
Bubble Bath:
Every once in a while, a warm bubble bath sounds really, really nice and relaxing. It’s a great way to put that bubble bath to use that was given to you as a gift. If you have Epsom salts, throw those in too! Or try my Homemade Sore Muscle Soak!
Take a Nap:
Now this one sounds like a fantastic treat to me right now! I’m working on very limited sleep during the night because the baby is waking up far too often for my liking. Grabbing a mid day nap sounds wonderful. 🙂
Go for a Walk:
Get out and get some fresh air. Walk around the neighborhood or find a nice wooded trail. Go by yourself or bring the family or a friend. Enjoy the scenery and focus on all the details surrounding you.
DIY Manicure or Pedicure:
I’m sure you can do an almost salon like manicure or pedicure at home after watching or reading an online tutorial. You could even get in some girlfriend/daughter time by doing each others nails.
Visit a Pet Shelter:
Head to your nearest pet shelter to give some animals a few cuddles, pets or a walk! This is a definite feel-good way to treat yourself for free!
Netflix marathon:
If you have a Netflix subscription, you could binge watch a popular series, with popcorn, of course.
Head to a free community event:
I’m fairly certain that all communities offer some sort of free event. For example, our city offers a free summer music concert in a local park once a week. There are also regular events going on for major holidays. Take a look in the newspaper and you should find something of interest!
Swap some clothes with a friend
Are your clothes feeling a bit boring to wear over and over again? Why not try swapping a few pieces of clothing with a friend? You’ll have brand new wardrobe possibilities without spending a dime.
Grab a notebook and start journaling:
Journaling can be quite cathartic. Especially if you’re in a stressful season of your life. Take the time for yourself to write down all your thoughts and dreams. Allow yourself to vent.
Find that hidden chocolate bar that someone gave you and savor it:
I’ll be honest in saying that all my hidden chocolate is gone now, but for a while I was working on some Christmas chocolate that was given to me! It tastes best when I eat a piece hidden from my daughters. 😉
Bake a treat:
Craving a piece of cake? Why not bake an entire cake and invite some friends over? (So you don’t accidentally eat the whole thing yourself.) You probably have most of the ingredients on hand already in your pantry.
Picnic outside in the yard or park:
Why not pack up a rotisserie chicken, some buns, fruit and veggies and have an outdoor picnic? This is another favourite thing our family likes to do. We have to eat anyways, so why not enjoy eating outdoors?
Do something nice for someone else:
Doing something nice for someone else will surely put a smile on your face for the entire day. It just feels good to show someone else some kindness. Some cheap ideas are:
- Bake someone a batch of muffins to make their mornings a bit smoother
- Double up one of your dinners and bring a friend in need the second dinner
- A “thinking of you” card to someone who’s been on your mind
- Give a compliment to a stranger
- Let someone else go in front of you in line at the grocery store
- Gift your talents to someone (photography, a knitting project, baking, art work…etc.)
Learn something new:
I have a whole post dedicated to skills and hobbies you can learn for free. Check it out.
Say no to something that you are dreading that is not essential:
Sometimes our lives can fill up with things that we should do, because they’re “good things”. Why not say “no” to that thing that is completely not essential. Saying “no” can feel really good!
I’d love to know the ideas that you have to treat yourself for free or cheaply! Let me know in the comments.
Get a free hair cut at a hair styling academy such as Vidal Sassoon. If you’re in GTA, Canadian Beauty College and International Beauty Institute need models for beauty treatments such as waxing and facial. Get on their mailing list to get free treatments.
A good book from the library, movies and magazine as well.
Painting/drawing.
Download free games on your phone. I highly recommend Yokai Watch Wibble Wobble.
Thanks for all your great suggestions!