This is a collaborative post.
Spending quality time with friends can be an excellent way to have a good time without spending much, if any, money. But sometimes you want to do more than just hang out and chat, and that can get expensive. It can, but it doesn’t have to!
If you’re looking to save money, whether to buy a house or car or to pay off your debts, for example, there are actually lots of ways you can have fun with your friends without spending a lot of money, and here are some of the best ideas to get you started…
Have fun with your friends without spending a lot
Throw a potluck dinner party
Dinner parties are a lot of fun, but they can often be expensive when you take into account the cost of serving three or more courses for several friends and multiple bottles of wine or beer. If you’re trying to save money, you could be forgiven for thinking that your dinner party days are behind you. However, they don’t have to be!
A potluck dinner party is a simple and cheap affair, whereby every guest brings along a drink and a dish. This lowers the cost considerably, while ensuring that you all eat and drink well, and have a great time doing so.
Host a virtual party
These days, we are being forced to do a lot of our socialising online due to the pandemic and the various risk factors it brings with it. Many of us are less than happy about that, but there is no denying that you can save money hosting virtual parties. Because you will all be in your own homes, this means there is no pressure to buy expensive food and drink or to pay for entertainment . You can make do with what you have, while also ensuring that your friends are perfectly comfortable with your choices too.
There are so many free and cheap apps and games that you can play remotely. Providing you know all of the important ways to stay safe online, you can all gave a lot of fun doing just that. Give it a try, you might be surprised at just how much fun a virtual party can really be.
Have a home spa day
If you and your friends love being pampered, but the cost of a day at the spa is too prohibitive, invite them over to your house. You can do each others’ nails and try out new hair-dos for a fraction of the cost. If you want to go all-in, you could even use common kitchen ingredients to create your own face masks and skincare products. You’ll probably have more fun and you’ll be more relaxed because it’s just you and your friends, so it really is a win-win.
Have a film night
With services like Netflix costing as little as 5.99 per month, and many of them offering a free trial, it has never been easier or cheaper to enjoy your favourite films from the comfort of your own home. So, why not buy some popcorn and gather your friends together to watch classics like Dirty Dancing, Star Wars and Pretty in Pink for a fraction of the cost per person of watching just one movie in the cinema? You know it makes sense.
Start a book club
If you’re looking for a fun way to get together with friends and catch up, starting your own book club is the natural choice of frugal individuals everywhere. It is a bit intellectual, and you will have a ready-made subject to discuss should you run out of chat.
Not only can you save money by borrowing books from the local library, but you can also save on the cost of food and drink by taking turns to host. The more friends you invite, the less money you will need to spend overall. You’ll have fun, expose yourself to new ideas, and save money all at the same time – what’s not to love?
Play board games
Online games and consoles like the PlayStation and Xbox may be big news right now, but board games are cheaper and in many cases more fun to play, especially with friends. Some libraries even let you borrow them, so if you’re looking for a cheap night of fun with friends, borrowing a board game or two, or pooling your board game resource together so that you have a lot of choices, is an excellent way of doing it.
You could even start a board gaming league where you play a different game each week/month and keep track of the winners and losers, awarding a small gift to the ultimate winner once board gaming season is over. That should keep you busy!
Swap clothing
A really good way of saving money, boosting your wardrobe and helping the planet all at the same time is to host a clothes swapping night. Basically, everyone who is invited should bring along a few items of clothing that are in good condition but which they are unlikely to ever wear again for whatever reason. You can then all have fun trying on each others’ garments and swapping them so you each leave with a new outfit, completely free of charge, at the end of the night. All it will cost you is the price of a few nibbles and maybe some drinks, but if you all bring your own, even that should not amount to much!
This is a great way to have fun with your friends without spending a lot.
Go on a picnic
The great outdoors is is beautiful, entertaining and often unexpected, it is also absolutely free, so what better way is there to spend a beautiful day than heading out into nature with awesome sandwiches, drinks and snacks, and stopping for a picnic with good company? The simple pleasures are often the best.
Attend local community events
Most towns and cities will have a regular roster of events, whether they be farmers markets, choir shows or art exhibitions, which are completely free to attend. Visiting them with your good friends is a great way to have a good time and soak up the atmosphere in your local community. Simply check out your community website for a guide to what’s on and throw yourself into attending as many of these events as possible. Not only will you and your friends enjoy yourselves, but you might even meet some interesting new people too. It need not cost you a single penny!
Go geocaching
If you and your friends are into the outdoors or you like an adventure, then download the Geocaching app and start hunting for hidden treasure in the heart of your neighbourhood. It’s free, fun and excellent exercise, and it’s surprising just how good it feels when you find that box of Tupperware with a little trinket inside – yes really!
Volunteer
Volunteering might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to having fun with your friends, but there is no denying that there are a lot of local charities and organisations, from animal rescues to local schools, that could do with your help. When you help out with your best friends, you can make it fun. You also get the feeling of satisfaction that comes with doing a good deed. Depending on the form your volunteering takes, you may even learn new skills that you can put to use when applying for jobs, freelancing or updating your CV, too.
Start your own sports team
Most of us have a pair of trainers and something comfy we can wear while we exercise, so a really good way to have fun with your friends without spending a lot is to start your own sports team(s). Whether you love football, basketball or netball, for example, with very little money, and a trip[ to the local park, you can start playing each other in a friendly way. If there are enough of you, for a few pounds, you could even rent a local hall if playing outdoors isn’t your thing. It would still be cheaper than the average night at the theatre or whatever expensive outing you would usually go on with friends. Something to think about, maybe?
Undertake a challenge
Whether it’s training for a marathon or learning how to cook French cuisine, completing a challenge with your friends can be very affordable. and fun, especially when you pool all your money together. It can also give you a goal to aim for, which can help to make life more meaningful overall. Just make sure it’s a challenge you will all relish.
As you can see, it is totally possible to be frugal and still have a great time with your best friends. After all, it is their company that you are most interested in, and there are plenty of free and cheap activities available if only you are willing to think outside the box. So, what are you waiting for? You can have fun with your friends without spending a lot!
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