Hobbies don’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, many activities that bring joy and relaxation can be started on a modest budget. Whether you’re looking to get creative, stay active, or simply explore something new, there are plenty of hobbies that you can begin with minimal cost. With a bit of planning and a small investment, you’ll be able to fill your free time with something rewarding. I’ve skipped things like taking nature walks (although geocaching is ridiculously fun and free) to come up with a list of potential hobbies you can start for under £30 that will bring plenty of enjoyment without breaking the bank.
Painting with Watercolours
Watercolour painting is a great way to get creative without spending too much. For under £30, you can pick up a decent set of watercolours, brushes, and a pad of paper. It’s a relaxing hobby where you can experiment with colours and textures, and you don’t need to be a skilled artist to enjoy it. Plus, there are plenty of tutorials online to help you get started.
Growing Your Own Herbs
You don’t need a garden to grow herbs—just a sunny windowsill and some pots. A small starter set of herb seeds, compost, and pots can easily fit within your budget. Growing your own herbs is a rewarding hobby that provides fresh ingredients for cooking and a pleasant bit of greenery indoors. Plus, you can enjoy watching them grow day by day.
Candle Making
Candle making is a satisfying and creative hobby that’s surprisingly easy to start. For around £30, you can get a beginner’s kit with everything you need, including wax, wicks, and scents. Whether you want to make candles as gifts or for your own home, you’ll find it’s a peaceful way to spend your time. Plus, there’s something lovely about burning a candle you’ve made yourself.
Knitting
Knitting has had a bit of a revival in recent years, and it’s a wonderful way to relax while creating something useful. For under £30, you can buy a set of needles and a few balls of yarn to get started. Whether you want to make scarves, hats, or something more ambitious, knitting is a therapeutic hobby that can be done almost anywhere.
Starting a Journal
For the cost of a good-quality notebook and pen, you can start journaling—a hobby that’s all about personal reflection and creativity. Whether you want to keep track of your thoughts, goals, or experiences, journaling is a simple yet powerful way to unwind. It’s a hobby that can easily fit into your daily routine, and it’s a great tool for mindfulness.
Learning Calligraphy
Calligraphy is a beautiful art form that doesn’t require much to get started. For under £30, you can buy a beginner’s kit with practice paper, pens, and ink. Calligraphy is a relaxing hobby that allows you to create stunning hand-lettered pieces, whether it’s for greeting cards, home décor, or just for fun. Plus, you’ll improve your handwriting along the way.
Baking
Baking can be a fun and rewarding hobby, and it doesn’t require a lot of fancy equipment to get started. For under £30, you can pick up the basic ingredients and a few essential tools like measuring cups, mixing bowls, and a baking tin. Whether you’re making bread, biscuits, or cakes, baking is a great way to enjoy some quality time in the kitchen.
Embroidery
Embroidery is an accessible and enjoyable hobby that allows you to create beautiful designs with just a needle, thread, and fabric. For under £30, you can get a simple kit that includes everything you need to start. It’s a mindful activity that requires focus and creativity, and you’ll have something beautiful to show for your efforts.
Model Building
If you’re interested in detailed, hands-on projects, model building could be the perfect hobby. There are plenty of model kits available for under £30, from planes and cars to historical landmarks. It’s a satisfying hobby that requires patience and concentration, and it’s a great way to keep your mind engaged as you work through each step.
Upcycling Old Clothes
Turn your old clothes into something new with a bit of creativity and a few simple supplies. For under £30, you can buy fabric paints, dyes, or patches to breathe new life into clothes you already have. Whether it’s turning jeans into shorts or adding a fresh design to an old t-shirt, upcycling is a fun way to refresh your wardrobe without spending much.
Learning Origami
Origami is the art of paper folding, and it’s an affordable hobby that requires little more than some paper and a bit of patience. You can find packs of origami paper for under £30, along with books or online tutorials to guide you through different designs. It’s a calming and creative way to spend time, and you can create everything from simple animals to intricate geometric patterns.
Playing the Ukulele
For under £30, you can pick up a beginner ukulele and start learning to play music. The ukulele is a fun and relatively easy instrument to pick up, and there are plenty of free tutorials online to help you get started. It’s a great way to unwind and get creative, and you don’t need any previous musical experience to enjoy it.
Gardening with Bulbs
You don’t need a big garden to enjoy growing flowers or plants. For under £30, you can buy a set of bulbs and plant them in pots or in a small outdoor space. Watching your bulbs grow and bloom over time is a rewarding and relaxing hobby that brings a bit of nature into your life.
Soap Making
Soap making is a fun and practical hobby that lets you get creative with different scents, colours, and shapes. For under £30, you can buy a beginner’s kit that includes all the ingredients and moulds you need to start. Making soap is a hands-on activity that’s easy to pick up, and it’s always satisfying to use something you’ve made yourself.
Creating Terrariums
Terrariums are like mini ecosystems that you can design and care for at home. For under £30, you can buy a simple glass container, some plants, and a bit of soil to create your own. Terrariums are not only a relaxing project but also bring a bit of nature indoors, perfect for adding a bit of greenery to your living space.
17 Old Wives’ Tales That Are Actually True
Old wives’ tales have been passed down through generations, often dismissed as mere superstition. However, many of these age-old beliefs are rooted in truth. From health tips to weather predictions, these stories from the past can surprise us with their accuracy. Here are 17 old wives’ tales that are actually true.
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Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
