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No matter how old you are, it can be fun to learn something new. In today’s world with the Internet at our fingertips and access to YouTube, you can learn how to do almost anything on your own! I’ve come up with a list of 15 frugal hobbies for you or your kids to learn this summer—or anytime!
15 Frugal Hobbies to Learn This Summer
Baking
To learn how to bake, all you need are some very basic pantry ingredients. Two of my favorite recipe sites are Sally’s Baking Addiction and Simply Recipes.
Needlework
Needlework includes both needlepoint, which can be expensive, as well as embroidery and cross-stitch. The latter two are very cheap if you stick to simple supplies! You can get everything you need at places like Hobby Lobby or Michael’s. For learning how to embroider, see Sarah Homfray Embroidery. If you want to learn how to cross stitch, I recommend the series Fat Quarter Cross Stitch University.
Hand lettering
You can get a few pens and some paper at a craft store and learn hand lettering, which you can use in a variety of ways. To learn how, check out How to Hand Letter.
Chess
Find an inexpensive chess set on Amazon and teach yourself and a friend how to play chess.
Foreign language
Apps like Duolingo are popular, although reports vary on how well you can learn a language from scratch. I find this video on How to Learn a Language in 6 months compelling.
Crocheting or Knitting
Much like needlework, the supplies to learn these hobbies are pretty cheap when you’re just learning. You can spend a ton of money on expensive yarn, but Hobby Lobby has plenty of options for beginners. There are Youtube tutorials on knitting and crocheting
Drawing
I am not great at drawing, but I think the videos on Brad’s Art School look like they could even teach someone like me!
Origami
Buy special origami paper or just use construction paper for a very frugal hobby. To learn how, check out Easy Paper Origami.
Soap Making
This isn’t a hobby I’ve ever tried, but it could be a fun and simple way to make gifts for others. Check out the tutorial from Elly’s Everyday Soap Making.
Food Preservation
This one is fun and practical! It’s an especially good option if you have a garden. I use the tips from Ball’s Mason Jars on How to Can.
Photography
With today’s phones, you don’t even need an expensive camera to learn digital photography. Parker Photographic has a 4-hour photography course on YouTube.
Musical instrument
This might seem a little intimidating, and it won’t be frugal if you have to buy an instrument. But if you already have a piano in your home, there are dozens of beginner piano videos on Youtube.
Genealogy
The National Archives has a helpful guide with tons of resources as to how to start mapping out your family tree.
Wood carving
You’ll need a few supplies for this, but maybe someone in your family already has some of them. Here is a video on wood carving for beginners.
Gardening
Depending on where you live, you can garden something all year long! Even if you’re not ready to plant anything, you can use the summer to do some research and make a plan for your fall or winter garden. Our favorite YouTube channel on gardening is HortTube with Jim Putnam.
Are you planning to learn any frugal hobbies this summer? Let us know in the comments!
