Any suggestions for new hobby that’s cheap and easy to get into?
Posted by No-Neighborhood8403@reddit | GenX | View on Reddit | 244 comments
It’s been about a year and a half that I’ve been getting high with edibles every evening when I’m off work, and it’s time I quit for a while. It was great for a while but I feel like it distanced me and my wife over time. She doesn’t use, and when I do she says I’m barely present I don’t think it will be too difficult but with a new hobby to get into I think it can distract me from missing it. Preferably something I don’t need to put a lot of money into. Any suggestions on a fun new hobby?
SubieGal9@reddit
Your mom, but you knew that.
Seriously though, kayaking isn't too expensive. If you're more of an indoor person, the national archives (I think) is looking for volunteers to transcribe old documents.
IRingTwyce@reddit
A lot of people have said gaming. BUT if your wife was complaining about you not being present while high, gaming isn't going to be the solution. When I was married I gamed specifically to avoid my wife.
I'm not saying don't pick up a controller and play, but if your goal is more interaction with your wife then maybe keep looking for a better hobby.
GeoHog713@reddit
Start fishing.
It doesn't have to be expensive. You can get a rod, real, and enough lures to start out for $100
Insightseekertoo@reddit
I paint and exercise, although a recent wrist injury has sidelined both. It takes FOREVER to heal these days.
BakedGoods_101@reddit
I'm with you on this, my husband do gaming and I can't comprehend why so many women hate it, it makes me really happy to hear him playing in the background while I read my book :)
Automatic_Gas9019@reddit
Pickleball. She can go too. Adult coloring books. Cooking. Take what you normally do in the kitchen and learn new recipes.
doglady1342@reddit
Do you like to cook? If so, you might like foraging. It's something you and your wife can do together. You'd get out in nature, unplug, and learn something new. Plus, it's free!
Tanya7500@reddit
Darts
IKnowAllSeven@reddit
Birdwatching.
You just need your eyeballs.
I suggest finding your local birding groups , they might be audubon society or have another name, and look at your local metro parks or whatever they are named by you.
Download Merlin and ebird. Merlin helps you identify birds, ebird tells you hot spots. They’re both frwe
GenericRedditor1937@reddit
I wouldn't say I'm a "birder" yet, close, because I can't identify most birds without Merlin listening and I don't bring my binoculars and camera to the park every weekend, but it's funny how this interest just sneaks up on you around a certain age (42-50).
OsideOps@reddit
It really does!😄
tex_hadnt_buzzed_me@reddit
Raging against the machine
BrewtalKittehh@reddit
Just don’t be the machine against which we rage
tex_hadnt_buzzed_me@reddit
This is harder than it sounds. I try to at least be aware when I'm an unwilling or at least uncomfortable cog in the machine.
root_fifth_octave@reddit
But despite all my rage, I am still just a rat in a cage u kno?
marge7777@reddit
I always wanted to geocache.
ShelbyDriver@reddit
I need to get back into it.
Pitbullcharm@reddit
Adult paint by number
midlife_dadpulse73@reddit
Rc cars are pretty damn fun. You can buy in relatively cheap (do research) and its fun any time of day, any season...
analogpursuits@reddit
Slot cars, for that matter!
midlife_dadpulse73@reddit
I'd love to get a nice AF/X set-up, just don't have the space to leave one assembled for any length of time.
analogpursuits@reddit
Same for us. Would have to suspend it from the garage rafters, or some such nonsense. My partner used to go with his dad when he/we lived elsewhere and his dad was alive. He has his dad's whole collection and they are really cool. There is no slot car track where we now live though. 😭
KarmaBike@reddit
Simply wandering in the woods is free, healthy and it’s always changing
acoffeefiend@reddit
Exercising. Start with 20min/day. Running.
SWNMAZporvida@reddit
I color. It’s intensely satisfying to have complete control over a little scene and getting to rip it up if you don’t like it.
analogpursuits@reddit
Learn to play cribbage and teach your wife. It's an easy, interactive game, and it's quick to play each round. Cribbage groups often meet up for little tournaments at local breweries where I live.
My partner just took up crocheting in December. He really loves it! There is a local group that meets twice weekly where I live for sip-n-stitch (again, local breweries). They're such cool people, of all ages and genders. We've already hung out with some of the group at a potluck recently. Not your granny's knitting circle, I can tell you that!
peterw71@reddit
Bird watching. Gardening. And some other stuff my parents used to do...
One_Love_Mama@reddit
ha! I'm your parents
chester219@reddit
Same
peterw71@reddit
Me too! Worse things could happen, they seemed pretty happy.
MariaInconnu@reddit
Crocheting or knitting. You can talk to someone while doing those.
For the love of your relationship, don't take up gaming. If she thinks you're there but not present with edibles, it will be moreso with gaming.
BigDaddyBull_1989@reddit
Disc golf.
Status-Effort-9380@reddit
Pinball. If you have a place nearby that is on free play (pay one cover price and play all you like), or better yet has a membership.
There are tournaments once you get into it.
Find a location near you on Pinball Map.
https://pinballmap.com/
303FPSguy@reddit
Gaming.
Get a console or a gaming laptop and get a hobby you can enjoy into your 90s
chester219@reddit
Hear me out. Birdwatching. Download the Merlin app and buy a pair of used nocs off eBay and you'll never be bored again.
Formal_Plum_2285@reddit
Not to brag or anything but I have a pair of longtailed tits in my garden. If not for Merlin I wouldn’t have known something that cute even existed. Also I wouldn’t have 3 pairs of binoculars and I definitely wouldn’t have rolled pinecones in pigs fat mixed with grainworms and nuts and raisins all winter 😂
NegotiationNo7851@reddit
I have been thinking about birdwatching thanks for the suggestion on the app!!
Mistervimes65@reddit
Merlin is a great app. I also recommend a feeder with an inexpensive webcam pointing at it.
Ok-Lingonberry-8261@reddit
Yes.
Although in six months, if OP is anything like me, he'll be pricing 400 mm primes and stacked-sensor mirrorless bodies.
leungadon@reddit
Pickleball :D but I saw somebody elder mention birding, also a great idea, esp if you have a nice park near you or a local group if you’re into meeting new people
GreatOdinsRaven_@reddit
internet pornography?
Not_High_Maintenance@reddit
Pretty sure 56 year old me is not the demographic they are seeking. 😜
ONROSREPUS@reddit
Hey this is one hobby some might make money at instead of loosing money. But if you are making money on it, is it still a hobby or just another job?
GreatOdinsRaven_@reddit
Idk I must be doing it wrong.
ONROSREPUS@reddit
Wait maybe I should have asked, Are you looking or making it? lol.
GreatOdinsRaven_@reddit
I don't kiss and tell u/onrosrepus
Fistofpaper@reddit
Isn't that just the Internet?
GreatOdinsRaven_@reddit
So good, lol
Reddiculusness@reddit
whittlin' on the front porch
ONROSREPUS@reddit
Sounds fun until you start getting into fancier and fancier knifes. Next thing you know you will be doing chainsaw caricatures.
Reddiculusness@reddit
Lumberjack
_Norfolk_Ingway_@reddit
This made me lol
Reddiculusness@reddit
I think about Jed Clampett every time I hear " whittlin' '
u16173@reddit
Disc golf
Formal_Plum_2285@reddit
Lol I was gonna suggest that. How random. I mean it’s not that common.
SirPonix@reddit
There's over 11,000 disc golf courses in the US alone, so I wouldn't say it's uncommon.
Formal_Plum_2285@reddit
I’m not from the US. But there are +250,000 tenniscourts and 400,000 basketball courts in the US, so 11,000 is not exactly mainstream
u16173@reddit
I see a bunch of others suggested it before me.
AppropriateDark5189@reddit
Not dog sports.
Not_High_Maintenance@reddit
Why not?
BrewtalKittehh@reddit
Buy a cheap acoustic guitar and take any of the volumes of free lessons on youtube. Get really good like, write some songs about our generation, monetize yourself and retire wealthy! Or, at least the first part.
tonna33@reddit
geocaching
Use the website. They also have an app (and they push the app) but you can find way more on the website than you can on the app.
I just started. It gets me out of the house, and I can do as little or as much as I want to. I'm excited to try to find as many as I can that are around my small town. There's a lot! I was pretty surprised.
Check out r/geocaching to get an idea of what it is.
I'm not a very active person. It's easy to do and doesn't require much, other than walking, a phone (or gps), and a pen.
Not_High_Maintenance@reddit
This is fun!
Muted_Evidence1311@reddit
Sewing. Surprise her with a new summer skirt.
Sufficient_Stop8381@reddit
Boobery
Diela1968@reddit
3d printing. If you have a computer and start designing your own replacement parts around the house and fix things it will get you extra bonus points with your spouse.
Sillygoose1979@reddit
My husband and I play together on a pool league. It’s how we met 15 years ago, but I quit after I had a baby. We got back into it 2 years ago and it’s so fun. We play APA and they have leagues everywhere. APA is also geared to beginners- teams NEED lower ranked players. It does cost money but you can get decent cues for cheap.
Secret-Avocado-Lover@reddit
Building those plastic models we used to put together as kids. Fun as adults too. Planes, cars etc.
HuchieLuchie@reddit
Drawing. I picked this up about a month ago after spending the last ~50 regretting I couldn't draw. There are tons of free learning resources. Other than that, if you avoid the impulse to buy up all the expensive tools, you have everything you need on hand. I spend every evening now drawing for an hour or so and it's been an awesome destressor.
Geniusinternetguy@reddit
I am a freelance illustrator and i mostly learned on printer paper with a mechanical pencil.
Even when i started making money i had a $200 tablet and some bundled software.
SufficientOpening218@reddit
theres a great book, old school, called Drawing on the Artist Within, by Betty Edwards. came out when we were kids. she also wrote Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. both take you from "I can barely hold a pencil" to really seeing and drawing, with a nice discussion of why art teachers dont teach drawing as a skill. very fun, and again, written in our error
Formal_Plum_2285@reddit
Depends on what you like to do. But discgolf, doordashing (which I oddly find to be a lot of fun. But mostly cause I get to ride my electric scooter), youtube drawing/painting classes, darts and Pokemon Go.
bigredroyaloak@reddit
A hobby that both of you might like especially with the warmer weather is letterboxing. Www.Atlasquest.com short or long hikes in parks, the woods, cemeteries to find lil hidden rubber stamps. More info on website. Very little expense but gas, a logbook, and ink. A lot of fun and if you have any artistic ability you might carve yourself a stamp to plant for others to find.
Cynically_Sane@reddit
Oh, I am loving this idea and have never heard of it before. Now I'm ready to run out hunting for the treasures! I always thought geocaching sounded interesting and fun but somehow I never did it. Do you mind explaining how the two are different? Is it just the treasures are stamps?
bigredroyaloak@reddit
Well the treasures are the stamp impressions. You don’t actually take the stamp just an impression of it. The box usually has a stamp and a logbook for the finders to sign or impress thier own signature stamp. You rehide in the same place for the next finder. The website has ways to look for boxes by city. And a way to log whether or not you found it. Each stamp has a clue and symbols to tell you how long of a hike it is (can be a drive up all the way to 8 mile hikes) and if it’s available all year round. The clue can be step by step directions or a puzzle or cypher to figure out where it is. Usually a conifer bush. It is very much in that sense like geocaching. There’s also events to meet others and get limited time boxes. I’ve carved my own and planted some in nearby places that didn’t have any. I’ve found many on vacation. It started in England a long time ago and I even found one in Ireland.
bigredroyaloak@reddit
Well the treasures are the stamp impressions. You don’t actually take the stamp just an impression of it. The box usually has a stamp and a logbook for the finders to sign or impress thier own signature stamp. You rehide in the same place for the next finder. The website has ways to look for boxes by city. And a way to log whether or not you found it. Each stamp has a clue and symbols to tell you how long of a hike it is (can be a drive up all the way to 8 mile hikes) and if it’s available all year round. The clue can be step by step directions or a puzzle or cypher to figure out where it is. Usually a conifer bush. It is very much in that sense like geocaching.
suzmckooz@reddit
My husband and I were kind of over just sitting on opposite ends of the couch while watching tv. We went back to board games 1-2 nights a week. Some are pricier than others, but it’s a fun way to spend time together without being glazed over.
send2steph@reddit
Puzzles are fun too. We are addicted to https://magicpuzzlecompany.com/
Jayrandomer@reddit
Used DSLRs can be found on marketplace for a few hundred dollars and you can take essentially infinite photos.
CuriousMind149@reddit
Or iPhone photography if a camera is too expensive. It helps to have some prompts to get started. Like, go on a 20-minute walk and photograph everything that is orange. There are lots of books and online resources to give ideas.
siliconsmiley@reddit
Curse at the wind. Totally free. Marginally satisfying.
OptiGuy4u@reddit
I tried urinating upwind which is also free but in the end I just got pissed.
I_love_Hobbes@reddit
I have two hobbies.
Coloring maze pictures and crochet.
Jillee2@reddit
Rock painting! So so soothing and acrylic paint is cheap!
Bjorn_Blackmane@reddit
Bird watching
KaleidoscopeEqual790@reddit
Brazilian jiu jitsu. 2 months in at 52
pugdaddy78@reddit
Disc golf costs about $40 to get started for a couple disks. Most courses are public and free.
Barbara1Brien@reddit
Two things I’ve recently discovered that I’m going to look into… 1) Competitive jigsaw puzzling, and 2) Beads (for making jewelry or decorative displays.) They may or may not be expensive, not sure.
jk_pens@reddit
You can get a decent electric piano for pretty cheap especially if you find a used one. All the tutorials you could ever want for free online. And of course, you can repurpose some of your monthly edibles spend on lessons if you want to. :-)
MaximumJones@reddit
Crushing your enemies, seeing them driven before you, and hearing the lamentations of their women.
ser_froops@reddit
Do you want to live forever?
TestForPotential@reddit
Figuring out the riddle of steel also.
murdermeMickey@reddit
Origami
turrboenvy@reddit
Is $70 a lot of money? I'm learning guitar on a $70 acoustic my wife got off Amazon. You might be able to get a better guitar for less in the used market.
schwelvis@reddit
Geocaching
Letterboxing
Disc golf (although, this will just lead you back to weed!)
IkaIka239@reddit
Got back into vintage audio, cassettes mostly. Had forgotten how awesome vintage analog
gear sounded, so much better then streaming digital music.
cmt38@reddit
Kayaking is fun and you can get into it for a few hundred bucks if you have somewhere nearby to paddle.
optionoob2024@reddit
disc golf
Shaved_taint@reddit
I was just coming in to say disc golf. I just picked it up a few months ago but I'm obsessed with it. It doesn't have a high price point for entry, most areas have free courses available, and it's challenging enough to remain interesting but also easy enough to pick up after watching a couple youtube videos
Fistofpaper@reddit
If you toss Innova or Discraft, SUPER cheap. If you toss trilogy discs (Dynamic, Latitude 64, & Westside) like me....not so much lol. But your comment is 100% true for a beginner, and my added details are more like moving equipment from generic Wilson clubs to Titleist/Ping for ball golf.
Clueless-2020@reddit
Paper quilling. https://youtu.be/6YWW6RmhwP0?si=ByvHUPM63JoWM2C8
Dirty_Bird_RDS@reddit
Are there any activities your wife might like to join you in? It sounds like she wants to connect with you more. It might be worth taking up a hobby you can share, like tennis (if you have courts available) - functional racquets and balls would not be super expensive. Ditto for pickleball. Hiking is a great opportunity to connect and talk while you explore, and has very little entry cost (good shoes and water bottles will get you operational). Other advantages of sharing hobbies include being able to split costs - you could paint miniatures together, and you’d just have to get one set of paints.
local_weather@reddit
My two cheap hobbies are running and yoga. Yoga is actually the cheapest because technically you don’t need anything, you can start by watching YouTube videos and decide if you want a mat or not. For running just get some decent shoes and you’re good to go.
AVLThumper@reddit
Guitar. Buy a used guitar for around $200, and there are crazy amounts of free lessons on line. Start with Justin Guitar. Free at website, charges a fee for the app. You don't need the app.
There are free tuner apps, and too many YouTube videos. Have fun!
Vandilbg@reddit
Or if you have the muscular stumps of a bass man. Bassbuzz is a great place to start.
Rutibegga@reddit
Came here to say music (guitar is my weapon of choice, picked up a year ago for similar reasons) as well. Lots of different ways to learn how to make joyful noise! Voice is free, instruments... can be found inexpensively if you look at used.
blacklabbath@reddit
Video games on a per hour basis are pretty good value. Especially if you buy games on sale. Example- you can sink 50-60hrs into a $20 game.
turrboenvy@reddit
Video games have always been the best bang for my buck on a $/hr basis. Until I got into Star Citizen, but that's beside the point.
wizoneaia@reddit
Try asking your wife if there’s a fun new hobby you can both share and be present with each other while you quit edibles
dth1717@reddit
Try reading a book.
tigers692@reddit
I used to do a thing called “sex” it was cheap and easy to get into, it became more expensive later on…but we are probably at an age that the eighteen year expensive portion won’t occur. :-)
wishyouwouldread@reddit
Collect Hot Wheels. Limit to either a specific color, or a specific manufacturer. Limit yourself to only buying at stores and not online. Under 2 bucks a car.
ku_78@reddit
Board games. So many out there now. We bring Bananagrams on vacation and strangers see us playing and jump right in.
Rutibegga@reddit
Right, and puzzles too! Love a good audiobook/puzzle combo, personally.
DocDerry@reddit
Kama sutra. Roleplay.
warrenao@reddit
Always stretch and warm up first, though, because explaining to your doc exactly what you were doing when you tweaked your back that much can be kinda embarrassing.
DocDerry@reddit
If I have to have an awkward conversation with my doc - I'm going to make it just as awkward for him. Graphic detail.
warrenao@reddit
I like this plan.
ONROSREPUS@reddit
I am sure the storys that they could tell would be amazing and slightly awkward. Clearly nobody has seen the TV show "sex sent me to the ER"
ONROSREPUS@reddit
Sexual related stuff isn't cheap!
DocDerry@reddit
It's like guitars or any other fun hobby. You get what you pay for.
ONROSREPUS@reddit
That was why my reply to this thread was laughing at cheap hobbies. they may start that way but they don't ever seem to end that way. Pretty soon you will want to upgrade.
DocDerry@reddit
Absolutely. I went through it with hockey, guitars, beermaking, and computers.
elphaba00@reddit
The costs just add up when you decide to build a dedicated sex room
DocDerry@reddit
It's a cheap hobby to get into. If they want to get dedicated and go all in at some point theres going to be an investment.
Tangboy50000@reddit
Mushroom hunting. Rock hunting. Hiking.
Wildworld333@reddit
Rock hunting?
Same_Lack_1775@reddit
Requires a higher caliber bullet but otherwise is similar to regular hunting.
warrenao@reddit
The hard part is stalking them. They're very shy, and extremely good at both playing dead and blending into the background.
warrenao@reddit
Sure, AKA rockhounding. You go out on hikes and find interesting rocks. There are more of those than you might think. Ask any geologist. Or rockhound. Or gem/mineral show attendee.
Wildworld333@reddit
Interesting! Will look more into this. Learn something new every day!
warrenao@reddit
Careful; it's a bit of a rabbit hole and can become addictive. I've managed to avoid the trap myself, but I can see the fascination of it.
Genny415@reddit
Get a serger and learn how to sew your own custom fit tee shirts
Not a whole generalized learn-to-sew endeavor, just specialize in getting good at that one thing you wear a lot.
Schnelt0r@reddit
Pokemon Go
Yes, you can spend money, but you don't have to.
Betsy_Draper@reddit
Agreed with this! This gets us out of the house walking around. No prior knowledge of anything Pokémon is required
imnotmarvin@reddit
Low effort, zero dollar (assuming you have Internet access), viewing old maps on the Library of Congress website. A high percentage of maps are fairly pedestrian but some are amazing and fun to look over. This old Chicago Gangsters map for instance.
NoFollowing7781@reddit
I took up knife throwing.... it's like playing darts, but with more testosterone....
paulrin@reddit
Cooking, It takes care of your present demands, and fulfils the ones around you. Have fun.
Gulf_Coast_Girl@reddit
I don't think "hobby" has ever gone hand-in-hand with "cheap" for me 🤣
Are you looking for a hobby you two can do together or just for you? Are you looking for a physically active hobby or more of a sedate / sit down type hobby?
I'm going to assume you mean one you can do together so you can 'reconnect' and give you some ideas:
ACTIVE hobbies These may not seem cheap but keep in mind, you can buy things second hand through places like FB Marketplace or goodwill.
SEDATE hobbies
Those are just some off the top of my head.
Good luck!
Auslander808@reddit
Old school models. Planes, cars whatever.
Cinisajoy2@reddit
Cross stitch, embroidery, oh make that any of the needlearts. Drawing, coloring (with colored pencils.
Cynically_Sane@reddit
Go explore the nature areas and forage items that you can create art with when you get back. The possibilities are literally endless with this one.
justsmilenow@reddit
If you like edibles, you should try baking.
Genny415@reddit
This is the real hack. You can save so much money on buying baked goods.
Have you seen the price of muffins lately? They are a good beginners project.
WI762@reddit
Hiking, as others have said. Disc Golf for more active hiking.
Fistofpaper@reddit
Disc Golf. There CAN be a cost later on if you stick to it and want to buy custom/tailored gear, but to try it out? $30 at a Big 5 to get a starter pack of Innova discs and the free version the U-Disc app will have you set. Most courses are free unless there happens to be a parking fee at a state park; even then it costs more for a gallon of gas nowadays.
craftyrunner@reddit
Reading and watching movies from the library, walking/hiking. Learn to juggle. Body weight exercises. Cooking/baking.
mandoaz1971@reddit
Hiking
NotReallyButMaybeNot@reddit
Low cost, can be done solo or a group, low impact… checks all the boxes
Zapp_Rowsdower_@reddit
Yep. Best thing going.
TestForPotential@reddit
Fishing, puzzles, board games you can play with your wife. There’s a fantastic game for 2-4 people that my gf and I play all the time called crokinole…very addictive.
Genny415@reddit
Crokinole is fun in the same way and circumstances as beer pong
metalheaddad@reddit
Build a model car/plane/boat
Paint miniatures
Build an RC car/truck
Learn to play guitar (acoustic doesn't have to be expensive, online lessons are cheap or free)
Retro gaming (get an anbernic handheld)
Indoor rock climbing
Painting or pottery
No-Neighborhood8403@reddit (OP)
Some good suggestions. I have a guitar, that I can play a little bit. I have a Nintendo Switch for gaming. Model building could be fun. I’ve also built a couple Lego sets, and wouldn’t mind trying another one
metalheaddad@reddit
I got into RC car builds over covid and for about the same money as a nice Lego set I think they offer a ton more fun.
Check out some YT videos for Tamiya RC car builds and retro collectors.
GrayMalchin@reddit
Crochet is fairly affordable and you’ll save money on hats and mittens.
RMDVanilaGorila@reddit
Dancing lessons
Bl8kStrr@reddit
Go to the gym
livingPOP@reddit
PSA: Stay away from Stationery! Specifically 160gsm Notebooks & Fountain Pens.
Ceamba@reddit
Oh god it took me a while to get over my paper goods addiction. Still have a life’s supply of notebooks of various sizes, colors, binding, etc.
KelseyW315@reddit
Reading. Get a library card
notanyimbecile@reddit
Learn a musical instrument.
thelaineybelle@reddit
Been thinking of getting back into guitar & flute. Art & music is so restorative for balance.
notanyimbecile@reddit
Yep, and playing a musical instrument develops a whole new part of the brain, it's almost like learning a new language.
WBRobot@reddit
Couldn’t justify the expense of buying a saxophone again, but $300 for a decent harmonica and online lessons fit the bill nicely.
ayapapaya50@reddit
Birdwatching
Mrjlawrence@reddit
Reading. Hiking. Birdwatching.
PlatypusDependent271@reddit
Collecting Hot Wheels cars the mainline cars are $1.35
ku_78@reddit
I just bought a limited run one for $20 because it’s modeled after my new to me car. I can see how people could get into it.
ArmadilloDays@reddit
Crochet travels well.
Oldebookworm@reddit
I was going to say that, but wasn’t sure it was appropriate. I walk the dogs, crochet, whittle and (haven’t done it in while) practice a musical instrument
ArmadilloDays@reddit
r/brochet r/crochet
theoretical_hipster@reddit
Cornhole. Download Scoreholio app and find local blind draws to play in.
Ok-Produce8376@reddit
Maybe find out what your wife is into and spend some time doing that with her?
bigredroyaloak@reddit
Not a bad idea at all. Start dating your wife OP
LarryGriff13@reddit
Reading.
boybrian@reddit
Geocaching to get out and about.
Tv_Rots_Your_Mind@reddit
GMTA🤓.
I came here to say caching too. 🛰️🧭🤳
Weekley13@reddit
Kayaking. Buy a used one & find a lake to start. Then you can start doing creek or river excursions. Pretty minimal effort & super chill if you want it to be.
jesuschristjulia@reddit
Sashiko
Bokononfoma@reddit
I was coming to suggest meditation, and it looks like you're already being asked to be more present. Over the past couple years, meditation has been a huge deal for me. There are apps out there that make it really easy to get started. I use Calm and Happier Meditation.
If you want a free month I can message you. I love it. It has a way of moving into your life. I even plan intentional quiet time to turn everything off, sometimes plan on eating silently just focusing on the food. As weird as that sounded to me a couple weeks ago, things like that have become things I look forward to.
drhoads@reddit
Running is cheap. Get a cheap used bike and start cycling. If you have local open courts, tennis, basketball.
woodya1@reddit
Grow mushrooms
El_Peregrine@reddit
Grow cannabis
woodya1@reddit
Well I think that’s to in line with what he’s getting away from
-Granby-@reddit
Dome this several times using a fruiting chamber. Not very rewarding till the end. It is a lot of waiting.
RCA2CE@reddit
I started fishing a couple of months ago, love it
Awe3@reddit
Find something to do with your wife. Go for a walk. Getting high isn’t a hobby.
Usuallyinmygarden@reddit
Bird watching, walking, taking local shelter dogs for outings, making salsa (grow some peppers this summer), start an herb garden.
johnmflores@reddit
Are you looking for something that you can do with your wife OR in the presence with your wife (i.e., same room each doing your own thing)?
MedsNotIncluded@reddit
I‘m practicing options trading.. but actually.. it doesn’t really fit either of your criteria..
Both can kinda be true, just not generally.. cheap is also relative.. in this case the hobby actually makes you money, but requires at least some capital.. 🤷🏼
Twisted_lurker@reddit
Indoor roller skating. I got into it around age 50. Climate controlled workout with music (usually not good music).
It is weirdly wholesome. I’ve been to several rinks and never see bad behavior. Nobody cares how awkward you look or what pads you wear.
mjskiingcat@reddit
Join the ymca- take an exercise class like Zumba there and meet people who don’t smoke weed. Really important to find a readymade healthy type community.
the_natis@reddit
Listening to music with intent.
-Granby-@reddit
Reading for me. It's really all I do and it's basically free if you are near a library. You can search and put holds on things. If you get crazy like I do then you can get a Kindle and then you have even more options. I also collect books and between thrift stores and garage sales and library sales I have built my collection to over 1,000
If you have the patience guitar is nice. Couple hundred bucks for an entry level Epiphone electric and a small 15 watt amp with a lead cable and you're good. If you're patient it will give you enjoyment for the rest of your life and the great things is as you get better it becomes more fun. Endless resources with the internet too.
kcsews@reddit
Also libraries have lots of games,puzzles, seeds! Some have tools even a little singer!
-Granby-@reddit
Tons of stuff at the library. My library has things you mentioned and cake pans and fishing gear you can borrow. They put on free events and movie nights. It's awesome.
platypusandpibble@reddit
Don’t forget Libby (reading ebooks from a lot of different libraries) and the Gutenberg project.
-Granby-@reddit
Of course. That's why I said you have more options when you get a kindle. Plus you get Kindle Unlimited for three months free and if you're like me you can run through a lot of books in that amount of time.
Also you can get tons of free classics and such from https://www.gutenberg.org/
Free to own. Then you can send them right to your Kindle https://www.amazon.com/sendtokindle
joe127001@reddit
Buy a new Yamaha F830 acoustic guitar. Great entry level instrument and you’ll only need to buy strings a few times a year. There are so many free online tutorials as well. Enjoy.
vankirk@reddit
Eat a gummy, then go play disc golf:
b1e9t4t1y@reddit
Pinball and antique cars. It’s sure to keep your wallet empty.
ancientastronaut2@reddit
Do you got a soulful wrist?
b1e9t4t1y@reddit
Supple. And could be soulful.
RobsHereAgain@reddit
Get an older motorcycle and restore it like an old dirt bike or street bike maybe get two so she can join you
Signal_Cake5735@reddit
Roller skating! Hiking!
DiscerningBarbarian@reddit
Vigorous masturbation? Become a teenager again for free
Phobos1982@reddit
Gardening.
platypusandpibble@reddit
Learn a new language. There are so many free resources online.
Thunder-Fist-00@reddit
Pickleball. Hiking. Lifting.
retrofuturia@reddit
Gardening - it can be done at low/no cost outside of a few tools and an internet connection (and a place to garden). Native plants are abundant and free to propagate with a little know-how, and it’s great for the local environment besides.
BoldBoimlerIsMyHero@reddit
I have a mostly native garden and it’s a joy to come home to.
wisemonkey101@reddit
Also fun on edible’s.
Plastic_Difference54@reddit
Collecting coins
ArcherStirling@reddit
As a guy that hunts, works on cars, still teaches martial arts, former Marine, I can't stress doing yoga enough. It changed my life and I don't suffer from the pain I'd dealt with for over a decade.
BoldBoimlerIsMyHero@reddit
What did you like doing when you were a teen? I’ve tried all sorts of new hobbies that I quit because they looked cool but just didn’t speak to me. Then I thought about what I used to do. I used to paint. Play guitar. Write music. Write stories. So I bought the nice paints I used to use, I replaced the guitar I lost in a fire years ago. I started writing a novel. And you know what? I’m sticking with these. I do them all the time now and I’m really happy with them.
pagalvin@reddit
Grab a cheap guitar from Guitar World or Facebook Marketplace or your favorite venue. Learn the basics from YouTube. You'll be amazed how far you can get with 30 minutes a day if you stick with it for even a month.
Fit-Dark-4062@reddit
Meshtastic if you're the nerdy electronics type
RedEvil7@reddit
Napping is my preferred no-cost hobby😴
iamrava@reddit
i came to say sleeping... so take my upvote. :)
notarussian1950@reddit
Guitar
No-Neighborhood8403@reddit (OP)
I have a guitar, but at best I’m a decent “campfire guitarist” (playing simple chord progressions. Not a bad idea if I spend some time trying to learn more. I’ve always wanted to play the blues
AbsolutesDealer@reddit
Check out Justin Guitar on YouTube. Considered one of the best in the free lessons space:
https://youtube.com/@justinguitar?si=PpilMpa6FvFI_t_r
-carolinagirl69-@reddit
There are probably some YouTube videos that could help. This would be my first choice of hobbies for you since you already own a guitar and can play some.
Novel_Pin_6784@reddit
Best answer.
Great-Bug-736@reddit
Disc golf
Its really fun and the more you suck the more exercise you get. Lol
Crazy-Ad-7869@reddit
Fly fishing. It'll get you outdoors and moving but is still relaxing and something you can do after work.
SeattleChocolatier@reddit
Cooking. You have to eat anyway. If you get competent, you can have a huge range of cuisines at a fraction of the cost of restaurant meals, and you can plan effectively so you use up your groceries without waste.
No-Neighborhood8403@reddit (OP)
This is a double win. Learning to cook great dishes sounds fun, and I’d earn points with my wife if I end up taking on a lot of the cooking duties 👍
Rand_74@reddit
Bowling. It’s about a $300 initially investment
ImCaffeinated_Chris@reddit
Geocaching
JJQuantum@reddit
Disc golf is laid back and a lot of fun, and cheap.
RockabillyHog@reddit
I've gotten in to gardening and cooking lately and they are both rewarding and relatively cheap.
traveldalliance@reddit
Reading. Fiction. Non-fiction. Whatever you are into. Free books available at your local library. Not to mention getting out of the house to go there, spending time browsing the shelves is enjoyable. You can join a book club- or not.
EC_Stanton_1848@reddit
Volunteer work
hikeonpast@reddit
Gaming is very affordable on a game dollars per hour of enjoyment basis.
You can play on whatever device(s) you already own; no need to buy a fancy console.
Flaky-Debate-833@reddit
Walking or hiking.....with you wife. Pickleball ....with your wife.
MLDAYshouldBeWriting@reddit
What sort of interests do you have in general? Does this need to be an indoor our outdoor hobby? At home or with other people?
Here are some hobbies that can be inexpensive, though most have higher-tier products that might come into play if you get really into it
DueConversation5269@reddit
look for 4 leaf clovers. very relaxing and should bring good luck
ONROSREPUS@reddit
cheap hobbies.
They may start that way but.....
RaulDuke_76@reddit
Disc golf.
HearingDue2119@reddit
Walking
MyAvarice4@reddit
Quilling?
theoctagon06@reddit
Pickleball