8 hobbies under $20 that made me excited again

You don’t need a big budget to pick up a new hobby. In fact, some of the most rewarding ones cost less than $20 to start. The key is choosing activities that keep you engaged long-term without requiring constant spending.

Small investments in supplies or tools can give you something to look forward to at the end of the day. These are hobbies that brought more excitement back into my routine while staying affordable and realistic for everyday life.

Journaling

A notebook and pen are all you need to get started, which easily comes in under $20. Journaling lets you get thoughts out of your head and onto paper, giving you a clearer outlook.

Over time, it becomes a way to track progress, vent, or brainstorm ideas. The low cost makes it easy to keep up with, and it’s flexible enough to fit into your routine however you need it.

Gardening from Scraps

Starting a garden doesn’t have to mean buying seeds and soil in bulk. Many vegetables regrow from scraps you’d normally toss, like green onions or lettuce. A small bag of potting soil can be found for under $10.

Watching food grow from something you’d otherwise throw away feels rewarding. It’s a hobby that connects you to your food and gives you small wins without needing much money up front.

Puzzles

A puzzle can keep you entertained for hours, and many good ones can be found for under $20. Once finished, you can trade them with friends or store them for later.

Puzzles are great for winding down after a long day. They keep your brain active while giving you something relaxing to focus on that isn’t tied to screens.

Drawing

You don’t need professional supplies to get started with drawing. A sketchpad and a set of pencils cost less than $20, and they’re enough to give you hours of practice.

Drawing quickly becomes addictive as you see your skills improve. It’s affordable, creative, and easy to fit into short breaks or quiet evenings.

Cooking New Recipes

Trying out new recipes at home can be an inexpensive hobby. Instead of buying new ingredients every time, focus on recipes that use what you already have, and spend a little on one or two extras.

Cooking as a hobby gives you a sense of accomplishment and keeps meals interesting. For less than $20, you can expand your kitchen skills and enjoy the results immediately.

Photography Walks

Most people already have a phone with a camera, so all you might spend is on a low-cost accessory like a clip-on lens. Taking walks with the goal of noticing and capturing details changes how you see everyday places.

Photography becomes a way to slow down and appreciate your surroundings. It’s affordable, creative, and gives you something to look back on over time.

Reading Secondhand Books

Instead of paying full price, pick up books at thrift stores, library sales, or used bookshops. You can often find them for just a couple of dollars each.

Reading regularly is one of the most engaging hobbies you can build. Having a stack of secondhand books waiting for you feels exciting without adding to your monthly expenses.

Card Games

A deck of cards costs just a few dollars, and there are endless games you can learn with it. You can play alone, with a partner, or with a group.

Card games are easy to pick up and don’t require ongoing spending. Once you’ve learned a few, they become a reliable hobby that’s both affordable and entertaining.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.