A lot of hobbies seem pretty expensive to start — the gear, the memberships, the classes, the pressure to “do it right.” But despite appearances, you can begin many hobbies without spending much money — and, in many cases, for free. In a recent Reddit thread, many people shared that so-called “pricey hobbies” are actually incredibly cheap and easy to start. The trick to cheap hobbies? Begin at the beginner level, stay intentional, and ignore the expensive rabbit holes until (or if!) you’re ready.
Here are 15 surprisingly affordable hobbies real Redditors swear by, plus insights into why each one is worth trying even on a tight budget.
Learning Guitar (or Any Acoustic Instrument)
Guitars have a reputation for being pricey, but you can find decent beginner acoustics for around $50–$100 on places like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or at local music shops. Some Redditors even suggest scouring eBay or thrift stores for secondhand steals. “Don’t overlook eBay and Goodwill online for guitars,” says one user. “You can get a used guitar with some minor wear for a third of the price of new.”
Another adds, “Playing a musical instrument sounds expensive but it really isn’t when you think about it. Yeah, you’re going to have to drop some money on an acoustic, but if you take care of it, other than changing strings, there’s really no reason to ever have to upgrade your instrument.” Once you’ve acquired the guitar, the rest is basically free: YouTube tutorials, chord charts, tabs, online classes — everything you need to actually learn won’t cost you a dime.
Birdwatching (aka Birding)
Birdwatching sounds like the kind of hobby that requires pricey binoculars, telescopes, and specialized gear. But in reality, beginners say it’s one of the cheapest, most relaxing pastimes out there. Fancy optics are totally optional; most people start with whatever pair they already have, and plenty don’t use binoculars at all in the beginning. Redditors love this hobby because it’s peaceful, outdoorsy, and surprisingly entertaining. And if you do want gear, you may not even have to buy it. “A lot of libraries offer bird-watching kits with binoculars and an ID guide,” writes one user. “You can also download the Merlin app for free.”
Plus, apps like Merlin and eBird make it easy to identify and log what you’ve spotted (think a bird-watching Pokédex for grown-ups). “Part of what makes bird watching cool is that you really don’t have to do much,” says another Redditor. “You literally just look at birds. All the cameras, binoculars, and identification guides are just extra steps that most people like to add on.” Some parks and nature centers even offer “free birding classes,” adds another user.
Role-Playing Games Like Dungeons & Dragons
D&D and other role-playing games (RPGs) may look intimidating at first, but getting started is actually pretty cheap. You don’t need maps, figurines, or $200 instruction books; you can find most rules for free online, and plenty of campaigns run with nothing but imagination and a $10 set of dice. The best part? Getting to play out fantasy scenarios and letting your imagination run wild. “As adults, we are given so few spaces to just PLAY make-believe,” writes one D&D aficionado. “I didn’t start playing tabletop RPGs until I was in my late 20s and it’s been oddly cathartic and a huge stress reliever.”
Another adds, “I play more than just D&D but for me, tabletop RPG’s are about the friendships that I make and develop at the table. It’s fun to tell a story together, and the dice make things fun and interesting. But it’s a fun way to interact with people, get to know them, and express myself in a mostly healthy way.”
Cooking
Cooking can sound like an expensive hobby, but it’s one of the few that actually saves you money. You don’t need fancy knives or gadgets — just a pan, a knife that’s not terrible, and a willingness to learn. As one Redditor notes, “[Cooking] is the one hobby that immediately gives you returns. It’s fun and one of the most interesting things you can do in my opinion. Also, feeding people is the nicest thing you can do, and it impresses the ladies.” (Always a win, indeed).
Plus, once you’ve mastered the basics, you can easily whip up all kinds of delicious dishes with whatever ingredients you have at hand. “Cooking and baking your food in the long run is cheaper,” writes another Redditor, “And you can change things up to your preferred tastes.”
Reading
Books get expensive only if you buy everything new. Libraries, used bookstores, non-profits like Little Free Libraries, e-books from Libby, and thrift stores make reading one of the cheapest (and most rewarding) hobbies on earth. Plus, it’s relaxing, enriching for the mind, and easy to bring with you anywhere.
“Reading is widely known as one of the cheapest/most affordable hobbies there is,” writes one Redditor, while another adds, “You can get some great free e-books as part of your membership with a lot of libraries and audiobooks. Amazon also has a large selection of free e-books.”
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Walking and Hiking
Walking (or hiking, if you want to kick up the cardio) is one of those underrated hobbies that’s packed with health benefits. Whether you’re dealing with stress, mental fog, or creative blocks, adding a quick walk into your day (even just 10 to 15 minutes) can help reset your mood, improve blood flow and digestion, and clear your head. You don’t need any fancy gear, gym memberships, or even a plan; just a decent pair of shoes, some fresh air, and a path to follow.
Many Redditors said this is the hobby that helped their mental health the most. “Sometimes nothing beats a long hike and seeing what kind of critters are out there,” writes one Redditor. “It costs $0, and my only hiking gear is a pair of boots and a Camelback.” Another adds, “Some would say we are built to be walkers. Not runners, not weightlifters, just long distance walkers. It would make sense that we find a certain amount of happiness doing what we are built to do.”
Knitting or Crocheting
Knitting and crocheting sound like pricey grandma-core hobbies until you realize how cheap and genuinely rewarding they can be. A single hook or pair of needles runs just a few dollars, and you can even pick up yarn at thrift stores, estate sales, or clearance bins for pocket change. You can also find affordable starter kits at craft stores, which usually include everything you need to learn the basics. While crochet typically requires more yarn, Redditors say it’s more forgiving for beginners. As one Redditor notes, “Crochet uses more yarn, but knitting is way easier to epically screw up by dropping a stitch, so sometimes it’s a fair trade.”
Even if you eventually splurge on nicer yarns, starting won’t cost you anything. Plus, every hat, blanket, or scarf you make will feel more meaningful because it was handmade. “Knitting is definitely one of the cheaper hobbies. It’s relaxing, and you get to keep (or gift) the fruits of your labor,” writes one Redditor.
Lockpicking
This one sounds niche and expensive, but starter kits will typically run around $20, Redditors say. “A decent set of half a dozen starter picks is like $25,” writes one user. Others say the hobby is oddly calming and teaches one patience and focus. “My sister got me a beginner’s kit for Christmas one year,” writes another Redditor, adding, “Came with a really easy transparent padlock to learn with, and a whole set of picks. I don’t think it cost her much.”
Obviously, just make sure you’re practicing on your own locks — and not breaking into places. As one Redditor joked, “I used that hobby to make a lot of money, actually. Just kidding.” (… or was he?)
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Drawing or Sketching
Even if your art skills are lacking, you don’t need a fancy setup to unleash your creativity and actually make things you’re proud of. A pencil and a sketchbook from the dollar store are more than enough to get started. If you prefer working on a tablet or computer, apps like ibisPaint and Sketchbook offer free tools and tutorials to help guide you. Plus, there are thousands of free online videos that walk beginners through the basics, from sketching simple objects to drawing full characters and landscapes.
“Art is SO cheap, and if you end up really enjoying it and growing your skills, there’s even the option to make your money back and then some,” writes one user. Another adds, “It’s also fun no matter what skill level you are at! I make dumb little round creatures digitally. They are not good in terms of technique or quality, but they are perfect in making me happy.”
Yoga (at Home)
Yoga is sometimes framed as a luxury activity, but you don’t need a pricey studio membership to reap its benefits. Even incorporating basic at-home practices can help with flexibility, posture, and overall core strength. Studies show that practicing regularly can also improve heart health, boost sleep quality, and lower stress and anxiety. And you don’t need a fancy setup to get started: A $10 mat from Walmart, plus free instructions from YouTube, will serve you just as well as a $120 mat from Lululemon.
“I’d recommend a teacher if you’re getting into the really advanced poses,” writes one Redditor, “But for basic fitness purposes, just watch YouTube or get a PDF.”
Gaming (With What You Already Have)
Gaming has a reputation for being pricey, but if you already own a console or PC, it can actually be one of the cheapest hobbies out there. Many games on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC offer routine discounts — and if you’re willing to play slightly older releases, you can snag them for just a few dollars (or even for free). In terms of hours-per-dollar, it’s hard to beat, Redditors say. Seasonal sales on Steam and subscription services like GamePass also stretch your budget further by giving you access to tons of games and new content for the price of a monthly fee.
“Even if you’re paying full price, games are pretty good dollars-to-time-wise,” writes one Redditor. “I would venture a full-price game is 12–20 hours at minimum, and some are 100+ hours. How many other hobbies are (well) under a buck an hour?” Another adds, “I have like 14,000 hours across three games, and bought my PC 10 years ago for like $1,500. Not a lot of hobbies give you that amount of value, and I use my PC for much more than just gaming.”
Beginner’s Photography
Getting into photography can be another rewarding hobby that allows you to connect with your creative side. The best part? You don’t need a $3,000 camera to get started. Your phone camera is more than enough to learn the basics of composition, lighting, and minor editing. In fact, many Redditors say starting with a phone actually made them better photographers because it forced them to focus on framing and composition rather than gear and lenses. “Photography sounds pricey, but you can start with just your phone and still get amazing shots,” writes one Redditor.
Another adds, “Like a lot of hobbies, I actually think it’s better to start basic and learn with basic stuff. If you get a professional camera and don’t know how to use it, your pictures will be worse than a phone camera that does a few things for you.”
Final Thoughts
The common thread in all these Reddit recommendations? Most hobbies only get expensive when you force them to be. At the beginner level, they’re cheap, accessible, and rewarding.
Whether you’re trying to fill your weekends, find a creative outlet, or just pick up something new without draining your wallet, these 12 hobbies prove that you don’t need deep pockets to have fun— just curiosity, a bit of patience, and a willingness to start small.
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