Our Favorite Winter Frugal Joys
Frugal joys are free or inexpensive things that make us really happy. They are great for:
Adding joy to our lives without increasing how much we spend
Swapping out more expensive activities with free or inexpensive ones to save money (without losing the joy). Win, win.
Many frugal joys are seasonal, so I gathered a list of all of your favorite winter-time frugal joys here.
It helps to have a list you can easily refer to when the mood hits. Over the winter, I challenge you to choose one frugal joy per day. If that feels overwhelming, start with one for the week.
Sip tea, hot cocoa, chai, apple cider, and all the warm drinks.
Warm up with a cup of your favorite hot bevvie. If you aren’t sure which is your favorite, try a few or create a blind tasting with friends. Each person brings their favorite and guests sip and rate.
Winter walks.
One of my favorite frugal joys is a walk and talk with a friend. Just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean these can’t continue. Bundle up and grab your favorite warm beverage (see previous frugal joy) and voila!
Cozy up by a fire (or in your own living room).
There’s nothing cozier than being by a fire or inside when it’s freezing outside. Put on your coziest PJs and socks, and pile on the blankets.
DancE around to music.
Warm up with a dance party. Great for when you’re in a good mood or need a pick me up.
Play in the snow. Bonus points for sledding!
This one is my kids’ fave but it can be just as fun for grownups. We’re still waiting on snow but when it hits we’ll be making snowmen, sledding and having snowball fights.
Make and enjoy Homemade soup.
Make and enjoy your favorite soups and try out some new ones. Sub in any of your winter favorites here.
Host your own afternoon tea.
Bake some delicious treats (maybe biscuits and add some clotted cream and jelly), brew up some tea, dress up and bring out the china (or fancy plates). Such a fun way to spice up an afternoon (pun intended) plus it will save you hundreds of dollars to do it at home.
All the baking. This includes watching baking shows.
Bake up something delicious and / or watch your favorite baking show. You can even recreate a show by hosting a bakeoff with friends or colleagues.
Lots of reading. Bonus points if from the library.
There’s no better way to spend an hour (or afternoon) than snuggling up and getting lost in a good book. If you need some to choose from, head to your local library.
Go Ice skating.
Depending where you go and when, this may or may not be frugal. Keeping it on the list just in case you can find a good deal. It can also definitely be worth the splurge.
Holiday-Themed Frugal Joys
have Holiday movie marathon.
Make a list of your favorites and check them off a list as you go. I’ve even seen holiday movie brackets. Once you're holiday movie’d out, move on to non-holiday movies.
Visit parks, neighborhoods, zoos, gardens, anywhere for the lights and decorations.
Walking or driving through beautiful holiday decorations can be so festive and fun. Depending on when you go, make sure they are still there!
Seasonal candles.
Enjoy seasonal scents to get you in the festive mood. And who says you can’t do this until spring?!