Inflation has raised the price of just about everything, including hobbies. Between having to spend more money on basic living expenses and price increases on everything else, many people are finding themselves priced out of their favorite hobbies. Even things that began as relatively inexpensive hobbies (board games, crafts, etc.) have seen prices creep up to the point of being unaffordable. There just isn’t any money left over at the end of the month for the stuff that brings us joy. While some of us have free and cheap hobbies, not all of us do. We’re struggling to find ways to keep doing the things we love when supplies are soaring out of our price range.
Not all hope is lost. You don’t have to resign yourself to giving up your favorite hobby just yet. Try some of these ideas to keep you involved and engaged with your hobby, even if your budget doesn’t stretch as far as it used to.
- Buy used. When you need supplies or equipment, look at the used market. And remember that the used market is much bigger than just yard sales and thrift stores. There are estate sales, consignment stores, eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook/neighborhood groups. In addition, many hobbies have their own dedicated used markets. Many music stores, for example, resell old equipment when buyers trade up (or the kid drops out of band). Camera and sporting goods stores often operate the same way. BoardGameGeek maintains a robust trading and selling platform for just board games. (Some game stores also sell used inventory.) Libraries sell used books at their book sales. Video game stores sell used games and equipment. BrickLink sells used Lego. Conventions and shows also sometimes offer space for used sales. Look around and find websites and groups that cater directly to your hobby and you’ll probably find some specialized marketplaces for used supplies.
- Use what you already have in different ways. Okay, so maybe new supplies are out of the budget for now. Can you find new ways to use what you have? If you’re into photography, use the camera you have, but download some free editing software and explore another side of the hobby. Watch the bonus features on your DVDs instead of buying new movies. Find creative ways to make art projects from your existing supply stash and leftovers instead of buying new ones. (Or start making art from discards and junk you find around your house or neighborhood.) Instead of buying new Lego kits, use the bricks you already have to make your own creations. If you can’t buy new Warcraft figures, perhaps you can paint some of the ones you have. Try to find ways to explore new areas of the same hobby, or adapt to using supplies you might have overlooked in new ways.
- Trade. Find some like-minded people and trade your stuff. Maybe Joe has a board game you’ve always wanted and you have one he wants. Trade! You can trade books, DVDs, video games, unwanted craft supplies, and many other things. You can find trading partners in your own community (some hobby stores let you post wanted-in-trade signs) or online. Again, some hobby-related websites maintain trade groups. You may also be able to trade at local conventions or shows related to your hobby.
- Hunt for bargains. If you can’t find what you need on the used or free market, at least hunt for bargains. Scout holiday sales, going out of business sales, or pick up the old model for less when the new model goes on sale. Ding and dent sales are also an option for some items.
- Go in with others on equipment and share. If you have a group you trust, you can all contribute to the cost of expensive equipment and then share it. You can all buy a camera or telescope, for example, and then work out a schedule for its use. Be sure to only do this with people you trust so no one ends up getting the short end.
- Sell older stuff to make money for new. Don’t just let your old stuff rot in a closet. If it’s still in good condition, sell it to raise money for new stuff. There are plenty of places for you to sell stuff, just as there are to buy. Figure out the way that’s likely to net you the most money. This works even if you’re switching hobbies. Sell all your unused craft supplies to raise money for the video game console you want.
- If you can’t participate, watch or learn. If there’s just no way to participate in the hobby without buying stuff, watch and learn. No, it’s not as much fun as actively doing, but watching videos or reading library books to increase your knowledge or improve your techniques can still keep you connected to the hobby. And when your finances allow you to re-engage, think of how much more you’ll know!
- Participate at a lower level. Maybe you can scale back your participation in some way to help save money. Instead of drag racing cars, maybe you can get your speed fix at the local go-kart track. Instead of golfing every week, drop back to once per month. Instead of buying board games for your own use, go to game night at a local game store and play their in-store inventory. You don’t always have to spend and participate at the highest level of something. Drop back as you need to.
- Stop taking lessons. If you’ve been taking lessons to improve your skills, try dropping them for a while. Work on improving your existing skills, or see if you can teach yourself through videos, online courses you borrow through your library, or books. Or perhaps you can team up with a friend to help each other with your respective weak areas, or a more experienced friend might be willing to give you some help. You might be surprised at what you can learn on your own.
- Find ways to make it pay for itself. Some hobbies can be made to pay for themselves. If you have some talent, you may be able to turn your hobby into a side hustle or teach others what you know. Just be careful… Turning a hobby into a side hustle can diminish your joy for the hobby when it becomes “work.” You’ll have to decide if it’s worth the risk. You can also take a part-time job at a hobby-related store and use your employee discount and wages to stretch your spending. If you can’t get a job at a related store, any part-time job will give you extra money to spend on your hobby. You could also volunteer to help at hobby-related conventions, shows, or events in exchange for the opportunity to be there and attend during your off hours for free or at reduced cost.
- Look for local gatherings. Many hobbies are attached to big events and conventions. In the board gaming world, one of the biggest is in Essen, Germany, for example. That’s a pricey trip any time, but especially these days. However, many cities offer smaller game conventions. Similarly, ComiCon in San Diego is a huge expense, but your local comic convention is probably more affordable. Many other hobbies operate similarly, with expensive headline conventions, and smaller ones that are more affordable. No, it’s not the same, but it can still be a good way to meet new people, learn new techniques, and see new supplies and equipment.
Read More:
- Practical Reasons Why You Should Buy Items From Hobby Quitters
- Free (or Nearly Free) Entertainment Ideas for Every Week of the Year
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Jennifer Derrick is a freelance writer, novelist and children’s book author. When she’s not writing Jennifer enjoys running marathons, playing tennis, boardgames and reading pretty much everything she can get her hands on. You can learn more about Jennifer at: https://jenniferderrick.com/.
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