Finding Frugal Joy: Puzzles, Legos, and Christmas movies as budget-friendly entertainment

By hope

Living alone has its benefits, but it also comes with the constant temptation to spend money just to break the peace. A quick coffee experience here, or an online purchase there – they add value quickly. I’ve been working on finding ways to occupy my mind without spending on unnecessary extras. After some trial and error, I’ve settled on three budget-friendly entertainment that saves my wallet and gives my brain something fun to do: puzzles, Lego, and Christmas movies.

Puzzles: Conscious focus at no extra cost

Puzzles are, without a doubt, one of the best ways I’ve found to entertain myself without spending a single dollar after the initial purchase. We’ve been solving puzzles as a family since the kids were little. We’ve even taken the puzzles on our road trips. We’ve done it in hotels. Puzzles are a family favorite. We make it, then we donate it. I can usually pick them up for $5-8. And always have 1-2 in your board game cabinet. I took this out when I got back from Texas.

Puzzles give me something to focus on, piece by piece, and keep my mind active and absorbed. Plus, each puzzle spans hours or even days, depending on my pace, meaning it’s an investment in entertainment that lasts much longer than a one-off outing. When I’m overwhelmed, I don’t feel like spending because my mind is too busy to think about shopping. Winning.

Legos: A surprisingly affordable creative outlet

Rediscovering Lego as an adult has been one of the best surprises in my quest for frugal entertainment. It all started when my daughter’s friend gave her a bouquet of Lego flowers. I thought it was very cute! And now I have my own. I expect that after the hours I spend building and then admiring the end result. It’s a way to get rid of that creative urge and stay busy without searching for online distractions. The process of building with my own hands keeps me from looking for other ways to pass the time that could easily turn into impulsive spending. And it really worked. (I realized yesterday that I haven’t had to get gas since I got back from Texas.)

Christmas Movies: Relaxing entertainment at no extra cost

I’ve always loved Christmas movies, but now they’re more of a tradition; They are my favorite destination for affordable relaxation. I pull out the options, settle in with some tea and a blanket, and instantly feel the cozy holiday spirit. It’s a perfect way to pass the time without increasing my expenses. It’s amazing how much this relaxing ritual soothes the urge to surf the Internet when I’m alone.

Protecting my wallet…and my sanity

Each of these activities keeps my mind busy, my hands busy, and my wallet safe. Finding frugal joy in puzzles, Legos, and Christmas movies has been the perfect way to entertain myself without the usual spending risks. It’s not just entertainment; It’s my defense against unnecessary spending and my mental sanctuary. So, for now, I’ll happily settle with my puzzle pieces, a set of Legos, and a holiday movie in the queue — because sometimes, simple, budget-friendly pleasures are exactly what we need.

Side note: One of the nice things about living on my own now is that I can leave it on my kitchen counter for days, weeks, or even months without disturbing anyone or preventing anything like a family dinner. How can you entertain yourself on a limited budget?

Hope is a creative, solutions-focused business manager who helps clients grow their businesses and operate more efficiently by leveraging expertise in project management, digital marketing, and technology solutions. She has recently become an empty nester as her five foster/adopted children spread their wings. She lives with her three dogs in a small town in northeast Georgia and prefers the mountains to the beaches any day. She has the travel bug and does her best to help each of her children finish school and become independent (but it’s hard!) She’s been running her own consulting company for nearly twenty years! Hope began sharing her journey with the BAD community in the spring of 2015, and feels like she’s finally in a place that allows her to truly focus on making wise financial decisions.