A recent Twitter thread caught my eye: “What’s a cheap indulgence that brings you joy?” The usual suspects showed up: ice cream, coffee, bubble baths, good pens, pretty notebooks, dark chocolate.
And a few less-obvious choices showed up, too:
People-watching at the pub
Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh! cards
S’mores Pop Tarts
Soft cotton sheets
Pretty hardback copies of favorite classic novels
Boston Baked Beans from the dollar store (“It has had me in a chokehold”)
Here was my contribution to the thread: “Pay-one-price day at Cinemark with my BFF or one/both of my great-nephews – and kettle corn, of course. Bonus joy points if I am using a discounted gift card and a coupon cashed in from movie rewards points.”
I’ve long been a fan of cheap joy. Given the past couple of years, and the no-real-end-in-sight nature of the pandemic (and its impact on finances), I think it’s more important than ever to find affordable delight.
Without a little (or a lot) indulgence in our lives, we run the risk of burnout. It’s so important to treat ourselves kindly – and, as noted, it doesn’t have to cost a lot.
Here, in no particular order, are nine cheap indulgences that bring joy, or at least some amount of happiness/stress relief:
1. The library
Books books books – and curated just for me! Well, me and everyone else in town. I’ve found authors I’d likely never have discovered on my own, and also enjoyed reading the classics. Depending on the library in your region, you can also borrow music, films, and everything from cookware to fishing tackle.
Don’t want to risk infection, with COVID or anything else? So many libraries now have e-books, which you can access through a computer, smartphone or other device. If you haven’t visited your local library lately, you’re missing out. Pro tip: If there’s something you want to read that they don’t have, ask for an inter-library loan.
(This one’s so cheap that it’s free.)
2. Cuddling with DF
The man is a master at snuggles. He never needs a reason to hug, kiss or pet. He just needs an invitation – and he always responds in the affirmative. (Boy, does he.)
Not everyone is lucky enough to have a person to love. If you do, though, never take this person for granted – and never assume that you’re too old for that mushy stuff.
(Hey, this one’s free, too!)
3. Using rewards programs
Lately I’ve been stashing items for holiday stockings using Ibotta, Fetch Rewards and other apps. I’ve also cashed in some rewards points for gift cards, then used them on things like movies, toys, candy and home-improvement projects.
Some of these things aren’t for me. But that brings me joy, too, because gift-giving is important to me. Rewards programs help me treat myself and others.
For best-practice tips, see “Rewards programs FTW!”
4. Pay-what-you-can night
For many arts groups, the last dress/tech rehearsal is open to the public on a “whatever you feel like paying” basis. They get to iron out any last-minute bugs and get a glimpse of how their show is working. Everybody wins.
Some arts groups set aside one (or more) days during the show’s run for PWYC nights, as part of their mission to bring work to everyone. Do a search in your region for these shows, which are also known as “pay what you will.”
I’ve seen some good shows this way, and also some shows that made me think, “Wow, glad I didn’t pay $35 for that.”
5. The movies
I know I mentioned this one earlier, but…The Cinemark theater here in town is my escape hatch. It’s where I go to forget about all the crap that’s going on in the world and, with luck, to be completely and happily entertained. Some movies are better than others, of course, but I always enjoy the kettle corn.
They’ve got the comfy seats that let you put your feet up – and the seats have built-in butt-warmers. This is very important in the winter.
6. French fries
Every so often I treat myself to some McDonald’s fries. In my opinion, they’re the best pommes frites around.
And yes, I know that they’re not good for me. But heavens, they’re tasty. And because I downloaded the McDonald’s app, I get notifications when it’s free fries day or $1 fries day.
7. Diet Coke or Pepsi
See “not good for me,” above. I wait until they’re on sale, and scan the receipts for those rewards points mentioned earlier. Since Fetch Rewards partners with Pepsi, I get extra points for those purchases.
When I get enough points, I can cash in for birthday or holiday gift-giving, or use them to buy something for myself. Something like, say, Diet Coke or Pepsi. What’s life without a little sin?
8. Fresh fruit
This stuff is pretty pricey in Anchorage, and I do have my limits. For example, I won’t buy cherries when their per-pound cost is more than that of meat.
But I watch the sales circulars and when something exotic (i.e., not bananas or apples) goes on sale for a not-too-wincingly-bad price, then I buy it. And I enjoy the heck out of it.
9. Chugach Chocolate
I’ve given this stuff away twice already this year, and I might do it again. Chugach Chocolate is made by a local small-batch chocolatier, and along with the usual dark chocolate or chocolate with espresso varieties, they indulge in some mighty funky flavors. Think “Alaskan kelp and cayenne,” or “dark chocolate with Alaskan birch syrup toffee.”
Their slogan is, “Handmade for the modern mouth.” Not sure how modern my mouth is, but it’s certainly happier after I’ve nibbled on a nice piece of dark chocolate with sourdough and bee pollen.
Your turn, readers: What are your favorite cheap indulgences that bring joy?
Related reading:
- The frugal sybarite
- In which I cop to some odd habits
- 15 things I like to do
- Scenes from a frugal weekend
I’m with you on 1, 2 and 3. Some more:
1. Chocolate chip cookies, especially warm out of the oven. But I will gladly stoop to store bought.
2. Plucking produce out of our South Jersey garden in the summer. There is nothing like going outside in the warm weather and harvesting a fresh strawberry to put on my yogurt or a Sun Gold cherry tomato for an evening salad.
3 Going for trail walks in local parks. This is a recently discovered pandemic joy, I love finding new ones to check out.
4. Paperback Swap. I have an auto wish list and lots of credits, so when a book arrives, it is like getting a present in the mail.
5. Beach walks. Anywhere.
6. Working my coupon magic to get free or almost free stuff.
7. Holiday themed treats. I particularly love the Starbucks cranberry bliss bar and white chocolate covered Oreos.
8 The Osher Living Learning classes that I have taken during the pandemic from the comfort of my couch.
9. Friendships.
10. A smile or hello from a stranger. We need those now more than ever.
I’m with you on the smile or hello. And every time I see someone with a baby I say, “What a beautiful child. Congratulations!” Never fails to bring a smile.
I’m loving all these tips, folks. Keep ’em coming!
1. Popcorn and Baseball season. Watching my favorite team from the couch, snuggling with my husband, while eating a bowl of popcorn, kernel popped in my 7 dollar old microwave popper.
Occasionally my work gets awesome deals on seats along 1st or 3rd base, for 5-10 bux apiece. That’s a super score treat! We can always find free parking somewhere.
2. Having one or both of my daughters over for a plate of nachos, a glass of wine and a fun visit. I do have to buy the cadillac chips – Tostitos Hint of Lime.
3. Visiting any thrift store, sometimes not even spending anything, is so fun and relaxing. A good score on something I need/want, like a lettuce spinner or an antique or vintage book for a buck is a bonus.
4. Poking thru a small antique mall in my neighborhood. I am 52, and
like many, my parents are both passed. Seeing things that remind me of them, and my childhood, is like a hug. I usually go there once a month.
5. I also use the McDonald’s app for $1 fries or a free item once a week! Coke Zero Sugar is my thing. A 16-20 oz bottle will last me a couple days.
6. Seasonal – going to the drive in. There are two we go to regularly. We take our lawn chairs and a battery operated speaker. Can watch two movies for 9 bux each. Both are family owned so we sometimes will buy food there to support. One of them makes the most delicious cheeseburgers! Yes please.
7. Mornings!! Strong coffee, a Biscoff cookie, my journal and budget binder. The best time.
8. Redecorating my home seasonally is so fun for me. My college education is interior design. I never pursued the profession, but I still love to redo around here. I mainly reuse the same items but just repurpose or supplement with gifted or thrifted finds. I pick up design books at thrift stores or put a new one I want on my Amazon wish list – such an indulgence to read.
9. Growing roses, I have 18 rose bushes. I really enjoy tending them and having fresh rose bouquets in the house. A bouquet makes a beautiful gift too. I enjoy finding vintage and unique vases for this purpose.
I know what you mean about seeing things that remind you of your parents. At a rummage sale I found the same kind of cookie press my mom used once a year to make holiday treats. Rarely use it, but I see it every time I open a certain cupboard. It makes me smile.
We have a lot of butter in the freezer, so maybe this year I’ll do the spritz cookies with the press.
1) Exploring local parks! So much free fresh air and beauty to be found there!
2) Little Free Libraries – These are at many local parks and downtown areas around here. Leave a book/magazine you’ve already read, take whatever you please — I often find great reading material here, and an occasional Jigsaw puzzle!
3) Free Coffee! T Mobile Tuesday gave free $1 Dunkin cards every week in Oct, and friends who don’t like coffee shared with me – so I got many free coffees last month!
4) Free food via Office leftovers! We are 50/50 back in office and a few times lunch was bought and I was able to bring home leftover pizza, bagels, etc!
5) Hand picked apples a friend brought me from North Carolina! SO many I had to share the delicious loot with other friends!
6) “Bread day” at the Dollar Tree! When the bread delivery is made and you can score full loaves of Pepperidge Farm, Entenmanns goodies, Thomas english muffins, bagels, and more for ONE DOLLAR.
My husband and I just learned canning this year. He picked so many apples from his sister’s trees, we were able to make MANY cans of applesauce and applebutter.
Also, ditto on DTree bread!
1. Using my local library. Borrowing books, puzzles, catching up on newspapers and magazines and attending free programs which includes concerts, author talks, classes and movies. At my library I receive a receipt with the price of the material borrowed had I purchased it new. I’m saving them to add up at the end of 2021 to see how much I’ve saved there this year.
2. Walking wooded trails with DH. We sometimes take a thermos of tea and a snack and have a little picnic next to a stream or pretty overlook.
3. Sitting on the deck overlooking the cove in back of our house, watching for birds and wildlife. It’s very shallow and muddy and full of cat nine tails but the peacefulness is heavenly. Truly my favorite place in the world. I love to read here too.
4. Fika (3 O’clock Coffee) shared with DH or whoever happens to be visiting here. My Mom was Swedish and I was brought up with this tradition of taking a break in the afternoon for coffee and sometimes a sweet snack.
5. Visiting my friend’s independent bookstore here in my town. She has a lovely cafe with seating and an extensive menu of teas, coffees and pastries. I love the friends I have met here. She also has a monthly art show often featuring local artists, poetry readings, poetry workshops, writing workshops, two book clubs, author talks and more. Although I borrow the overwhelming majority of my books at the library, I buy the new local authors’ books frequently to help give them a leg up. This place is a true gem.
6. Long hot baths with eucalyptus oil.
7. Asking DH if he will give me a foot rub with lotion. I don’t believe he has ever said no.
8. Having my grandchildren over for “breakfast for supper”.
9. Being in on a cold day with something delicious bubbling in the crock pot for supper. There’s something very cozy and comforting in that.
To paraphrase an old saying, it nourishes you twice: once in the aroma and once in the eating.
1. Right now I’m simmering pear sauce on the stove–wonderful aroma!
2. Seeing shut in friends.
3. Learning a new skill. I know know how to change my car’s wipers! That is
huge for me.
4. Snuggling in front of a warm fire.
5. My daily Bible lesson gives me peace.
6. Turning off the news and listening to really good music.
1. Watching the two cats chase each other around the house. They both lay in wait to pounce. It never gets old.
2. Spouse and I are both retired and spend most of every day together, but there is something about the first coffee in the early morning and sharing news we are reading. It’s extra special.
3. This one sounds nuts, but for me, I love cleaning out a drawer or section of closet. I always feel more organized and in control of my life afterwards. We live in a small retirement home so pretty much every inch has been cleaned and organized. Sigh.
I don’t think No. 3 sounds nuts at all. There’s a great deal of satisfaction in reducing clutter, both for peace of mind and for optimum use of available space.
I love and echo what has been written above!
1. Knitting, either by myself or with friends. I have also been given a lot of yarn from friends’ purchases that they no longer want–or they have too much. I have enough interesting and good yarn to keep me knitting for a couple of years.
2. Book groups, discussion groups, writing groups, hiking groups–getting together with friends to talk and participate in something together.
3. Slippers for me feet in the winter.
4. Opening a fresh bag of potato chips (kettle cooked preferable) and eating that first one.
5. The smell and taste of homemade bread.
6. Holding my husband’s hand–anytime!
7. The sunset out my bedroom window.
8. Free yoga classes twice a week.
9. Repurposing anything.
Donna, you may already know this…but it is SO easy to make kettle corn at home. Just add 3 tablespoons of sugar when you start popping, and don’t stop stirring. I use a stovetop popper I got at the thrift shop. Makes REALLY good popcorn. I haven’t tried brown sugar yet, but am working toward a caramel corn flavor. I do use a few tablespoons of butter, instead of oil, to make it extra good.
okay…
1) free bread at the thriftshop. The one in Castle Rock, CO had this at least two or three times a week…and all sorts of bread, from basic to bagels.
2) discount day at the thriftshop! Tuesdays, if you’re a senior. Here in MI, it’s 15% off…not a lot, but it adds up.
3) Marie Callender’s chicken potpies. They do cost a bit more — but they are AMAZING. And a hot potpie over rice is a very close thing to convenience food.
4) dark chocolate — as long as it has nuts in it.
5) a new book (or one I haven’t read yet) from a favorite author, particularly if it’s on sale/from the library/free shipping. I just bought the full set of Thrush Green novels on Ebay — Miss Read is one of the best ‘comfort’ authors Iknow. 12 novels — $60, with free shipping. (Talked down from $79.99 on Ebay. ALWAYS make an offer, whether they offer it or not.)