In this article, we will take a look at the 10 cheap things to do in retirement. If you wish to skip our detailed analysis on how to enjoy life after retirement and cheap things to do, check out 25 Cheap Things to Do in Retirement.
10. Grow flowers
Insider Monkey Score: 30
Improve your home’s landscaping by growing some beautiful flowers. Seed packets for flowers cost $2-$3 each, and 6–pack plants retail at $3-$5. Growing flowers allows seniors to keep busy as well as grow a beautiful aesthetic around their homes. You might even start selling your flowers if you become good at it, or participate in flower competitions instead.
9. Learn pottery
Insider Monkey Score: 31
Are you always out of flower pots for your new flowers? Well, why not make your own pots? Pottery is another fun and cheap thing to do in retirement. While it may take some good practice to achieve perfection, it is sure to keep you busy till then. Retirees can join pottery studios and classes to learn the craft, and also socialize along the way.
8. Join an exercise club
Insider Monkey Score: 33
Gym memberships and exercise clubs cost anywhere between $20-$60 and is a great way to keep our bodies fit. Many towns and cities have exercise stations and trim trails in parks or at the beach to use as well. Exercising this way can rid you of the gym fees. Free exercise routines, such as on YouTube, Pinterest, and blogs, are also available on the internet.
7. Birdwatching
Insider Monkey Score: 35
Bird watching, or birding, can be a very satisfying solo pursuit to embark on. Avid birders claim you don’t even need a pair of binoculars to engage in this sport; simply borrow loner pairs from someone. You can get a pair from a local birding group during guided walks. If you wish to try this solo, learn about the various species of birds and watch them from your windows. You can even install a bird feeder on your window.
6. Throw a party
Insider Monkey Score: 36
You’re finally retired; congratulations! What an occasion to celebrate with friends and family. Throwing a party can be a fun way to socialize with people, eat cake, and make some more memories along the way. IF retirement parties aren’t your thing, consider Thanksgiving, New Year, or other holiday festivities to bring together your children, grandkids, and other friends and family.
5. Bake your bread
Insider Monkey Score: 38
Baking your bread costs less than buying one. Moreover, it’s also a healthy way to keep oneself occupied. Preparing a loaf of healthy, fermented bread at home costs only about $1.5-$3, while those at supermarkets retail at $4-$8. Talk about some good savings, right?
4. Try a new restaurant
Insider Monkey Score: 39
If you’re bored of all the activities and crafts, and want outdoor fun that doesn’t require standing up on a paddle, sitting and riding a bike, or using fishing gear, your best bet is trying out a new restaurant. Hit up old friends or family members you haven’t seen for ages and ask them to go try out a new restaurant with you. Who knows, it might turn out to be your new favorite.
3. Babysit
Insider Monkey Score: 40
Babysitting is a stress-free job that retirees can take up after retirement. Whether babysitting your grandchildren, or doing it as a part-time job, this hobby can be a healthy endeavor.
2. Make your candles
Insider Monkey Score: 42
One of the easiest skills to learn for seniors is making candles. Candle-making is extremely easy and fun. All you need is some different flavors of wax to start the process. An average 8-ounce candle costs about $2.5 each. These candles can be decorated in your home or even be gifted to friends and family. Who knows, people might even like them so much that you may be able to start a business out of it.
1. Bake or cook
Insider Monkey Score: 43
Seniors cannot stress enough how they enjoyed going back to the kitchen. Trying out a new recipe can be fun, especially if you have grandchildren or children coming in for a visit. Better yet, you can also bake a cake for a special occasion.
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