3 Low Cost Hobbies for Stay at Home Moms

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Hobbies for stay at home moms are usually not the first priority in our lives! I mean we are BUSY, and every ounce of effort and passion we have goes to something else. And last time I checked folding laundry and unloading the dishwasher weren’t listed under as hobbies! It can be really hard to find a hobby that you enjoy that can also fit into your busy life and schedule. And on top of it all some hobbies are expensive! So here is a list of 3 low cost hobbies you can do in the comfort of your own home that require very little supplies! Some of them are even great to get your kids involved with you and help them find an outlet as well. If you can’t find the time for a hobby check out this post on finding more time for your hobbies!

1. Reading

I love reading! Most the time I get so caught up in reading and have no self-control to put down a good book! I love being able to escape to a different world, get a good laugh or learn something new! Really, I would way rather read something than watch it most of the time. If you don’t like to read, don’t write this one off. You just haven’t found the right genre of books yet. I have had books recommended to me that have made me want to stop reading too, but there are so many good books out there!

How to Start

Think about what type of book you would be willing to read? Looking at the types of movies you like will probably give you a good idea of what type of books you will like. That being said I don’t think there are very many self-help movies that are high on the charts, but I love self-help books! But thinking of movie genres will be a good start. Head over to goodreads and see what books are best ranked under the genres you think you’d like! Buy them online, or better yet pick them up from your local library, and get started! It may take you more than one attempt to find what you love, but once you do, you won’t be able to put it down either. I recently read this book, and it was inspiring and uplifting.

2. Journaling

My favorite part about journaling is going back through my journal and reading about it, especially high school me! I usually get a good laugh at myself and it’s a great way to realize that nothing lasts forever. Now that I have kids I love writing down funny things they say and do and experiences I want to remember. Maybe to tell a boyfriend about in the future, who knows!?

The best thing I ever did for my journal writing was to do it online. I created a google doc that was my journal. Then I could access it from my phone or my computer and could update it wherever we were. This way of journaling is as low cost as it gets, aka zero cost! Score! I don’t have to worry about losing it while vacationing or if my kids will spill all over it if it gets left out. It was a game changer for journaling and has been awesome!

When I journal I also realize how many blessings I have, and it helps me focus on the good things going on in my life rather than the bad. And when life is rough, I make an effort to put in 3 things I’m grateful for at the end of my entry. This reminder helps me realize that even if things are hard, there’s something to be grateful for everyday!

How to Start

Decide whether you want an actual journal to write in or if you want to have a digital journal. Find a journal you like, I designed this one and it’s adorable (but I’m biased!) Start today! I’ve heard people struggle with what to write so here are a few ideas. Write about your day to day, what’s going on and what you did. Start a gratitude journal and write down the things you’re grateful for everyday. Start a quote journal with funny quotes from your kids. Or combine it all like I do and write down all the things!

3. Cooking/Baking

This may not seem like a hobby at all, because as a mom you are ALWAYS in the kitchen getting food for kids, cleaning up after kids and it’s like a hampster wheel over and over again. BUT when I’m really excited about a recipe, or I get to bake because I want to, it can be enjoyable. This is one hobby that I do love doing with my kids. I know it’s going to be messier, and slower, but we all have fun!

I do like to bake, but I like eating what I bake more! So to save my waist line, when we bake treats we typically make cards and plate most of them up and take them to neighbors and friends! I think my kids enjoy that as much as making the treats!

How to Start

I’m guessing I don’t need to tell you have to find a recipe, but start out by trying something you like to eat. I am always motivated by knowing I get something yummy at the end! I wouldn’t recommend trying a really hard recipe or it may be discouraging. Slowly try new things until you master them and then try another new recipe! If you’re looking to keep it as low cost as possible, start with a recipe that only includes ingredients you already have!