5 Surprisingly Affordable Hobbies to Try Now

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Looking to refresh your routine or to alleviate your stress without overspending? Whether you’re budgeting or just love simple joys, these budget-friendly hobbies will keep you inspired and engaged throughout the year.

#1: GET LOST IN A SHORT BOOK

Over the past two months, I’ve read four short books, each under 200 pages, and they’ve been incredibly rewarding. There’s a quiet joy in finishing a book in just a few sittings and diving into a new perspective, whether fiction or nonfiction.

Some of my recent favorites include Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi (S$23.95 at Popular Bookstore), I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki (S$19.95 at Kinokuniya), and Days at the Morisaki Bookshop (S$22.15 at Kinokuniya). These books are gentle yet powerful, perfect for light reading with meaningful takeaways. For even better deals, check second-hand shops where books can go for as low as S$3. Or borrow from your local library at little to no cost.

#2: LEARN TO PLAY KALIMBA

The kalimba, also known as a thumb piano, is a soothing instrument you can pick up for just S$9.68 on Shopee. Made mostly from wood and easy to learn, the kalimba became my go-to hobby during the pandemic.

I had a blast taking song requests from friends and learning tunes like A Thousand Years or Fly Me to the Moon using free YouTube tutorials and online chord sheets.

#3: PAINT SERENE LANDSCAPES

Painting is both soothing and creatively fulfilling. You can find canvas panels on Shopee starting from S$0.50 in beginner-friendly sizes like 15×15 cm and 30*30. A 12-piece acrylic paint set goes for as low as S$0.60, and you can pick up a brush set on Lazada for around S$0.90.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

I’ve already painted two pieces this month and plan to do more. For inspiration, I watch Bob Ross or follow creators on Instagram who share beginner-focused tutorials. Friendly reminder: brushes and palette knives can help you experiment with texture and techniques as you grow more confident.

#4: LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE

There’s something empowering about learning a new language, especially when you can use it in real-life situations. I’ve been self-studying Korean since 2021 and finally got to practice it during a trip to Korea last December. The feeling was unforgettable.

You can begin learning Korean (or any language) for FREE through YouTube tutorials or platforms like Coursera. It’s a practical, enriching hobby that offers lifelong benefits.

#5: GET IN TOUCH WITH NATURE

Urban walking is an underrated way to explore your surroundings, improve your mood, and get some light exercise. Take a weekend walk through scenic trails like the Southern Ridges, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, or the Rail Corridor. The National Parks Board (NParks) offers detailed guides to many of these trails, and the best part is they’re completely FREE.