The Hobby Trap: How to Try New Hobbies Without Overspending

We all know the cycle of getting excited about a hobby, buying everything for it, and then realizing we may not actually stick with it. In a world where self-care is a hot topic, finding new ways to refresh yourself after work or spend a rainy day has become a popular pastime.

It all looks so easy and fun on social media. One minute you’re scrolling on your phone and the next, you’ve gone down the rabbit hole of scrapbooking videos and convinced yourself that every photo in your phone needs to be in a book.

So, you go out, print 100 pictures, buy books of stickers, all the colored paper a person could need, and packs of pens and glue sticks that will launch your new hobby into existence.

Except now you’re sitting at your table with paper all around you, stickers in your hair and copious amounts of glue anywhere but where it’s supposed to be. You start to think this hobby is way more stressful and chaotic than you were prepared for.

Next thing you know, you’re cleaning everything up and stashing it away for the next rainy day when you’re feeling “more creative,” while trying hard not to think about how much you just spent on a hobby you aren’t sure you ever want to revisit.

If this sounds a little too close to home, we’ve got you. Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind the next time social media convinces you that you’ve found your next big hobby.

1. Try Before You Buy

This one might sound simple, but there are ways you can save money before you go out and buy all the very specific supplies you’ll need for your next fun hobby.

Maybe you already have a friend who does this hobby. Maybe a grandparent or neighbor has all the tools from their hobbies of the past. What’s even better about this is that you’re not only testing out the hobby without having to buy everything, but you just might get to reconnect with an old friend and have the added bonus of an expert instructor to take you along for the journey.

2. Buy the Starter Version, Not the Dream Version

If you don’t have a friend or relative who is an old expert with all the right tools and equipment, it’s best to remind yourself that it’s alright to buy a starter pack.

While someone on social media is probably going to try to persuade you to buy the best tools for the trade, it’s not always necessary. Thrift stores can be a great place to start when looking for tools or supplies for your next activity.

If you do need to go into a store for new items, start with the basic versions and work your way up to the more expensive items when you know you’re committed.

3. Take a Class

Before going all in and announcing yourself as a knitter (or insert your hobby of choice here), see if there are any beginner-friendly classes in your area.

More than likely, there might be a small hobby shop nearby that teaches classes. And bonus, the supplies might be included!

This is a great way to not only learn your new hobby from a trained teacher, but if you end up not connecting with the knitting needles, that’s fine. You can give them back at the end of the class and take your project home as a trophy for giving it a try.

4. Pay Attention to Whether You Actually Have Time for It

Let’s say you absolutely love the idea of sewing, took a class and still loved it, but you haven’t had an hour to yourself in three weeks. Buying a room full of sewing supplies probably isn’t going to change that.

This could be where you start small. Buy simple kits or small projects that don’t have complicated processes and can be done in short bursts of free time.

If you love your new hobby but don’t have the proper time to dedicate to it, investing in all the tools might not be the best idea for now. This is an area where you can add to your collection over time until you do have the free time to dedicate to it.

5. Upgrade When You’ve Earned It

Once you’ve stuck with the hobby, finished a few projects, know what you actually enjoy doing and have the time for it, then you can start to consider investing in better equipment or supplies.

At this point, you’ll also have a better idea of what is worth spending money on and what lower-cost items could still get the job done.

No matter what people on social media insist on, sometimes you don’t need the best of the best in equipment to enjoy yourself and craft, bake or paint to your heart’s desire.

Now, in no way are we trying to insinuate that you must be the best baker in the neighborhood before going all in on a hobby. It’s ok to invest in something that you enjoy but maybe aren’t the best at. Hobbies are all about honing your craft and working on project after project until you get better.

The true takeaway here is to treat your hobbies like a dip in a pool. Instead of cannonballing in before you know if the water is ice cold, dip your toes in. Let your feet get used to the water, then decide how far you want to go in, if at all. Sometimes the pool isn’t ready just yet. But if you wait and try enough times, you’ll find the right temperature (or hobby) to start filling your free time and rainy days with!