In a previous article, I shared a list of 21 hobbies to still your mind, and it is becoming one of the most read articles on my blog. So today I decided to make a new updated list of cheap hobbies to get you off your phone.

I am adding both hobbies that you can do inside and outside of the house to this list because some of us need to get out in the sun and change some air for real!

1. Sketching/drawing

Y’all know that sketching and drawing only require a pencil and paper. And although in many of my previous articles, such as Pencil drawing for beginners: All you need to know I recommend that you get your hands on some fancy art supplies to help your practice run smoothly, it is absolutely unnecessary if your goal is to keep your hands busy and do something other than scrolling on your phone for hours.

And if you are looking for some ideas for your next drawing or sketching session, here’s a list of 20+ easy drawing ideas anyone (including you) can try today!

Art by Atom Of Art

2. Junk journaling

I have many guides about journaling on my blog. It is one of the most fun art forms in my opinion, the easiest and the cheapest. You don’t need to know how to draw or sketch. You can scribble, write, and make collages with pieces of magazines, receipts, and whatever free “junk” you can get your hands on.

This is the best hobby to get you off your phone because you will be so caught up in trying to come up with a beautiful pairing to match your vision and make a beautiful (or not) page out of literal junk.

Here are some lists of journaling prompts to get you started:

Via Pinterest

3. Pilates/stretching

Not a creative hobby but one that is both cheap and really good for your body and brain. Take a 5-min video from any fitness influencer online (I love the OG Chloe Ting videos), and do as they do. It is really easy—sometimes a bit challenging- but always leaves you feeling great and helps your brain release some happy hormones.

4. Make bag charms

You can use scraps or fabric or buttons, or you can use some thread and follow the steps on a macrame tutorial to make some nice designs to add to your bags.

I made one from a kit I bought for super cheap at Action with my bestie, and it literally took us two days to finish. It definitely kept us away from our phones, and it was very rewarding and fun to make.

5. Walking

Don’t hate me for this! But I love walking. It is my favorite low-cortisol activity. Just get out there and walk around. I don’t care if you browse the stores in your local mall, walk around a park if you live near one, or hike a mountain; just go out and see the world. Let the sun shine on you or get wet in the rain. Being at home all day all week is not good for your mental or physical health.

6. Thrifting

While you’re outside, go to a thrift store and see what they got there. Thrift stores are therapeutic to me because I never know what to expect or what I am going to find, and that is very exciting and stimulating. And in case you end up liking something, it is still a cheap hobby that will not cost you as much money as shopping in normal stores.

7. Marker painting

Last year, I grabbed these cheap Pepco markers at a local Pepco store, and I used them to make little vocabulary cards for kids.

If you are interested in seeing a review of the markers, you can find it here: Testing the $7 Pepco artist markers so you don’t have to.

Overall, I think that any markers will do the job, so feel free to use whatever you have or whatever you can get your hands on at your craft store. Use Pinterest for inspiration.

8. Photography – color hunting

Who said you need to be a photograph or a content creator to take some photos? Whenever I go out, I love to take pictures of things that I find interesting during my walks. I have also always done something that people online like to call “color hunting,” where you choose a color and go on your way hunting for things in that color. This takes your walks from being just a walk to a fun little adventure, especially if you do it with your friends or partner.

9. Make a mood/vision board

I have a detailed guide on moodboarding that you can read here: Moodboard.. what is it? and how to create your own? But hey! Do not make digital mood boards because we are trying to get off our phones here 🙂

10. Cooking/Baking

I know that cooking generally isn’t easy and isn’t cheap either, but you can make a simple recipe and focus on making your plate look beautiful and presentable, or you can start by trying really easy recipes like making crepes, toasts, pasta dishes, etc.

11. Reading

I will let you use your phone for this one just in case you don’t have any books lying around and you do not feel like going out to a library and reading there. You can read articles on Medium, Substack, or any other website of your choice. You can also read on whatever topic you want to expand your knowledge of. Reading is just a very chill and cheap hobby that I had to include in this list.

12. Miniature making from everyday items

Last but not least, if you are a crafts lover, you can use a bunch of everyday items such as egg cartons, toilet and kitchen paper rolls, old books, corks, buttons, etc. to make DIY projects such as dolls, dollhouses, fairy gardens, etc. I have a full article on miniature making and everyday items to use for your craft projects.

Conclusion

In this list I have shared with you 12 cheap hobbies to get you off your phone:

  • Sketching/drawing
  • Junk journaling
  • Pilates/stretching
  • Making bag charms
  • Walking
  • Thrifting
  • Marker painting
  • Photography (color hunting)
  • Making a mood/vision board
  • Cooking/baking
  • Reading
  • Miniature making from everyday items

Let me know what other cheap hobbies you practice or would want to try to get you off your phone.

Enjoy creating <3