100 Fun Things to Do Instead of Shopping
“Happiness” is a powerful word in the marketing industry because it can be one’s motivation to spending money.
However, buying new things is not really bring you “happiness,” psychologist Daniel Kahneman said. (1)
Researchers at two U.S. universities conducted studies about the happiness associated with consumer products. This study proved that happiness does not come specifically from the objects we buy. It is an emotion associated with our motivations for making those purchases. (2)
For example: If you want to buy a new car, here are few steps you’ll need to take:
- Visit a car dealer
- Talk about a new design and features with others
- Test drive multiple cars
These processes are “source of happiness,” the new car itself is not the “source of happiness.” This research really makes sense to me.
I often browse online shops even though I don’t need anything. It’s because I enjoy searching for new items, not spending money or getting new things.
Don’t get me wrong. Buying new things feels good! I also enjoy shopping. I’m just saying that there are many ways to satisfy our desire besides shopping (:
Here are 100 fun things to do instead of shopping.
100 Fun Things to Do Instead of Shopping Click To TweetDISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no additional cost to you. Please read my full disclaimer here for more info.
Exercise/Activity
- Take a hike
- Bike ride
- Go for a walk
- Watch (and do) free yoga class on YouTube
- Watch (and do) free workout class on YouTube
- Attend a local festival
- Run 5k
- Run 10k
- Hit the gym
- Visit your local library
- Visit your local bookstore
- Go to local museums
- Go to local art galleries
- Volunteer for a local cause
- Spend a few minutes leaving comments on social media posts
- Take a nap (my favorite activity for life)
- People watch
- Try a new recipe
- Make money with side gigs
- Paid surveys
- Donate stuff
- Leave comments on blogs you love
- Go golf driving ranges
- Go bird watching
Planning
- Plan a trip
- Plan for a new stream of incomes
- Create a bucket list for five years
- Plan a home renovation
- Plan your meals for the week
- Plan for next blog post
- Plan for next social media post
- Make a to-do list for the week
Spend Time with Someone
- Skype, Facetime, or Zoom with a friend
- Rearrange your house with husband/kids
- Board games (I like Mancala)
- Play Uno
- Play Cards
- Jigsaw puzzle
- Go brunch with your friend (First Watch is a nice daytime Cafe for breakfast, brunch, & lunch)
- Play a video game with family
- Bowling
- Take the kids to a park or playground
- Take the kids to kayak
- Take the kids to paddleboats
- Take the kids to swimmings
- Play some sports like tennis
- Camping
Reading/Watching/Listening
- Read a book
- Read a magazine
- Read free books on Kindle
- Read the archives of your favorite blogs
- Listen to an audiobook
- Listen to your favorite music
- Listen to a podcast
- Watch a movie
- Watch Netflix
- Watch YouTube movie (some free with ads)
- Watch Amazon movie (some free if you are a Prime member)
- Watch a series
- Watch TED talks
- Watch your favorite FIRE YouTubers
- Watch your favorite music video on YouTube
- Watch makeup tutorials on YouTube and try a new look
- Watch hair tutorials on YouTube and try a new look
Learning
- Learn a new skill
- Learn a new language
- Improve skills you already have
- Learn Python
- Learn HTML
- Learn WordPress site
- Start blogging
- Look for a new job
- Start lettering
- Learn acrylic painting
Selling
- Sell digital products
- Reselling
- Selling unwanted items on eBay
- Selling used clothing on Poshmark
- Dropshipping
- Sell print on demand products
- Sell art and craft on Etsy
- Sell graphics on CreativeMarket
- Sell digital services on Fiverr
Creating
- Bake something
- Scrapbooking
- Crafting
- Create digital products
- Write a gratitude list
- Write happiness list
- Stampin Up
- Create candles
- Create DIY stickers
- Embroidery
Relaxing
- Take bubble bath
- Manicure and/or pedicure at home
- Clean your jewelry
- Eat Cheesecake Factory (my favorite is Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake)
- Drink tea (Flavored black tea Paris by Harney & Sons is the best)
- Make skincare routine for home spa
- Visit massage once a month
Wrapping Up
Hopefully, this list will provide some ideas to enjoy your day off besides shopping. If you have something different idea, please comment below! I would like to try it (:
Resources:
- Murray Ph.D., Peter Noel. “Why We Really Shop.” Psychology Today, Psychology Today, 6 Nov. 2015, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/inside-the-consumer-mind/201406/why-we-really-shop.
- Happiness Having What You Want, Wanting What You Have, or Both?, Jeff T. Larsen and Amie R. McKibben, Psychological Science, Volume 19, Number 4, 2008
