Five Affordable Things to do with Friends

It’s great to have good friends, especially those who won’t mind that you haven’t dusted or done the dishes. Sometimes it’s fine just to sit back with a few mates and catch up on Netflix. Other times it can feel as though you’re in a bit of a rut, and it’s time to get out and do something fun. We have put together a few affordable ideas for spending time with friends.

Visit a Museum or Art Gallery

Museums and art galleries are a continual source of information, creativity and inspiration. We often remember the ones we were made to visit as children where we had to be quiet and couldn’t touch. That’s all changed now, and exhibitions often include a variety of media and are interactive and fun. What’s more many of them have a free admissions policy. Check out the local exhibition in your area. Make a morning or afternoon of it and follow it up with a cup of tea or coffee and cake.

Plan a Party

Get all of your good friends together and plan a party. This needn’t be expensive, and you can pool your finances and work with a budget. Agree on who will be hosting the party and share the preparations. This could be a simple, impromptu affair where everyone brings a dish and some booze. Or, you could go all out and create a theme with fancy dress costumes. Choose something fun like Disney Princesses. Or if you share a similar hobby such as manga and anime, make this the theme and invite your friends to wear Sailor Moon cosplay costumes. Alternatively, stipulate that guests can wear anything at all as long as they made it themselves.

Go the Cinema

There’s usually something to see at the local multiplex but try looking a little further afield. There are some wonderful independent cinemas that offer a variety of films and events. Many of these venues offer themed nights, old movies and stream coverage of live events from around the world. To compete with their larger counterparts they often offer discounts and incentives.

Prepare a Meal

Rather than eating takeaways in front of the TV, take it in turns to prepare a meal. Each week one person invites the others round to their home for a meal they have prepared themselves. You could make it fun by creating themes or cooking meals from around the world.

Boozy Night Out

A night in town is always fun with your friends. However, it can be expensive with drinks, food and taxis. You can cut down on costs by keeping an eye out for promotions and discounts. Instead of booking taxis take it in turns to be the designated driver.

Local Events

Keep your eye on events taking place in your local area. Local council websites can be a good source of information. Countless events take place each year from speciality markets to performances and installations. Many are free of charge and or have low admissions. From time to time it’s fine to get cosy and enjoy a girls’ night in. Just remember to break it up with other events and activities.

Planning ahead can help with budgeting and some events offer group booking discounts. Then again, there are no rules with friends. And there’s nothing better than a last-minute, unplanned night out.