20 Ways to Treat Yourself for Free (Because You Deserve It!)

Being frugal doesn't mean you can never treat yourself.

In fact, I think it's important to build a little fun into your life when you're trying to spend less. If every day is about cutting back, saying no, and sticking to the budget, eventually you're going to get tired of it. That's where frugal fatigue can creep in.

The good news? Treating yourself doesn't have to mean spending $50 at a restaurant, booking a spa treatment, or going on a shopping spree.

There are plenty of ways to give yourself a little pick-me-up without spending any money at all. Sometimes, the best treats are simply about giving yourself permission to slow down, enjoy something you already have, or do something just because you enjoy it.

So the next time you're thinking, "I deserve a little treat," try one of these 20 ways to treat yourself for free.

1. Read somewhere you love

Grab a book or magazine you've been meaning to read and find a nice place to enjoy it.

Head to the backyard, sit on the balcony, visit the park, or take your book to the beach if you're lucky enough to live nearby.

You don't even have to read the whole time. A little people watching can be part of the entertainment! (I could sit for hours people watching!)

2. Take a long, relaxing bath

If you already have bubble bath, bath salts, or other bath products at home, put them to good use.

Turn down the lights, put on some music, grab your favourite book and give yourself permission to soak for a while. It's amazing how luxurious an ordinary bath can feel when you actually slow down and enjoy it.

PS: You might really enjoy my recipe for Homemade Sore Muscle Soak!

3. Take a nap

Sometimes the best way to treat yourself is to do absolutely nothing.

If you're tired, give yourself permission to take a nap. Put your phone away, get comfortable and enjoy some uninterrupted rest. Not every treat has to be productive.

4. Go for a walk

Get outside and take a walk without turning it into an errand.

You could walk around your neighbourhood, explore a nearby trail or simply wander somewhere you've never walked before. Pay attention to the little things around you instead of rushing from one place to another.

Fresh air, movement and a change of scenery can be a pretty great free treat.

5. Give yourself an at home spa night

You don't need an expensive spa appointment to have a little pampering session.

Use what you already have at home. Take a shower, do a face mask, moisturize, paint your nails, wash your hair or put on your comfiest pajamas.

The key is to make it feel like an occasion rather than just another item on your to do list.

6. Have a movie marathon

If you already have access to a streaming service, choose a movie or a few episodes of a favourite show and make an evening of it.

Make some popcorn, grab your favourite blanket and get comfortable.

Bonus points for choosing something you've been wanting to watch but haven't made time for.

7. Visit a free community event

Check your community calendar, library, recreation centre or local social media pages for free events.

You might find free concerts, outdoor movies, festivals, markets, library programs or community celebrations.

You don't have to spend money to get out of the house and do something fun.

8. Have a clothing swap with a friend

Feeling bored with your wardrobe? Instead of shopping, invite a friend or two over and swap a few pieces of clothing you no longer wear.

You'll get the fun of "new" clothes without buying anything.

Just make sure everyone is comfortable with the arrangement and agrees on what they're willing to swap.

9. Grab a notebook and journal

Sometimes treating yourself means giving yourself some quiet time to think.

Grab a notebook and write down whatever comes to mind. You could journal about your day, make a list of things you're looking forward to, write down some goals or simply get some thoughts out of your head. There are no rules. This is your journal!

10. Enjoy that treat you've been saving

You know that chocolate bar, fancy tea, bath product or other little treat you've been saving for "someday"? Today could be the day!

You don't necessarily need to buy something new to treat yourself. Sometimes you just need to actually enjoy the things you already have.

11. Bake something from your pantry

Craving a treat?

Before heading to the store, take a look through your pantry and freezer. You might already have everything you need to make cookies, muffins, brownies, a cake or another favourite dessert.

And if you have enough to share, invite someone over and turn it into a little get together.

12. Have a picnic

You don't need a fancy picnic basket or special picnic food. Take whatever you're already planning to eat and bring it outside.

Have lunch in the backyard, eat dinner at a nearby park or spread a blanket on the grass and enjoy a snack outdoors.

Sometimes simply changing where you eat can make an ordinary meal feel like something special.

13. Do something kind for someone else

This might seem like an unusual way to treat yourself, but doing something kind for someone else can be incredibly rewarding.

You could:

• Write a "thinking of you" message to a friend.
• Give someone a genuine compliment.
• Bring a friend some baking.
• Help a family member with a task.
• Let someone go ahead of you in line.
• Send someone a funny message to make them smile.
• Share a skill you have with someone who could use it.

Kindness doesn't have to cost anything.

14. Learn something new

Have you ever wanted to learn how to do something but kept putting it off? Learning something new can be a great way to spend an afternoon without spending a dollar.

Use the free resources you already have available. Check out a book from the library, find a free tutorial, learn a new recipe or finally try that hobby you've been curious about.

In case you need ideas, I've got an article with 52 Things You Can Learn for Free!

15. Have a "no plans" afternoon

This might be one of my favourite free treats.

Look at your schedule and, if possible, protect a few hours where you don't have anywhere to be. No errands. No unnecessary chores. No rushing around. Read. Watch a movie. Sit outside. Listen to music. Do absolutely nothing.

You don't always have to fill your free time.

16. Rediscover an old favourite

Instead of looking for something new, revisit something you already love.

Pull out an old board game. Listen to a favourite album. Look through old photos. Rewatch a favourite movie. Read a book you've enjoyed before.

There can be something really comforting about returning to things you already know you love.

17. Have a backyard or living room coffee date

Invite a friend over for coffee or tea using what you already have at home.

Sit outside if the weather is nice or make yourselves comfortable inside.

You don't need to go to a coffee shop to catch up with someone. Sometimes an hour around the kitchen table is even better.

18. Declutter one small area

This might not sound like a treat, but hear me out...

Pick one small area that's been bothering you. A junk drawer, bathroom cabinet, kitchen counter or your nightstand. Then spend 15 minutes making it better.

You don't need to declutter your entire house. Sometimes clearing one annoying little area can give you that wonderful "ahhh, that's better" feeling.

19. Say no to something you don't actually need to do

Your time is valuable, too.

Sometimes our calendars become filled with things we feel like we should do because they're good, useful or expected.

If something is genuinely optional and you don't want to do it, give yourself permission to say no. You don't have to earn rest.

20. Give yourself permission to enjoy your frugal life

This might be the most important one.

Frugal living isn't supposed to mean constantly depriving yourself.

If you're working toward a financial goal, it's easy to become so focused on saving that you forget to enjoy the life you're living right now.

So take the walk. Read the book. Bake the cookies. Have the picnic. Take the nap. Watch the movie.

You don't have to spend money to make an ordinary day feel a little more special.

Treating yourself doesn't have to cost money

One of the best things about frugal living is learning that you don't have to spend money every time you want something fun, relaxing or special.

Sometimes the best treat is simply time. Time to rest, time to enjoy something you already have, time with people you love or time to do something just because it makes you happy.

And if you can give yourself that little boost without spending a cent? Even better.

What are your favourite ways to treat yourself for free? I'd love to hear your ideas in the comments!