18 Fun ideas to do with friends (that won't break the bank)

​Spending time with your gal pals can make for some of the most memorable moments of your life.  Frequent outings can get pricey though, but rest assured there are endless amounts of entertaining ideas you can do with your besties without breaking the bank.
 
Here are 18 fun things to do with friends!

​1. Themed Potluck Dinner
 
Pick the theme and invite your guests! Everyone dresses for the occasion and brings a dish to share that compliments the theme of the evening. Theme ideas could be anything from a luau to a casino night. I always love bringing a crockpot dish to potlucks. You can cook the meal and not have to be home, and then keep it warm at the party. ​

2. Beach Day
 
Soak up some rays and listen to your favorite songs while spending some quality time with your friends. Pack a picnic lunch or grab a bite at a local eatery to wrap up your afternoon.
 
3. Host an At-Home Spa Party
 
Mani/pedis can be very expensive and unnecessary when you are hanging out with your friends! Gel manicure home sets are very affordable and can be used by your whole group. Pamper each other with nails and facials!

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​4. Board Game or Card Night
 
Have your friends bring a game of their choice and let your competitive streak go wild! There are a lot of games out there, and you probably have a few hidden away in a closet somewhere in your home, but why not try something new that no one has played yet. These two are top picks and fun for everyone!

5. Host a Closet Purge Party
 
Gather your friends and have them help you decide what’s a keeper and what you need to part with. Give your group first dibs at items you are no longer using and donate the rest to a charity in need.
 
6. Go on a Walk and Talk
 
Why sit still and gab when you can get up and get moving! Whether you take laps around the block or find a local nature trail, grab a buddy and hit the ground running (or walking)!
 
7. Learn a New Skill on YouTube
 
These days you can learn practically anything on YouTube. Pick a common interest, whether it be knitting, yodeling or roller skating, an learn the basics together.
 
8. Help Others
 
There are several non-profit organizations on a constant lookout for volunteers. Sign your friend group up to help at a local food pantry, beach clean-up or other service project.

9. Home Movie Night
 
Check those streaming services for the latest movies or classics like Gone with the Wind. Pop some popcorn, mix up a batch of margaritas, dim the lights, and get cozy with throw blankets. Movies almost always seem more entertaining when watched with others reacting.
 
10. Host a Swap Shop
 
Everyone spends the week cleaning out their homes and closets of items no longer used or wanted. Then you get together one evening and set everything out where friends can grab whatever they want free of charge! Head to the nearest donation center the next day to donate the items that weren’t selected.

11. Bake-off / Sweets Exchange
 
You may have heard of a cookie exchange, but have you done a bake-off where everyone is baking at the same time? It just adds to the fun to cook/bake as a group. Make sure everyone brings their own food storage containers and take a few of each sweet treat home at the end of the evening.
 
12. Book Club
 
Find your bookworm friends and start a monthly book club! Take turns selecting the book of the month and get together towards the end of the month and share your thoughts and opinions about what you read.
 
13. Puzzle Competition
 
Everyone brings a puzzle to the host or hostesses house with the same number of pieces. Place the puzzles in a general area and draw numbers to see who will pick first. One by one each person will select the puzzle that they want to put together, but they cannot select the one that they brought. (This makes it fairer, so someone isn’t putting together a puzzle they have done a million times). When the timer starts everyone works independently putting their puzzle together until the first-person finishes. Winner gets bragging rights or a small prize if you decide to go that route.
 
14. Paint Party
 
Have you been wanting to a paint an access wall or an entire room in your room? Would extra hands and motivation help? Offer to provide the supplies, food, and drinks, if your friends are willing to pitch in and help!
 
15. Learn a New Language
 
The process of learning to speak another language can be long and daunting. It is also hard to practice by yourself. Make a pact with a friend to try and learn the language together. Download audio courses, hire a tutor and use language apps to get started on your international language journey!
 
16. BYOB Wine Style
 
Everyone brings their own bottle of wine and researches facts about the wine, grapes, vineyard, etc. Then share all that you’ve learned with your group and have your own private wine tasting.
 
17. Karaoke
 
Want to let loose and belt out those tunes? Friends can get a good laugh and have a fabulous time at karaoke nights. You can easily theme this night too by the decades: 70s, 80s, 90 and so on. Or do it by music genre: worship, country, pop, rock. 

​18. Trivia
 
Many local business host trivia nights to bring in business to their establishments. Most of the time there is no fee to enter and it’s a great group activity. Make sure to come up with a creative team name! Can’t find a place hosting a trivia night? Host one of your own! There are several trivia books available with tons of categories and questions! 

These are just a handful of ideas because the choices are endless! Even if it's just sitting around on the couch doing nothing at all, it's important to value and make time for your friends.