15 fun things to with friends on a budget

"What do you want to do?"  " I dunno, what do you want to do?" " I dunno..."   I think at some point this endless conversation has happened to all of us. Since Uni is currently on break and a few of my friends have suggested hanging out together, we were stuck with ideas on what exactly we could do. Since we really don't have a lot of money to spend, being Uni students and all. I thought hey I know, I'll make a list, no wait! A blog post. So here it is...  "15 fun things to do with friends on a budget".

1. Be a tourist in your own city -

There are so many places you may not even know exist if you actually took the time to explore it. Sometimes when we're set on a specific destination, we forget to look around. Gather your besties, arm yourselves with cameras and maps (or you know, smart phones). Don't plan too much of where you'll go, just explore, who knows what cute little shops or destinations you may find. Obviously don't go down a dark alley and think "Hey! This looks like fun". I don't advice this, but explore!

2. Photo scavenger hunt -

This would have to be my favourite. Make a list of ten or so items or things to take a photo of, (this is quite a good list) set a time and place to meet back up, make sure everyone has a working camera and off you go!

Spend the day around town, taking photos and having fun. At the end of the day, whoever has the most photo's wins. You may have to play this game in pairs for safety and so someone can hold the camera.

3. Bonfire! -

Wait until the sun is almost down, gather those marshmallows and ofcourse friends (opt) Kidding! It can be a great way to bond over the flames, singing tunes and stuffing your face full of gooey centred toastey goodness. Make sure the fire is safely lit. If you live in Australia, double check that there aren't any fire restrictions currently on.

4. Bake -

Get your mind out of the gutter! Bake a cake, cookies or cupcakes. To me, baking and cooking is therapy and with friends it's even better. Make a mess in the kitchen with your friends, eat some cookie dough, have some hot chocolate and relax. Don't forget to double or triple whatever you make so your friends can take some home with them. Mmmm... 

5. Photographic Hike -

Hiking and going on a trail can be a pretty relaxing thing to do. With friends it can be fun and a great way to explore nature. Find a local trail, pack your backpacks with all the essentials, survival kit and a camera. Spend the day taking great pictures of the local scenery. Make sure to let friends/family know where you're going and what time you'll  be back for safety reasons. Also, always stick to the trail!

6. Home Spa - 

Yes, guys can do this too!  Going to an actual day spa can be incredibly expensive. Which is probably why I've never been to one. I look at the price list and feel faint.

So, why not bring the spa to you. Grab some face masks and ask everyone to bring their favourite nail polish's and ofcourse LOLLIES!  Now, if you know me personally, you'll know I'm against chick flicks but In this case though, they're approved.

7. Games night -

Dust off your favourite board-games, checkers, chess, uno, the lot. Invite your friends over (byo drinks ofcourse) and pick your game. I don't know about you but, when it comes to monopoly, I have to win. Things get real personal, real fast when people start putting hotels on their properties. To settle the un-avoidable arguments, make sure there is hot chocolate, pizza and plenty of lollies on stand-by.

8. Have an art day/make a dream board -

Now I know what you're thinking, "eugh, not this arty farty stuff."

Well, maybe so, but if you are into art and all the things that go with it, then this will be fun. Making a dream board is a great way to focus on your goals and make a way to achieve them. Ask your friends to bring magazines or you can even print out pictures that relate to your dreams. Cut them out and stick them on a canvas with little notes under each. Such as what the goal is and how you plan to achieve it. Afterwards you and your friends can hang them on your walls.

9. Hit the beach!

Ofcourse if it's the middle of winter, probably not. Although you can still have fun taking photos and walking along the shore. Collect some sea-shells, make a sandcastle and enjoy the scenery.

10. Movie night -

This would have to be the thing my friends and I do the most. It's easy, simple and fun. Ask your friends to bring along their favourite movies, some snacks and ofcourse drinks. Now, I'm not condoning drinking. Especially if your friends have to drive home that same night, but If they are sleeping over then you could make some vodka gummy bears or jello shots. Experiment with different cocktail recipes, maybe even come up with your own flavour combination. (only if you are of the legal age to drink) Prepare for a night of many laughs!

11. Film a short movie to look back at in years to come -

It may seem silly at the time, but in about ten or so years, these kinds of things will be cherished. Grab a tripod, camera and go to a location or even just at a friends house. It doesn't even have to be scripted if you don't want it to be. Take turns at using the camera or assign someone to be the cameraman.

Ask questions, make jokes, just have fun.  At the end, piece together all the film snippets into one video to watch and enjoy. 

12. Have a themed dress up night -

There are endless themes for dress up nights. To name a few ; Pirates & Ninjas, Disney, the letter your name begins with, a colour, suite &tie, what you wanted to be when you were younger (my personal favourite). 

So pick a theme, ask everyone to come in said theme and have a great night in with drinks, snacks and movies in whatever theme you chose. Now, this can be a little pricey if your theme is something not everyone would have in their wardrobe, try to be a little bit creative with this.

13.Go Ice-skating -

Rug up, wear some comfortable clothes that aren't too tight, ones that you can actually move your legs in. Grab your friends and head down to your local Ice-rink. Now, if you're like me... actually you probably don't have an issue with this if you're a normal person. I'm deathly afraid of Ice-skating ever since I had two accidents in which I fractured my coccyx (tail) bone. If you are a little hesitant (an under-statement for me) then just stay on the outer edge of the rink, gripping for dear life onto the barrier.  It will be a blast! 

14. Photoshoot! -

This could co-inside with the themed dress up night, set up a photobooth and take some pictures of you and your friends that will last a life-time. Try glamour poses, silly faces, try to build a pyramid, spell words.

15. Make a time capsule -

Time capsules are created to dig up and look back on in many years to come or to commemorate a significant event. You could use a glass jar, bottle or box. Place an item from each friend inside that represents something for them. This could be photos, a message, recorded message on a cd or usb, pictures of their favourite people/idols, anything. Set a burial location (don't forget to write down where you actually buried it or place a little marker there) and write the date of burial on the box/jar. 

So there it is! This list isn't excaustive, but hopefully it gave you a few ideas at least! 

Infinite x's and o's,

Elena.