4 Geeky Hobbies You Can Start Learning for Cheap

Not having an outlet can lead to burning out, and Geeky hobbies are a way to take your mind off stress and work. People have the misconception that great hobbies require you to spend a lot on them. This isn’t true at all. There are Geeky hobbies you can invest less than $10 dollars in that will grant you a lifetime of satisfaction.  Here in this article, we’ve listed four hobbies that you can get into without having to spend a fortune.

1. Origami

What You Need: Used papers

Cost: Basically nothing

Origami is the art of folding paper. Not only will it develop your creativity, it is a great way to improve your dexterity as well. It can be tough at first, but with practice and the many learning tools available online, you develop the skill. From simple objects such as the iconic crane to more intricate designs such as a dragon, virtually anything can be created. Origami not only teaches you how to create beautiful things out of paper, it instills a sense of discipline and focus as well.

Knot Tying

What You Need: Nylon rope

Cost: $8

There is more to it when it comes to tying and untying a knot. Knot systems are more complex than what we think they are. The average person knows how to tie one kind of not, but there are hundreds out there, each with its own advantage and disadvantage. Since untying a knot requires logic, this hobby provides a person a great set of puzzles as well. Knowing how to tie particular knots can be useful in certain activities such as hiking and camping.

3. Whittling

What You Need: Wood carving knife and spare wood

Cost: $10

Whittling is the art of carving shapes out of raw wood. It is a hobby in which its process is relaxing and its outcome rewarding.  You can start out with simple cuts and then progress to more intricate designs. As you continue to get better, you can take on complex woodworking projects. Whittling also doesn’t take much a space, as item that are carved are usually small. Just make sure to prepare a trash can nearby for the shavings you’ll leave behind. 

4. Lock picking

What You Need: Beginner lock pick set

Cost: $10

Lock picking is a great hobby for the puzzle lover. Beating a lock system and hearing that satisfying click at the end grants a joy like no other. Some locks are easy to pick while others can be challenging. Some may view lock picking as shady, but this just isn’t the case. Someone who has lock picking as a hobby isn’t necessarily trying to break into homes. It’s likely that that they enjoy bypassing locking mechanisms just like they do solving puzzles. Lock picking communities actually discourage criminal-related behavior. And if you are ever in a situation where someone accidentally locked a door, you would be the person for the job.