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Original poster

What are your cheap extravagances

104 replies

DominoLover51 · 06/03/2026 08:21

On the back of the thread about extravagances, I thought I would start one for cherish things that feel like treats. I am on a big money diet at the moment cause I’ve lost some contracts, so I’m really trying to do things to help me feel ok. Disclaimer, I don’t think there is anything wrong with extravagant treats, life is for living.

Anyway, here goes:

Superdrug shower gels, they quite often do limited edition ones. I particularly like Pumpkin Spice and Pear Crumble.

Books for my Kindle from Amazon, quite often only 99p.

Hair dye and lipstick from an Afro-Caribbean shop near me. I’m very happy dying my own hair for £2.99 a month. Lipsticks are also very reasonable and I prefer the colours.

Crochet, wool and a hook don’t cost much. Thrrres loads of tutorials on YouTube.

Duolingo. That’s not really cheap cause it costs me £89.99 a year, but not too bad

Morrisons flavoured teas, Jam Doughnut and Custard Cream are my favourites. Pretty sure they are only about 99p a box.

Aldi nuts. Love the Yeast Extract flavoured mixed nuts and the Salt & Vinegar peanuts. Know they are fattening, but at least they are protein.

OP posts:
JockTamsonsBairns · 10/03/2026 20:29

isthismylifenow · 08/03/2026 11:26

When I was going through my divorce I really was very down and unfortunately also very broke. I also didn't know what I liked to do anymore for me, so I made a pact with myself that once a month I was going to go and do something cheap (preferably free) and something I hadn't done before.

Which led me to lots of different places and doing things, most of the time on my own.

So many have now just stuck as repeats for when I need a pick me up.

I live near a flower market, so this is my go to spot. It's inside a massive building and it has automatic sliding doors to enter. When I stand at the closed door I just wait for it to open and that smell to hit me. It is not something I can describe easily. It's just a hit of the most gorgeous and calming smell. Of fresh flowers and greenery all combined. Then I wander around and always treat myself to a bunch of whatever takes my fancy. Sometimes I come out with a mixed bunch, sometimes proteas, I've even gained a collection of orchids now.

The next is an overnight one. I live also not very far from a Buddhist Temple. They do mediation retreats around once month, Open to any religion. It starts early on a Saturday morning and ends on a late Sunday afternoon. I have been three times now, so next time I'm upgraded from a beginner meditator to intermediatry. I have ADHD so never in a million years did I think I would be able to sit in meditation pose for 30 minutes. But I actually can! I always feel so much lighter and so calm after.

Other things include going for a wander around markets. Charity shops. I also started a small side line business which keeps me busy and I get a bit of spending money from this.
I started to look into skincare more so always keep my ears open for any new product launches and masterclasses as a lot of the time there will be an option to buy a ticket and attend. And then the items you get to take home are always worth more than the ticket price.
I started doing parkrun, although I'm a walker and take my elderly dog. I always feel better after getting out as ours is in a nice tranquil setting.
Once month I also cook a meal which originates from another country. Such a nice way to experiment cooking food with ingredients which are a bit out of my comfort zone. I used to have a globe and used to spin it and closed my eyes and pointed to a spot. Then I'd research some recipes from that country. There have been lots of hits, but also a few fair misses. I pick a bit more randomly now.

This is so lovely to read. I'm in my 50s and also going through a divorce, and have made a pact with myself that I'm going to try out new and interesting things to do.

Not long ago, I took myself off to Ripon for the afternoon and happened upon a canal 'cruise'. Think it was £4.95! There was a kiosk next to it selling drinks etc, so I bought myself a miniature bottle of Nosecco* with a plastic champagne flute. I was the only person on the barge, and I raised my glass to my new life of peace and freedom.

*Recently cut out alcohol so I can appreciate my new chapter better 😊

Karistyleaftea · 10/03/2026 20:41

@isthismylifenow Your description of the doors opening at the Flower market is adorable!
Could I ask where it is please, I would love to go there.

NormasArse · 10/03/2026 20:45

There are 6 charity shops within a two minute walk of my house. I love seeing what new stuff has arrived!

Also, at the moment, tulips. I get a bunch a week.

GameOfJones · 10/03/2026 21:24

FlyingUnicornWings · 08/03/2026 09:14

Do they have a good selection?

My cheap extravagance is Audible. I love audiobooks. I drive 40 minutes to work, and I listen to them before bed so I get through so many. I love mainly history and non-fiction. I’m not sure why but I prefer to actually read my fiction…unless anyone can recommend a good, well read novel on audio?

My other cheap extravagance was a thick fleece from TKMaxx so I can spend more time sitting outside with the dog in winter. With thick socks and my Crocs as I’m so stylish.

I’m really glad you started this thread OP. It’s so lovely reading others cheap extravagances.

Show quote history

Sorry I only just came back to the thread but yes, I think the selection is excellent for free!

For popular books you'll usually have to place a hold but it tells you approximately how long you'll have to wait, what number you are in the queue and you can have five books on hold at a time. It notifies you when one of your hold books is ready but I've never had an issue finding books to listen to that are immediately available whilst I'm waiting for others.

I mainly like non fiction on audio too and read fiction on my Kindle but I recently listened to Blood over Brighthaven by M L Wang on audio and thought it was excellent.

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