The cost of enjoying a night at the movies or dinner at a sit-down restaurant has risen exponentially over the years. At present, most tickets to a first-run movie at your local theater now cost around $10.00 each, and when concessions are added, you may end up spending $35-$50 for two people. Options for home entertainment may be helpful when you are feeling the pinch at the box office. and there are a few strategies you can use to save money on home entertainment no matter what type of content you enjoy.
1. Get a Library Card
Libraries are not only for readers anymore. Many town and city branches carry a huge variety of books, and you can also find new issues of your favorite magazines, DVDs, interactive toys for kids, and music CDs. Because these items are free to borrow, you can treat yourself to hours of entertainment without breaking your household budget. You may even catch the reading bug and discover a new favorite author or genre.
2. Rediscover Board Games
Some board games can make for a rousing good time at your next casual dinner party or with the family. Designate a game night where your friends each suggest a title, then toss them in a bowl or hat where one can be chosen at random. Cards Against Humanity and What Do You Meme are both popular with the Millennial crowd, and if you have young kids, you can introduce them to the classic games you loved as a child, such as Chutes and Ladders.
3. Subscribe To a Premium Music Service
While this may seem costly at first, a streaming premium music service can save you money over time, especially if you buy music often. Not only are millions of songs ready at your fingertips with these services, the premium accounts are affordable at $12-$15 monthly, allowing you to create endless playlists for any occasion. Some services allow you to download songs onto a variety of devices, which gives you access to plenty of music when you are not at home or do not have access to a wireless signal.
4. Cook Together
Cooking can be an exciting and amusing experience when you share it with friends or family. Find a recipe online that you can all agree one or chose one at random from a foodie website. Cooking a meal from scratch is often less expensive than a dinner out, and the added bonus of spending time together with people you love may keep you coming back to this activity each week.
5. Rediscover an Old Hobby
Rediscovering the love of sewing, knitting, drawing, or painting can be an exciting way to pass your free time. Many of these hobbies do not require expensive supplies and you may realize that you never lost the knack for creating. Sewing and knitting may even help you save a bit of money on your clothing or accessories budget, as making gloves, scarves, and hats usually require a simple pattern and can be completed quickly.
6. Bundle a TV Package
If you enjoy television and are currently paying for a number of stations with few extras, consider bundling your current selections with a few movie and sports channels. This will give your family more viewing choices, and you will not have to pay an additional fee to access a first-run movie. for example, DISH packages might include a sampling of the most popular cable networks, a few stations that feature both new and classic movies, and a sports station that features all the current news and sporting events.
7. Have a Potluck Video Game Night
Throwing dinner parties can be expensive, so consider throwing a potluck video game night. Friends can share their favorite dishes and bring over games for a night of food and competition. For some added excitement, you can track the scores and then have a special monthly get-together to determine who is the ultimate video game master.
Home entertainment choices do not have to be stale or uninspired. Take the time to get creative with your choices and include friends and family to make a night in a night of fun.
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