RealtyTrac has released a new report that identifies potential bubble markets based upon three early warning signs.
There has been increased fear of another housing bubble for a while now, with some markets already identified as bubbles and others supposedly suffering from an affordability crisis.
Signs of a possible housing bubble include the following:
– A market that was less affordable in October 2014 than its peak price during the previous bubble between 2005 and 2008 – A market that was less affordable in October 2014 compared to its historical average since 2000 – A market with a rising foreclosure rate on loans originated this year compared to last year
Overall, the price of a median-priced home required 26% of median income in October in 475 counties nationwide.
This compares to a historical average of 28% going back to January 2000, and is still well below the 41% average seen in each county’s peak month during the most recent housing bubble.
In fact, just six counties were deemed less affordable in October than during their peak between 2005 and 2008, thanks in part to higher incomes and low mortgage rates.
The short list includes Suffolk County, Massachusetts, Travis County, Texas, Jefferson County, Alabama, Brazos County, Texas, Allegan County, Michigan, and Montgomery County, Tennessee.
These counties correspond to the metro areas of Boston, Austin, Birmingham, College Station, Grand Rapids, and Clarksville.
However, 21% of counties nationwide are now less affordable than their historic averages, including hot spots like Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco, Dallas, San Antonio, and even parts of Detroit.
Meanwhile, 37% of counties are reporting rising foreclosure rates on loans originated this year compared to last, including places like Chicago, San Diego, Brooklyn, Miami, Las Vegas, and Seattle.
And six percent (30%) of counties are both unaffordable by historic measures and experiencing rising foreclosure rates on recent loans.
This combined problem list includes places like the San Francisco metro area, Suffolk County, Orange County, Honolulu, Denver, the St. George, Utah metro area, and the Bend, Oregon metro area.
RealtyTrac vice president Daren Blomquist noted in the report that affordability and foreclosure rate by loan vintage are key metrics that help determine if a certain market is at risk of another pricing bubble.
He added that about 20% of markets have now surpassed their historical affordability norms, a “strong sign” that a bubble is forming or that appreciation will soon plateau until wages have a chance to catch up.
The fact that foreclosure rates are rising on new loans could be an indication that affordability is once again a concern as buyers stretch themselves too thin.
12% of Counties Have Reached New Home Price Peaks
In October, a total of 58 counties had higher median home prices than their prior peaks seen in 2005 to 2008.
The usual suspects made this list too, including San Fran, New York, Boston, and Denver, along with Charlotte, Raleigh, and Buffalo.
However, low interest rates are keeping homes in these highly sought-after areas affordable. But if rates rise and home prices continue to climb, the story could change in a hurry.
But nearly half (48%) of counties nationwide are still historically affordable and experiencing flat or declining foreclosure rates. So the whole nation isn’t yet at risk of another housing bubble.
The most affordable regions include Lansing, Syracuse, Cincinnati, Atlanta, and Buffalo.
There’s clearly some divergence in terms of affordability and home price peaks. Put another way, some areas of the country are experiencing new all-time highs but are still historically affordable.
The concerning thing is the unaffordable places, especially at a time when interest rates have never been lower. It doesn’t bode well for them or those at new highs, unless interest rates stay low forever.
Read more: When will the next housing crash take place?
I discuss the risk of a housing bubble from time to time because let’s face it; it’s always going to be a concern in this day and age.
Real estate has become extremely speculative, and with that comes quicker highs and lows. So when’s the next bubble coming, you ask?
In the past, I’ve written that some housing markets may have already experienced a new bubble since the latest outright crisis, while others may simply be suffering from an affordability crisis.
There’s also an early warning system for housing bubbles now.
Regardless of these opinions, with the home price gains we’ve realized since the housing bust, there’s certainly reason enough to worry.
After all, when home prices swing markedly higher in such a short period of time, it’s not unreasonable to expect some giving back.
Housing Market Healthiest Since 2001
Believe it or not, the housing market is apparently the healthiest it has been since 2001. In fact, it hasn’t ever been healthier, per the Leading Index of Healthy Housing Markets (LIHHM) from Nationwide, which began 14 years ago.
The current value of the LIHHM is 109.8, up slightly from a quarter earlier but well above the 100 “breakeven value.” In other words, there’s little risk at the moment. And if anything, more upside ahead for the housing market.
Put another way, the reading means we have little reason to worry about a downturn over the next year, despite the recent home price gains.
In fact, none of the nation’s largest metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) are in negative territory, and just six are neutral.
Further, only two MSAs in the nation are negative (Bismarck, ND and Atlantic City, NJ), and they’re even close to being neutral.
Interestingly, the only thing really holding back the market from being even healthier is “a continued tight mortgage lending environment,” per Nationwide’s associated Health of Housing Markets (HoHM) Report.
But with new low down payment options like the Fannie 97 LTV mortgage and existing programs from the VA, FHA, and USDA, it would seem that might not be an issue any longer.
For the record, the LIHHM is based on four factors, including:
1. Employment 2. Demographics 3. Mortgage Market 4. House Prices
A score between 75 and 125 is possible, with 100 being neutral. There are also performance ratings for each MSA, from -4 (very negative) to +4 (very positive).
Predict the Future by Looking at the Past
Take a look at the map above. As you can see, much of the country is currently in the green, which is a good thing. As previously mentioned, there are just two negative (red) spots in the country, and they are only at -1, not -4.
And those tan colors are all neutral zones.
Now look at the map below, which is the same map from the fourth quarter of 2005.
Full of red, some neutral, and just a few green spots in places like Texas.
The national index fell below 100 in early 2005, recovered somewhat in 2006 (while staying below 100), and then kept dropping until 2010.
During that time the housing market was a mess, so this indicator has actually proven itself in the past.
Assuming it continues to be accurate, we don’t have any pressing concerns at the moment because the current map looks a lot better than it did in 2005, just before the real estate market began to peak and then crash.
Furthermore, there seems to be a time lag between when the map turns red and when home prices take a hit.
It went red in 2005, but home prices continued to rise before peaking in 2006 and 2007. Additionally, home prices didn’t really rebound until 2012, despite the LIHHM reading hitting 100 at the start of 2011.
Using that logic, there’s still plenty of time before we need to really start worrying again…
Despite what many have referred to as a clear or even robust housing recovery, most Americans continue to believe that we are still in the midst of a housing crisis.
A new survey released today by the MacArthur Foundation titled, “How Housing Matters,” found that 41% of Americans think we’re “still in the middle” of the housing crisis that began back in 2008 when unsustainable home prices came crashing down.
Another 20% believe “the worst is yet to come,” meaning nearly two-thirds of Americans aren’t convinced that the carnage related to shoddy mortgages and overpriced homes is over.
However, these numbers are down from a year earlier when they stood at 70% collectively, and much better than the 77% who held those views in 2013.
Meanwhile, 55% of respondents said they had to make at least one sacrifice/tradeoff in the past three years to pay their rent or mortgage, with many having to work more, stop saving for retirement, or move to areas considered less safe.
Even if they did want to buy a home, 60% said it was a challenge to find an affordable property in their community, up from 59% in 2014.
In fact, eight in 10 Americans believe housing affordability is a problem, with 60% calling it a very (36%) or fairly (24%) serious problem. Consider the fact that mortgage rates were probably around record lows when the respondents were surveyed in May…
But maybe that’s just how they feel, and not the reality of the situation.
There’s also a widespread belief that banks are foreclosing more these days and that accumulating wealth via homeownership (building home equity) is no longer as tenable as it used to be.
The one sliver of good news is that more Americans perceive homeownership as appealing again as a long-term investment.
Back in the 2013 survey, 57% of the public said purchasing a home was becoming less appealing, but in the latest survey 56% said they felt it was an excellent long-term investment.
Along with that, about seven in 10 continue to aspire to become homeowners, and 43% of non-owners consider a home purchase a “fairly to very high priority.”
Buy When You’re Scared
Here’s the problem. If you fret about the state of housing until it looks like a sure bet, you’ll probably lose. And that might mean losing a second time if you followed this logic during the prior boom.
It actually makes more sense to buy things like stocks and real estate when pessimism is still in the air. That’s when opportunity is at its best.
When nobody is worried, bubbles tend to be on the horizon and price drops will soon follow.
The unfortunate thing is most investors and Wall Street bulk buyers have already gotten in at bargain basement prices when the general public was still reeling from the crash.
Chances are they’ll unload when the American public’s fear finally subsides, at a time when prices are perhaps just within reach for many Americans.
This probably explains why we tend to repeat history over and over. The smart money gets in cheap, sells it to those who can’t afford it, and then we have a crisis on our hands.
The silver lining is that pessimism remains in today’s real estate market, meaning there’s still upside potential despite the recent double-digit gains.
For the past year, I’ve been looking for a book to recommend for novice investors, a book that would offer sensible advice without becoming too technical. I believe I’ve finally found that book — The Four Pillars of Investing,
In the book, William Bernstein describes how to build a winning investment portfolio. He doesn’t focus on the details — he tries to explain fundamental concepts so that readers will be able to make smart investment decisions on their own.
Successful investments, he says, are build upon four “pillars”:
a knowledge of investment theory
an understanding of the history of investing
insight into the psychology of investing
an awareness of the business of investing
These topics sound dry and dull, but I found the book lively and engaging. It’s not an easy book — there are passages that require the reader’s full attention — but generally the author presents essential information without making it too complicated. Best of all, his advice is sound.
Pillar One: The Theory of Investing
Bernstein begins by offering a brief overview of investment theory. This may sound intimidating, but it’s not. The author presents the material in a way that makes sense, even to an average guy like me.
The most important concept in investing is that risk and return are inextricably intertwined. If you want to obtain higher returns, you must face the prospect of higher losses. If you want to avoid the risk of losing money, you must reduce the chance of higher returns. Bernstein stresses this point:
High investment returns cannot be earned without taking substantial risk. Safe investments produce low returns.
If somebody offers you that an investment is safe and offers very high returns, they either don’t know what they’re talking about or they’re trying to scam you.
Howvever, the risk of an investment can be reduced by holding it for a very long time. The longer you own a risky asset (like a stock, for example), the less the chance of a loss. You can also diversify your portfolio — own other assets — in order to reduce risk.
Bernstein notes that past performance is no guarantee of future results. Everywhere in the investment industry, the performance of mutual funds is cited as a reason to purchase them. The author suggests this is crazy, and that regression toward the mean makes it likely that stocks and mutual funds with high returns in the past will have low returns in the future. The opposite is also true — poor performing investments are likely to improve in time. (This is only a general tendency, and not a hard-and-fast rule.)
If anything, the short-term returns from individual investments seem random. Bernstein writes that there is almost no evidence that professional money managers can regularly pick winning stocks. (Warren Buffett is an exception.) There is absolutely no evidence that anyone can time the market. Because of these facts, Bernstein argues that the most reliable way to obtain a satisfying investment return is to use index funds.
Pillar Two: The History of Investing
How many investment books do you know with sections about financial history? Bernstein devotes 36 pages to the subject, and it’s fascinating. By looking at centuries of information about financial markets, one can learn valuable lessons. For example, the Dot-Com Bubble of the late-1990s had many precedents in investment history. Bernstein cites famous bubbles from the past, including the South Sea Bubble of 1720.
But irrational exuberance isn’t the only problem investors face. Sometimes the markets are irrationally gloomy, depressing prices for prolonged periods. Bernstein writes:
The most profitable thing we can learn from the history of booms and busts is that at times of great optimism, future returns are lowest; when things look bleakest, future returns are highest. Since risk and return are just different sides of the same coin, it cannot be any other way.
By understanding the history of investing, you can make more considered, rational choices. Familiarity with the history of investing might have prevented (or at least mitigated) the recent tech and housing bubbles.
Pillar Three: The Psychology of Investing
“You are your own worst enemy,” Bernstein writes. The number one impact on your investments is you. He explains that diversification and indexing are the most reliable methods to obtain long-term investment success.
“If indexing works so well,” he writes, “why do so few investors take advantage of it? Because it’s boring.” Many people believe investing should be exciting. But that’s not the case.
Bernstein provides a list of techniques to deal with psychological pitfalls:
Recognize that the conventional wisdom is usually wrong. Don’t participate in herd behavior that exacerbates booms and busts.
Don’t become overconfident. Don’t believe that you’re smarter than the market.
Ignore the past ten years. Recent performance has little bearing on the future of a particular stock or mutual fund.
Avoid “exciting” investments. You shouldn’t invest for entertainment. This isn’t gambling. You invest to protect and grow your principal.
Don’t let short-term losses affect your long-term strategy. Too many people panic at the first sign of trouble.
Know that the overall performance of your investment portfolio is more important than any single part. You will have investments that decline in value from year-to-year. Diversification helps to mitigate these losses.
As with the history “pillar,” just being aware of the psychological component to investing can help prevent some mistakes.
Pillar Four: The Business of Investing
In the fourth section of the book, Bernstein demonstrates how the financial industry is designed to part you from your money. Brokerage fees, mutual fund expenses, and taxes all produce heavy “drag” on your financial portfolio. A smart investor does her best to reduce all three.
But there are other enemies lurking in the wings, too. Inflation is the silent destroyer of money. Meanwhile, traditional financial journalism tends to hype hot mutual funds and brokerage houses — spreading what some people call “financial pornography” — in order to boost sales. Bernstein notes:
You can only write so many articles that say, “buy the market, keep your costs down, and don’t get too fancy,” before it starts to get very old.
So the magazines and newspapers resort to sensationalism. He says that in generalyou’re better off ignoring the financial media. Financial experts don’t know where the market is going or why. Educate yourself and make your own decisions based on market performance.
Related >> Investing 101: A primer on mutual funds
Putting It All Together
After introducing his four pillars of investing, Bernstein explains how to use them to build a stable financial “house.” In fact, if I had read the chapter “Will You Have Enough?” before last Tuesday, I might never have posted my thoughts on retirement and financial independence; the book gives some advice on planning how much you’ll need for retirement.
Related >> Thoughts on Retirement and Financial Independence
In the end, Bernstein summarizes the fundamental message of his book:
With relatively little effort, you can design and assemble an investment portfolio that, because of its wide diversification and minimal expense, will prove superior to most professionally managed accounts. Great intelligence and good luck are not required. The essential characteristics of the successful investor are discipline and stamina to, in the words of John Bogle, “stay the course”.
I’ve read a lot recently about individual investors who try to beat the market. Some are able to do so in the short-term, but few are able to do this consistently in the long-term. Some use Warren Buffett as an example of an individual investor who has been able to achieve stellar returns. Buffett has worked full-time for more than fifty years to achieve these fantastic results. And even Buffett believes that 99% of investors would be better off choosing index funds.
Final Thoughts
I am not Warren Buffett. I don’t have the time, skill, or inclination to pick winning stocks. I’m willing to “settle” for spending a few hours a year constructing a portfolio of index funds that will do better in the long-term than the results achieved by most professional money managers.
The Four Pillars of Investing is challenging in places, but it provides an excellent introduction to the theory, history, psychology, and business of investing. If you’re just getting started, borrow this book from the library. Stick with it. If you’re able to finish, you’ll have a better grasp of investing than 99% of your peers.
Thoughtful gift-giving takes time, especially if you are going to make the gift yourself. So here is a list for you, in plenty of time, so you can get started planning budget Christmas gifts this year.
Food Gifts with Wow-Factor
For the most part, food gifts can be made individually or in batches if you want to give something small to a large number of people. Obviously, with food items, you should wait until much closer to Christmas to make them, but it’s a great idea to start looking for the other items you’ll need for these gifts like mason jars, baskets, and ribbon so you can buy them on sale.
Of course, if you want to get some practice in so you can perfect your gifts, it’s much better to start now anyway! Many of these gifts are great for other occasions too, by the way. Recipes for most of the food presents can be found on Pinterest and elsewhere, but here are some ideas to get your taste buds thinking.
1. Made-from-scratch cookie kits. Get the dry ingredients of your favorite cookie recipes together, along with some mason jars, note cards, and country-style ribbons. Layer all the dry ingredients in the mason jars and screw the lids on tightly, print the recipe on note cards using an old-fashioned kind of font, and tie them to the jars with ribbon.
2. Themed food-gift baskets. Will you can your own pasta sauce over the summer? Use a colander for a basket, add some garlic bulbs, gourmet noodles, and a wooden spoon — a little taste of Italy.
Make a breakfast basket (syrup and pancake mix), a movie basket (popcorn, candy, and a movie rental coupon), or a gardening basket (a trowel, a gardening hat, and some packets of seeds).
3. Homemade granola. Low-cost, basic ingredients turn into toasted goodness and don’t require a fancy kitchen to prepare. Granola blends can be customized easily to suit your taste by adding different ingredients like raisins, nuts, cinnamon, dried cranberries or cherries, sunflowers seeds, coconut, wheat germ, etc. Begin with a couple of mini-batches to fiddle with your recipe until you are satisfied with the result.
4. Homemade truffles. Like homemade granola, homemade truffles can be tweaked to your preferences. Chocolate raspberry or strawberries and cream are just two examples. And you can cover them with all sorts of deliciousness like crushed nuts, mints, or toffee bits. Upside? Yum! Downside? They should be made only a short time before giving, and eaten soon after.
5. Gingerbread houses. Give them to the little kids (and the big kids) in your life. You can find gingerbread house kits or, if you bake, you can certainly build a better house from scratch. Make it a party! Invite friends or family to join in the decorating and then donate some to a local senior center.
6. Homemade almond roca or other Christmas candies. Never heard of almond roca? How does a mixture of sugar, almonds, butter, and chocolate sound? That’s what I thought. If you don’t make almond roca, any other type of Christmas candy will be fine too!
7. Freezer meals. If you have someone on your Christmas list who is in a busy season of life (working two jobs, attending college, or adjusting to life with a new baby), they would appreciate freezer meals. Package up a few of your favorite casseroles, clearly labeled with cooking instructions, and you’ll have someone’s gratitude for life. For an extra-nice touch, package the meals in reusable containers.
8. Infused olive oils.An infused olive oil can add interesting undertones to dishes. Infuse them with spices, herbs, citrus, or nuts. These infused oils need to be stored in the refrigerator, so include storage instructions with the oils.
9. Infused Vinegars. Add another layer of complexity to dishes with infused vinegars. Infuse vinegar for two to four weeks with berries or herbs and package them in interesting bottles. Now is the time to look for inexpensive, beautiful bottles.
10. Other food ideas. If you have any food specialty (homemade bread, canned goods, or cookies, for example), most people would love it.
11. Gourmet salt assortment. Buy large containers of a variety of unique salts (you may have to visit a gourmet food store), and then divide the salts into small Ziploc bags. Be sure to label the bags to include a bit of info about each variety. (You can create similar gifts with other items, of course!)
12. Spice sampler. Bulk spices can make an affordable and appreciated gift for anyone who loves to cook, or who is moving into a new kitchen. Don’t know which spices to choose? Find some tempting recipes that call for exotic spices, then include the recipes with the spices. Or, get creative and make a custom spice blend for a meat rub, marinade mix, salad dressing kit, dip, or seasoning.
13. Homemade vanilla. Homemade vanilla is simple to make, but it does take some time. Split three vanilla beans in half with a sharp knife, place in a clean glass jar, and then cover with vodka. Store the jar in a cool, dark place and don’t forget to shake it every so often. Although the vanilla extract is ready after six to eight weeks, you can continue the process for darker vanilla, if desired.
14. Food of the month. If you enjoy cooking or baking, how about giving someone a membership to your own “food of the month” club? (Never mind that they are your only member and you just made it up.) You can make a different kind of food each month or keep the same general theme (dessert, maybe?). This is a gift that will bring joy all year.
15. Flavored hot chocolate. Homemade hot chocolate is delicious and simple to make. For extra pizazz, add flavors like butterscotch, mint, or cinnamon, just to name a few.
16. Homemade marshmallows. For flavor so much better than you can buy, make homemade marshmallows for someone on your list!
17. Flavored sugars. For a special gift, make flavored sugars! Adding lemon or orange zest, a vanilla bean, or lavender to sugar can impart complex notes to baked goods. Package the sugar in cute jars, paired with a fun label.
18. Salted caramel sauce. Ah, salted caramel sauce. How can something with just four ingredients (cream, butter, sugar, and salt) be so good? And so versatile? (Eat it with a spoon, on ice cream, over cinnamon rolls, or with apples.)
This should be stored for just about two weeks in the refrigerator, so don’t make it too far ahead of Christmas or you might be tempted to eat it yourself!
19. Homemade eggnog. While homemade eggnog (if you like eggnog, that is) is absolutely delicious, it doesn’t keep long in the refrigerator — and not just because it tastes terrific. If you make this, prepare by getting your ingredients ahead of time, but don’t make it until the day of (or a day before) your gift exchange.
Frugal Gifts with Free/Used/Cheap Stuff
Even though these ideas don’t cost a lot of money, they do require time and thought to implement something that is sure to make your recipient feel special.
20. Personal gift certificates. In essence, these are gifts of time, but they make great gifts. Give new parents a gift certificate for a night of babysitting so they can enjoy a night on the town. Are you good with computers? Give your brother-in-law a gift certificate for free computer repairs.
21. Love coupons. This gift is similar to coupon books or gift certificates but is targeted to your significant other. Let your recipient redeem a coupon for a dinner out, for a back rub, or for an evening together watching their favorite movie.
22. Helping hand. This is also similar to making a coupon book. If you notice your father-in-law’s landscaping is overgrown, offer to spend a Saturday as a gift. If your daughter’s closets are out of control, she might appreciate help with organizing too. Perhaps an aging family member needs your help sorting through household goods in preparation for an estate sale or moving into a care facility.
The wonderful thing about handmade gifts, no matter how frugal, is the thought that goes into the making. Katie O’Connor
23. Up-cycled old tins. Here is a fun way to breathe new life into last year’s Christmas cookie tin. Find some spray paint (leftover from another project, preferably) and spray over the old Christmas scene. This could be the packaging for other Christmas gifts mentioned here too.
24. Teach a skill. Do you have useful skills? Someone on your list may want access to your sewing or carpentry skills. Don’t overlook things like bike repair, baking, gardening, or your financial know-how. Sometimes we have a blind eye to our own assets. Ask a friend to tell you which of your skills may be in demand and then figure out how to offer this skill to others.
25. Finish a project. Who doesn’t have an unfinished craft project somewhere or a remodeling or gardening project that isn’t finished? These undone wonders are just waiting for someone with the time to finish them.
If you are a knitter, for instance, you could offer to complete that pair of mittens for a family member. Or maybe the weekend carpenter on your list got everything done on the remodeling project except for trimming out the windows. Your offer to help finish the project would help both of you!
26. Framed page from favorite children’s books. Are some of your favorite books from your childhood falling apart? Well-loved books, read hundreds of times, tend to fall into disrepair. But framing a page from a favorite childhood book can help the book (and the memories) live on.
27. Create a secret old book. Find a cheap, musty, old classic at your nearby Goodwill or used bookstore. Glue the pages together, and use an X-Acto knife to hollow out the center of the book. Now the recipient can store his or her treasures!
28. Holiday recipe booklet. Create a collection of your favorite holiday recipes, and then include it with a small assortment of samples.
29. Artwork display frame. Frames are often expensive, so look for out-dated paintings at thrift stores. Keep the frame; toss the painting. Any of your farmer friends might have some chicken wire to spare, so take the old frame and staple chicken wire to the back. Include a package of tiny clothespins with your gift so photos or artwork can be attached.
30. Personalized dishes. Another fun way to use an old white plate or tray is to make a customized platter/plate. Write words or draw patterns on the plate with colored Sharpies. Then, bake the plate at 250 degrees for about 20 minutes to make your artwork permanent.
31. Teacup candles! You’ll need craft-store wicks, wax (or old candles) that can be melted down, old teacups, and maybe a fragrance or two. Pretty single teacups (with or without saucers) can often be found at thrift stores for less than a dollar.
Melt the wax in a double boiler, add a fragrance if desired, then support the wick standing in the teacup while carefully filling the cup with wax. As the wax cools, it will contract and form a well. You can add more melted wax of the same color or add a second shade. Beware of cups with obvious cracking; the hot wax may cause them to shatter.
Arts and Crafts — and a Hodgepodge of Mod Podge
With even the most basic artistic skills, you can create budget Christmas gifts. Here is a list of possibilities to trigger your creativity.
32. Homemade hand warmer. Live in a cold climate? Give your friends the gift of warmth with a homemade hand warmer you personally made for them. If you know how to make a beanbag, you know how to make a hand warmer. Use wool, cashmere or felt material; but instead of filling the bags with beans, fill them with ceramic pie weights. To use these toasty treasures, simply microwave them for a couple of minutes and then slip them in your pockets.
33. Tote bag pocket inserts. For those with decent sewing skills, make a tote bag even more user-friendly by sewing an insertable pocket for tote bags. Attaching the pocket to the tote bag straps from the inside will hold the pocket in place while creating another area of storage in the bag.
34. Sweater bag or pillow. Breathe new life into an old sweater by turning it into a bag or a pillow!
35. Microwavable heating pad. Another simple sewing project? This makes a nice gift for an elderly person. Make a microwavable heating pad by sewing fabric into a rectangle. Fill with rice (and a few drops of essential oils if you have some).
36. Felted penguin or other animal. What could be cuter than a felted penguin or other animal? Various tutorials online give detailed instructions which require roving and a special felting needle. Who wouldn’t want a cute replica of their favorite pet, anyway?
37. Sewing kit. An old eyeglass case makes a great case to house a portable sewing kit. Add needles, spare buttons, thread, a pincushion, and scissors!
38. Scrap fabric garland. Here’s a use for old scraps of fabric. Take strips of fabric and fold them in half, cutting more strips. Just don’t cut all the way to the fold, because you would ruin the “streamer” effect. Tie the fabric onto a piece of twine or lace.
39. Pompom garland. Make pompoms out of yarn. Obviously, customize the size and color to your preferences. Once the pompoms are complete, you can thread them together with heavy thread and a needle. Or you can make different threads or strings of pompoms and hang them vertically. These make great gifts for anyone that needs to decorate on a budget.
40. Memory drawing. If you can draw, make a simple drawing of a memory you have that involves the recipient. Maybe it’s something you did together or places you visited together. Frame it and gift. The great thing about this (besides being cheap) is that you can give it multiple times to the same person. They will have a growing collection of memory drawings from you.
41. Personalized gifts of art. If you are an artist, create small paintings or other personalized gifts of art that you make. Do you dabble in photography? A framed print of your nephew might be the perfect gift for your sister-in-law.
42. Travel brochure. If you have graphic design skills, a travel brochure for a child in your life is a fun gift. Customize it by photoshopping the recipient onto cheap stock photos of world landmarks, such as the Great Wall, so it looks like he’s traveled the world.
43. Decorative pinecones. To make pinecones for Christmas decor, gather up a few (free) pinecones. After making sure they’re bug- and dirt-free, spray them with white spray paint. While the paint is still wet, liberally dust them with white or silver glitter.
44. Burlap Christmas acorns. For another Christmas decor idea, make burlap acorns out of Easter eggs. Get some plastic Easter eggs (bigger is better) and spray paint them. Next, cover the egg with burlap using glue. Top the acorn with twine wound around the top.
45. Felt-backed tile trivets. You can find lots of beautiful tile designs at the home-improvement store. Sometimes the end of a lot can be had at a deep discount. Using a hot-glue gun, add a layer of felt to the back of a tile, and you have a useful trivet for bringing a hot dish to the table.
46. Personalized mirrors. Buy small mirrors. (Try Ikea for a bunch of the smallish mirrors.) Once you have a word that describes your recipient (“Gorgeous!” “Intelligent!”), pick a font. If you have a cutting tool that will cut out the font, by all means, use it! But if you don’t, print out the words and trace them onto contact paper. Use some glass etching glaze to etch the words onto the mirrors. Add some cheap rhinestones to glitz up the mirrors for the girls or a masculine etched pattern for the boys. Finish them off by attaching ribbon and twine so that they can be hung easily.
47. Photo lampshade. Look for a lamp at garage sales and, once you find a really cheap one, you can make a neat memento by either hot-gluing pictures to the outside of the lampshade or printing pictures off onto vellum. Then glue the vellum onto the lampshade. (Vellum is not always easy to handle so be careful!)
48. Blue jean aprons. Don’t let your worn out jeans go to waste. Use the fabric to make aprons. Many tutorials can be found online in many different styles, and they are perfect for both children and adults.
49. Vintage lace bowl. Okay, maybe you don’t like the look of crocheted doilies draped across the back of an easy chair, so here’s another way to display these amazing old-fashioned beauties! Mix equal parts of white glue and water. Submerge a doily in the glue mixture, then mold the doily over a bowl, glass jar, or blown-up balloon. Smooth out the wrinkles, let it dry, and when you remove it — viola! — a DIY vintage lace bowl! If desired, you may also dye the doily before submerging it in the glue.
50. Personalized cards. You can make more than gifts. Making your own cards is a great money-saver. Buy boxes of 50 assorted bright-color cards from a craft store such as Michael’s. Use leftover paper scraps and stickers to decorate them.
51. Photo Cubes. Create your own photo cubes by buying large cubes and using Mod Podge to affix family photos on all sides.
52. Tile photo coasters. Cut pictures to a slightly smaller size than small white tiles. Use Mod Podge to adhere the photos to the tiles. Once you have used enough Mod Podge, spray tiles with a moisture-proof sealant. Glue felt to the bottom of the tiles.
53. Photo Accordion. These are great as coffee table books. Create a photo accordion by folding up cardstock like an accordion and gluing photos to the cardstock. If you have woodworking skills, you could hinge thin pieces of wood together and use Mod Podge to glue the pictures on the wood.
54. Marble magnets. You can pick up all of the supplies (flat-bottomed marbles, Mod Podge, and magnets) at your local craft store. Use patterned scrapbook paper or words from old dictionaries or pictures from magazines. Whatever you use, cut it to be slightly smaller than the marble, Mod Podge it on the bottom of the marble, and then hot glue the magnet to the bottom of the marble.
55. Rustic cork coasters. Save the corks from your favorite wine bottles and make rustic cork coasters. Find old small picture frames and glue the corks on them. Commemorate your special events this way too.
56. Cork bulletin board. Wine corks also make great bulletin boards. Find a frame that is deep enough to accommodate the corks and then decide on a pattern. Use a glue gun to glue the corks in place.
57. Homemade garden markers. For the gardener on your list, make homemade garden markers using anything from painted rocks to old spoons, wooden spoons, or even popsicle sticks! Give them blank or label the markers ahead of time.
58. Chalkboard paint spice jars. What an amazing invention chalkboard paint is! Paint the lids of glass baby food jars with chalkboard paint to make spice jars. You can write on each lid with a chalk marker or include a marker with a set of spice jars as part of your gift.
59. Chalkboard cheese tray. Another great use for chalkboard paint is to make a chalkboard cheese tray. Find an old tray at a thrift store and paint the bottom of it with chalkboard paint. When serving cheese, the recipient can write on the tray, labeling the different kinds of cheeses.
60. Chalkboard menu/message plate. Yet another use for chalkboard paint and one of those ubiquitous plates you find at thrift stores: Make a chalkboard plate for messages or to announce the menu of the day. Cover the plate with chalkboard paint and then write a message for each recipient.
61. Christmas stockings. Sew a Christmas stocking out of felt or vintage fabric. While sewing a Christmas stocking is slightly more complicated than making bean bags, it is still an easy project and might be treasured for years!
62. Travel cord roll. When traveling (or even at home), do the cords for your electronic devices get tangled up? Make a travel cord roll.
Sew pockets for different cords, or loops of elastic to hold the cords in place. Once the cords are in place, the fabric can be rolled up and neatly stowed away in the luggage.
63. Fabric bookmarks. Another use of fabric scraps is to make bookmarks. You can cut two pieces of fabric, along with interfacing. Fuse the interfacing to the fabric and then sew the two pieces of fabric together. Embellish it with a ribbon, if desired.
64. Fabric memo boards. The recipient of your gift can display their photographs on a fabric memo board that matches their decor. First, find an old canvas or thin piece of wood. Cover it with batting and fabric. Pulling the fabric taut, staple it to the back of the board. Arrange your ribbons in the desired pattern and staple again in the back. Buttons can be hot-glued where the ribbons cross.
65. Painted canning jars. These gifts are interesting to look at. Paint the jars with chalkboard paint, followed by 2-3 coats of acrylic paint. For a more transparent look, add food coloring to white glue and paint.
66. Practical hot pad. For a practical gift, hot glue small stones to a circular piece of felt. This hot pad can be used daily — and every time it’s used, they’ll think of you!
67. Scrabble ornaments. Make personalized ornaments out of ribbon and Scrabble letters. Spell Christmas-themed words or the recipient’s name with Scrabble letters and hot-glue them to a doubled ribbon.
68. Fabric camera strap cover. For the photographer in your life, a camera strap cover can make taking pictures much more comfortable if it’s made out of soft or fun fabric.
69. DIY reusable grocery bag. Used t-shirts or other used clothing can make a handy reusable grocery or gym bag. Search the Web for sites with sewing instructions, if needed.
Sentimental/Family Gifts that Touch the Heart
Gifts that celebrate family memories or honor a loved one who has passed away may not cost much to make, but they are truly priceless. Remember, just because it’s a budget Christmas gifts doesn’t mean it can’t be a very special gift!
70. Christmas-past scrapbook. Find an old, tattered book. Remove the pages, but keep the book cover (hard-cover only). Use rings to fill it with old Christmas cards or photos of family.
71. Write your family history. For a gift that is priceless (but costs very little), enlist your family members to write a family history. Pick a topic (family vacations?), and ask each family member to write about it. Ask the patriarch and matriarch of the family to contribute their life histories.
One person plays “editor,” collecting the stories, and presenting them all together for Christmas. This gift costs nothing, unless you choose to make fancy copies or books. It does take a little time if you want to contribute quality. It will, however, carry a lasting value unmatched by any tangible gifts or even experiential gifts!
72. Family trivia game. Make up a family trivia game with questions that help start conversations or help others remember special events with family members. The gift part of this? Deeper relationships, fun, and you could even hand out monetary prizes!
73. Memory Jar. For an extra thoughtful gift that costs almost nothing, create a memory jar. Start now by contacting friends and family members and asking them to send memories and old pictures of the person who will receive your memory jar. Write one memory (or printed one picture) on each of 365 business card sized pieces of cardstock. Fold each in half and secure with a bit of tape, then place them all in a big, decorated jar. Every morning for the next year, the recipient can take out a card, open it, and see what other people cherished in him or her.
74. Framed sentiments. For the word lover on your list, make framed dictionary words. Using a heart punch, cut words out of an old dictionary that describe your loved one (thoughtful, kind, spontaneous?) and frame the words.
75. Memory Pillows. Even if you have very basic sewing skills, you have the ability to make a memory pillow for someone on your list. If you have a loved one (or one of your friend’s has a loved one) who has recently passed away, get one of their old shirts and create a memory pillow out it.
76. Frame family recipes. Does your grandmother have a box of faded, old recipes that have been in the family for a few decades? For a sentimental gift, frame them and give them as gifts to other family members.
77. Personalized calendars. Family dates, such as, birthdays and anniversaries, are hard to keep track of, especially as families grow. You can make personalized calendars online by adding special dates and pictures of family members. Or you can buy calendar blanks or use a template from a program.
78. Family cookbook. This is a good gift for a big family. Get everyone together for a recipe day. You could even include some time to make the recipes! Then print and bind the recipes. (You can do this at an office supply store, for example, or use a 3-ring binder to easily add recipes later.)
Fun and Thoughtful Gifts by Kids/for Kids
79. Art binder. If you have children who love to draw or color pictures, you probably ran out of refrigerator real estate months ago. What about giving a child an old binder that you have decorated with special paper or stickers and filled with plastic page protectors? That way, they can save any artwork in one place.
80. Letter art. Buy the first letter of your child’s name at a craft store. Personalize it with fabric or paint it yourself, or let your children personalize letters for their siblings.
81. Fancy notebook. Take a regular composition notebook and glue special paper on the cover. Then add stickers, washi tape, and any other fun stuff you have that you like.
82. Help your child (or anyone) open an online savings account. Planting a little bit of cash in a savings account now can yield a lot of fruit in the future — not to mention the ongoing opportunity to teach someone about the benefits of saving.
83. Photo storybook. Sites like Shutterfly and Snapfish often run good deals on their photo books. The child could take their own pictures, you could help upload them to the site, and they could write a few sentences per page. Presto! They have a book they can keep about a special vacation or memory! The gift could be paying for the photo storybook or the child can make the book to be given to someone else.
84. Felt food toy. Buy different colors of sheets of felt. Cut objects out of felt (lettuce, hamburger, bun, tomato slice, for instance) and let the child put them together to make a hamburger or a slice of pizza. Give these as gifts to young children that are learning about food preparation.
85. Homemade bubble mix. Kids are attracted to dirt: making mud pies, playing in sandboxes, and getting grass stains. And that’s all good. But when your washing machine needs a break, how about some clean homemade bubbles?
Simple recipes abound online. For most recipes, you’ll need water (4 ½ c.), liquid dish soap (1/2 c.), and vegetable glycerin (4 T.). Mix gently. When kids give these as gifts to their friends, there is instant delight (and hours of fun)!
86. Homemade beanbags. These toys are easy to make. Get some scraps of cotton material, sew together, and fill with dried beans. Children enjoy selecting the fabric, filling the beanbags, and making up games to play with them.
87. Homemade playdoh. Combine 1 c. flour, 1 T. vegetable oil, 1 c. water, ½ c. salt, 2 t. cream of tartar in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. When mixture forms into a ball, turn off the heat and knead with hands (when cool). If desired, add a few drops of food coloring. Store in an airtight container and let your children give them as gifts to their friends and younger siblings.
88. Homemade sidewalk chalk. This gift is easy to make. Mix 1 c. of Plaster of Paris to ¾ c. of water. Add in the desired amount of powdered tempera paint. If you have molds, use those to make fun shapes. If not, you can make your own molds out of toilet paper tubes, duct tape, and wax paper.
89. Muffin tin crayons. Did your child come home with lots of broken, paperless crayons when school was over for the summer? Before tossing them, use them to make muffin tin crayons. You can make these crayons all one color or camouflage. Just use your imagination! You can place them in a muffin tin and bake at 250 degrees for about 10-20 minutes, or until the top layer has melted.
90. Memory games. Make your own memory game cardboard boxes that you save (from cereal boxes, perhaps?) and glue paper on top. If you have some artistic ability, you can draw animals or food objects (just make sure there are two of each!) or you can search online for templates. Cut squares as large as you prefer. Color the pictures, if needed.
91. Geoboards. Have a child who needs to learn letters or shapes? Make them a geoboard! You can make this as fancy as you want to, but first, start off with a rectangle of scrap wood (or you can purchase this at a craft store). If you don’t feel like measuring out where each peg will go, you can put a piece of graph paper over the wood. Decide how close you want the pegs to be. Your pegs can be push pins or small nails (although nails could be painful) and you’ll hammer these in according to the pattern you have determined. Give these with a package of rubber bands for immediate play!
92. Toddler busy book. (Parents of toddlers may enjoy this gift more than the toddler.) A toddler busy book (or quiet book) is a book that you can customize with different activities. One method is using a 3-ring binder and heavy paper. On one page, you could glue objects of different textures (cotton balls, sandpaper, aluminum foil, etc.). A different page may have shapes made out of foam or felt glued to the page, with the same shapes NOT glued to the page. The child then has to match the loose shapes to the glued shapes. If you have sewing skills, you can sew a book out and use felt, Velcro, and other materials.
93. Sensory bin/basket. Creating a sensory bin/basket may be as simple as packaging up some rice or dried beans, along with the child’s own set of measuring cups or measuring spoons. But check out Pinterest for other ideas.
94. Bathtub crayons. Playing with anything in the bathtub is good fun because it washes away easily! To try these crayons for bath time: Mix 1 c. grated Ivory soap, ¼ c. warm water, and food coloring together until the mixture begins to stiffen. Then, knead until mixture resembles very thick dough. Spoon mixture into cookie cutters, then place the cookie cutters into the freezer for about 10 minutes. Pop the crayons out of the cookie cutters and allow to dry overnight.
95. Salt dough ornaments. To make salt dough ornaments, mix 2 c. flour and 1 c. salt. Add 1 c. water, a little bit at a time. Once all the water is added, knead up to 10 minutes, or until dough is smooth. Press your baby’s hand or foot into the dough (another suggestion is to take an impression of your first apartment key) or anything else that would be precious to your gift recipient. Before baking, make a hole in the ornament with which to hang it. Then, bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes.
96. Dime store games. Create one of several dime-store games, such as, you could tightly connect a few wooden blocks and glue a picture on top. Use a utility knife to cut between the blocks. You have a puzzle!
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree
Then, there are the budget Christmas gifts that just don’t fit in any of the other categories — but they just might be a good fit for someone on your list!
97. Experiences. Give the gift of a new experience. Sample gifts of experience: skydiving, scuba lessons, hot-air balloon rides, cooking school, lunch with a hero, etc.
98. Ha-ha gifts. Make your own joke presents. Use your imagination, but here are a couple of ideas to get you started. Wrap up a pack of batteries and a note that says “Gift not included.” Glue two pieces of corn to a small piece of scrap wood with the words “two-piece chicken dinner.”
99. DIY-themed baskets (or bags). We mentioned food gift baskets already, but don’t overlook other types of gift baskets. Your child’s teacher may appreciate a gift basket full of paper supplies like napkins, cups, and plates for snacks and classroom parties. Another teacher idea is to give an office supply gift basket. A husband, father, son, or other family members might like a tool-themed gift basket. A wife, mother, daughter, sister, or aunt might appreciate a pajama-themed basket with soft slippers, romantic comedy, and an assortment of teas.
Having an incredible Christmas doesn’t mean a lot of stress or a lot of money — but you do need to plan ahead. I hope this resource will help make your December a bit more relaxed, a lot less expensive, and still meaningful too.
Do you make budget Christmas gifts? What’s your favorite gift to make and give? How early do you start in order to decrease your stress levels?
Photo credits: Homemade Christmas cards by Patterson Williams. Pinecone scene and pinecones by Lisa Aberle. Christmas stocking by Linda Vergon.
If you’re thinking of booking a Carnival cruise, be it on the new Carnival Celebration or any of Carnival’s other massive ships, here’s what to expect and how to enjoy your time at sea.
If you’re not yet familiar with the cruise line, there’s lots to learn about the company. It has been around since 1972 and is part of the Carnival family of cruise lines that includes Princess, Holland America and Cunard.
About Carnival cruises
With plenty of routes from the U.S. and international destinations, countless member benefits and a wide selection of cabins to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect cruise for you.
Cabin types: There are a number of different cabin types to choose from depending on which ship you’re on, including interior rooms, ocean view rooms, balconies or suites. There are sometimes even themed or spa rooms.
Main U.S. routes: Carnival is best known for its Caribbean cruises, most of which depart from Florida, Texas or Louisiana.
Points currency and loyalty program: Carnival’s loyalty program is called VIFP Club (Very Important Fun Person). Members earn benefits like special offers, a free drink on board, priority boarding, cabin upgrades and more. Perks increase the more you sail.
Carnival cruise destinations
Carnival may be best known for its Caribbean cruises, but ships depart from every coast in the U.S., and Carnival ships sail to dozens of destinations all around the world, including transatlantic and transpacific routes. Expect to sail to such destinations as:
Carnival cruise destinations
Australia.
Caribbean.
Greenland.
New Zealand.
Pacific Islands.
Panama Canal.
Papua New Guinea.
There are cruises as brief as two days and some as long as 31 days, depending on where you’re headed.
Carnival cruise prices
Depending on where you’re headed, prices for cruises vary based on:
Carnival cruise rooms.
Carnival ship classes.
Destination.
Length of trip.
A four-day trip from Miami to the Caribbean might cost under $200 for an interior cabin while a 10-day trip from Sydney, Australia to the Great Barrier Reef might start at $450 and go up from there.
The time of year you sail matters, too. For example, an off-season cruise to the Bahamas in February might cost $189 while the same cruise in June could be $684 for the same cabin on the same ship.
Likewise, the nicer the cabin, the higher the price. An interior room might cost $469 while a suite costs $1,799.
What is the best Carnival ship?
Carnival has an impressive fleet of vessels and adds more every year. There are currently 24 ships with more maiden voyages scheduled later this year. Which one is the best depends on what you’re after.
If it’s family fun you want, the Carnival Breeze or Carnival Freedom may be just the thing. For luxury, it’s the Carnival Liberty. If the ship is more important than the route, take a look at Carnival’s ship lineup and what each has to offer, plus where they sail.
What is the newest Carnival ship?
The Carnival Celebration ship, which sails to the Caribbean from Miami, is the line’s newest ship, and debatably the best carnival cruise ship.
The Excel-class ship features an on-board roller coaster, can transport 5,282 passengers, has 20 dining venues, a dozen bars and lounges and is only the second Carnival ship to use liquid natural gas as fuel — a more eco-friendly fuel source.
What’s included on a Carnival cruise?
On any Carnival cruise you can expect the following to be included with your booking:
A stateroom based on your booking selection.
Three meals a day.
Free non-bottled water, lemonade, iced tea, hot chocolate and some coffees and teas.
Fitness center.
Shows and entertainment.
Pools and other water-based fun.
Youth programs.
Carnival loyalty program: VIFP
Carnival’s loyalty program is called VIFP which means Very Important Fun Person. Members earn benefits like special offers, a free drink on board, priority boarding, cabin upgrades and more. Perks increase with every sailing.
VIFP levels
The VIFP Club has five levels: Blue, Red, Gold, Platinum and Diamond.
Blue
How to earn: Sail once.
Best benefit: Members-only offers.
Red
How to earn: Two sailings for 24 points.
Best benefit: Complimentary 1.5 liter bottle of water.
Gold
How to earn: Earn 25-74 points.
Best benefit: A free drink on 5+ day cruises.
Platinum
How to earn: Earn 75-199 points.
Best benefit: VIFP Party on 5+ day sailings with complimentary drinks.
Diamond
How to earn: Earn 200+ points.
Best benefit: One-time free cabin upgrade OR third and fourth guests sail free.
How to earn VIFP points
Earn one point for every day you spend cruising. The more you cruise, the faster you earn.
How to redeem VIFP points
VIFP points are earned and credited to your account automatically. Some benefits are linked to your Sail & Sign account and credits or perks will be applied when the benefits are redeemed.
Carnival Credit Card
While it won’t earn you VIFP points, the Carnival World Mastercard is a way to earn FunPoints, which you can use like cash toward your next cruise booking.
Earn 20,000 FunPoints after your first purchase or balance transfer, which is worth a $200 statement credit towards your next cruise. You’ll then earn 2 points per dollar on Carnival and partner cruise lines and 1 point per dollar on everything else.
How to Redeem FunPoints
You can cash in your FunPoints by applying them as statement credits toward any Carnival purchases you make over $50, including:
Additional travel expenses.
Carnival cruise excursions.
Additional travel expenses.
Onboard amenities and more.
To use them, you can log into your Barclays account online or call to redeem points after you’ve made a purchase.
Point value varies depending on how much you’re spending. For example:
Carnival purchases between $50.00-$1,499.99 have a 1.00% redemption value.
Carnival purchases between $1,500-$5,000 have a 1.50% redemption value.
Purchases with other World’s Leading Cruise Lines cruises have a 1% redemption value.
Airline or hotel statement credits have a .90% redemption value.
Frequently asked questions
Does Carnival have free Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi doesn’t come free on Carnival ships. To get connected, you’ll have to purchase a Wi-Fi package, which you can do in advance of your trip or on board, which may cost more. Expect to pay from $12.75-$22 per day per device.
Is Carnival all-inclusive?
All Carnival ships include food and beverages, though there are speciality dining and beverage options and packages on most ships that cost extra.
How much is the drink package?
There are two drink packages you can purchase on Carnival cruises: Bottomless Bubbles and Cheers!
Bottomless Bubbles offers unlimited soda during your voyage for $6.95 per day for children and $9.95 per day for adults.
Cheers! offers a flat price for alcoholic (and speciality non-alcoholic) beverages throughout your trip for $59.95 per person per day.
Does Carnival require COVID vaccine or test?
For cruises that last 15 days or less, neither pre-cruise COVID testing nor vaccinations are required for children or adults cruising with Carnival.
For cruises longer than 15 days, depending on the destination, guests may be required to provide proof of vaccination and/or a negative test prior to embarkation.
Make sure to check the details of your booking to ensure you abide by current rules.
What is Carnival Cruise Line known for?
Carnival Cruise Line offers many budget-friendly sailings, many of which are designed with families in mind. Especially if you want to cruise to and around the Caribbean, Carnival is possibly the cruise line for you.
(Top photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
More should be done to measure stresses on home prices locally because the results can be more accurate than doing so nationally or by state, particularly in a downturn.
That’s a key takeaway from a new independent working paper written by Federal Housing Finance Agency staff, which notes that in a stressed period, within a single state like California there can be a 20-basis-point range of declines locally.
“Moving to [core-based statistical area]-level stress paths could improve credit risk measurement,” economists and researchers at the regulator and conservator for large government-related mortgage investors concluded from the study of home-price data.
Some experts have pushed for local price analyses given how they differ from national and state approaches and have characterized the risk of inflated values less as a broad trend than as what they termed (in a phrase borrowed from Don Ho’s hit song) “tiny bubbles.”
Even in the national housing bubble that peaked in the fourth quarter of 2006, burst and has been measured through 2012’s first quarter, state and regional differences have been clear.
The average price decline in California was 54%, but within the state were larger drops like 58.7% in Riverside and smaller ones like 38.7% in San Jose, the new working paper noted. In comparison, the average national decline was 36.1% during the period, compared to 64.9% in a state like Nevada or just 12.4% in Texas.
While experts have been broadly aware of such differences, there have been limits to how granular common measures used to manage risks through stress tests or capital requirements have been.
The study adds to arguments for more localized analysis in mortgage risk management.
The authors of the report applied three methodologies from other researchers at national, state and local levels to two different sets of mortgage numbers and found that the broadest analysis consistently underestimated risk in a housing downturn.
The individual values differed for the two groups of loans studied and by model, but the directional relationship between the numbers was similar, the study found.
“We observe the lowest level of stress losses when applying the same national house price path to all loans,” they said in the report. “Estimated losses then monotonically increase as we apply more geographically disaggregated house price paths.”
While current home prices generally have remained high due to limited supply relative to demand, there are 10 states where they’ve fallen annually, suggesting that local analysis could have relevance today, and become even more important in a downturn.
For a home price decline of just 10%, the stress loss estimate was 1.35%. Then it escalated respectively to 20%, 1.57%; 30%, 2.98% and 40%, 6.61%, the study found.
“As the size of the down shock increases, the magnitude of the stress loss estimate increases,” authors Alex Bogin, LaRhonda Eale, Kirsten Landeryou, Scott Smith and Andrew Tsai said in the report.
Halloween is arguably one of the most fun nights of the year. Everyone gets to dress up in popular costumes, stay up late and eat lots of candy. In fact, people in the U.S. spend about $3.1 billion on candy each year. By the end of the night on Oct. 31, kids and parents alike will be knees-deep in Reese’s, Skittles and every other kind of candy favorite.
If you’re the one staying home this year to greet the little munchkins when they knock and say “trick or treat,” consider handing out something besides candy. You can stand out as the memorable neighbor who handed out candy alternatives for Halloween.
The kids will think you’re creative and cool and the parents will love you for not adding to the sugar mounds piling up back home. We’ve got you covered with ideas for more imaginative options than candy.
10 candy alternatives for Halloween
Whether the grocery store was out of candy or you simply wanted to pass out non-candy Halloween goodies, we’ve created a list of different items that are equally as sweet. We’ve got non-candy treats and non-food items for you to consider. No matter what you choose, it’ll be a hit when the kids go home to count their spoils.
1. Caramel apples
The blend of crisp apples and smooth, sweet caramel makes this the perfect fall treat. You can make caramel apples yourself and decorate them to look like different Halloween creatures. You could stick on edible googly eyes or drizzle white frosting around the apple to make it look like a spider’s web. No matter how you dress the apple, handing out caramel apples is a fun and yummy candy alternative for Halloween.
2. Apple cider or hot chocolate
After walking from door to door, kids (and parents alike), need a little pick-me-up. Brew some apple cider or hot chocolate and pass it out in paper Halloween cups or hand-crafted apothecary jars. You could add some dry ice to the cauldron you’re serving from to add an extra spooky touch. Serve up your potion to trick-or-treaters and they’ll be thrilled.
3. Donuts
Go nuts with donuts! Sometimes, people will string donuts in front of their yard or front door and make the children eat it while it’s hanging from a string. This is a fun way to make trick-or-treating even more entertaining! Or you could simply pass out pumpkin-shaped donuts for the kids to have a snack while walking around.
4. Popcorn
Caramel, cheese, butter or plain popcorn are all delicious candy alternatives for Halloween. This treat is easy to make and wrap up in cellophane bags, tie with black and orange ribbon and pass out to the kids who come knocking on your door.
5. Coloring books and crayons
You can find Halloween-themed coloring books at local grocery stores, art stores, office supply stores or even the local dollar store. Get a stack of spooky coloring books and little packets of crayons and pass them out on Halloween. The candy will go quickly but the coloring book activity will last for weeks on end.
Similarly, you could get decorative pencils and erasers to distribute on All Hallows’ Eve, too.
6. Stickers or temporary tattoos
People young and old love seasonal stickers or temporary tattoos as a candy alternative for Halloween. Purchase a booklet of stickers or temporary tattoos that have Halloween creatures on them. Find ones with spiders, witches’ hats, black cats, eyeballs or ghouls. Pass out one or two per kid and they’ll have a blast using them later.
7. Bubbles
Bubbles are universally fun. Go to your local craft or party store and get little containers of bubbles from the party favor aisle. You’ll likely be able to find orange and black bottles to make it more festive. You won’t pop the kids’ bubble by not having candy because they’ll be thrilled for the soapy surprise!
8. Glow sticks
Glow sticks make for a one-of-a-kind treat on Halloween. These sticks filled with colored dye glow in the dark when snapped. Kids can snap the sticks, twist them into different shapes and have fun waving them in the dark. Not only are they fun to play with, but they can help keep kids safe on the dark streets as they are walking to and from houses asking for treats.
9. Play-Doh or slime
Sensory toys like Play-Doh or slime are a hands-on treat that everyone seems to love. You can make your own play-doh or slime using DIY recipes. Or you can purchase little play-doh or slime kits as a candy alternative on Halloween. If you want to go even further with the activity, you could hand out Halloween-shaped cookie cutters for the Play-Doh craft.
10. Halloween trinkets
Now, this candy alternative idea is really full of possibilities. Check out your local party store or Halloween pop-up and get a variety of trinkets like spider rings, squishy eyeballs, Halloween rubber ducks, pumpkin decorating kits, novelty glasses or vampire’s teeth. Put them all in a witch’s hat and have the kids pick one treat (or trick).
It’s fun because everyone will get something different and it’ll be a surprise to see who pulls what from the hat.
Treat your neighbors this Halloween with candy alternatives
As your neighbors walk through the apartment complex trick or treating, you’ll be waiting at your door with some candy alternatives to spook them with. Make this Halloween the most memorable one yet when you step away from candy and step into these creative potions we’ve brewed up for you. We think these 10 non-candy options will have just the right amount of magic needed to charm everyone.
Sage Singleton is a freelance writer with a passion for literature and words. She enjoys writing articles that will inspire, educate and influence readers. She loves that words have the power to create change and make a positive impact in the world. Some of her work has been featured on LendingTree, Venture Beat, Architectural Digest, Porch.com and Homes.com. In her free time, she loves traveling, reading and learning French.
It’s been a long time since I wrote about investing at Get Rich Slowly. I haven’t abandoned the subject, but my mind has been on other things. Besides, I’ve been practicing what I preach. I’ve invested my money in low-cost index funds (and some bonds), and I never make a trade. Because I know it pays to ignore financial news, I have. Earlier this week, I peeked at my portfolio for the first time since May. You know what? It’s doing just fine — even without me checking the balance every day.
Although I haven’t been writing about investing, I’ve continued to further my personal education on the subject. Whenever the mail brings the latest issue of the AAII Journal — the publication of the American Association of Individual Investors — I read it. (The latest issue just arrived today!) I’ve also been reading books about investing. In fact, I’ve just begun David Swensen‘s highly-regarded Unconventional Success: A Fundamental Approach to Personal Investment; so far, it’s fantastic. Look for a review when I return from Europe.
And the other night, I had dinner with the Diehards.
Note: For those of you who aren’t familiar, Diehards (also called Bogleheads) are fans of indexed mutual funds — funds that track the movement of stock market indexes — as popularized by John Bogle, the founder and retired CEO of The Vanguard Group. These Diehards discuss investing in the Bogleheads investment forum. From my experience, they’re friendly, smart, and knowledgeable people.
I attended the first meeting of the Portland Diehards two years ago, but I’ve only managed to make it to one quarterly meeting since then. On Tuesday, I made it a priority to meet the group to talk about investing over Chinese food. There were six of us: J.D., Loren, Kris (not my Kris), Ron, Van, and Gary. We each brought different experience and perspectives to the table, which made for an interesting couple of hours talking about investing.
Spouses with different investment goals As we ate snow-pea chicken and hot-and-sour soup, we asked questions and shared advice.
For example, I asked how you should invest when you have a different risk profile from your partner. I, for example, am fairly risk tolerant; I’m willing to take chances in expectation of higher returns in the future. My wife, on the other hand, is not. She’d rather sock money into low-risk investments that also produce low yields.
Van suggested that we split the difference. That is, we should take half of our investment capital and invest it the way I want, and take half to invest the way my wife wants. So, if I want 80% in stocks and 20% in bonds, but she wants 40% in stocks and 60% in bonds, then we’d average that to a 60-40 split in favor of stocks. (Which, co-incidentally, is how my money is invested right now!)
Valuation, risk, and return The group spent some time discussing the concept of risk. Loren is near retirement, and seems tempted to chase investments that are currently offering high returns.
Gary — who offered lots of sage wisdom throughout the night — asked Loren, “What rate of return do you need on your investment to fund the rest of your life? That should determine where you put your money. If you need a 10% return on your money to fund your life, then you need to be in stocks. But if you only need 2%, why risk it?”
Gary also noted that it’s important to take valuations into account. That is, you shouldn’t just blindly buy a particular investment vehicle, whether that’s stocks, bonds, or commodities. Obviously, it’s impossible to know whether an investment is going to go up or down in the short term, but you can make a pretty good guess as to whether something is under- or over-valued in the long term.
As a prime example, gold would seem to be over-valued now, just as housing was five years ago. And a little less than two years ago, it was pretty clear that stocks were under-valued. Gary’s not saying you should chase whatever is tanking; he’s just saying that if you’ve been making regular investments in gold, for example, but the market seems high (like now), then maybe it makes sense to suspend your investments — or even to sell.
Tangent: The whole gold craze drives me nuts. Didn’t people learn anything from the housing and stock bubbles? What makes them think this is different? And the commercials on the radio? Puh-lease! Gold is high, so I should buy? Isn’t that the opposite of smart investing?
Do-it-yourself investing I thought it was fascinating to listen to Van, who is trying to educate herself so that she can direct her own investments. She’s new to this, and trying to learn as much as possible so that she can make her own decisions. “None of the financial advisors I’ve talked to really knows what’s going on either, so I might as well do it myself,” she says. She figures that she’d rather make her own mistakes than pay somebody else to make mistakes for her. So, she’s educating herself by reading books and coming to meetings like this Bogleheads gathering.
All of us agreed with her, I think, which probably isn’t surprising. Loren said, “No matter who you talk to for advice, never forget that you are the boss of your own money.” I agree with this 100%. In fact, in May I published a guest post at Boing Boing about the importance of DIY finance. (No need to look it up; I’ll be posting it here at GRS in a few weeks.)
Picking stocks — or not Van is especially interested in learning how to pick stocks. Ron, the chief Boglehead in our group, cautioned Van, saying that from his experience, the default position should be to start with (and perhaps stick with) index funds. His argument is that if you’re going to do anything other than:
Invest in the entire market
With the lowest possible fees
With the most reputable dealer
Then you need to be able to state your reasons for doing so. You might have good reasons for not sticking with this default, but if you don’t, and if you can’t state them, then why take chances.
Note: For the record, the default position would lead you to buying index funds through Vanguard. I vary from the default in that I buy index funds from Fidelity. Why? Because Vanguard doesn’t offer the type of retirement account I need for my business. I started there first, but they sent me to Fidelity.
Once again, Gary shared the wisdom of his experience. “I started investing by picking stocks myself,” he told Van. “When that didn’t work, I went to a full-service broker and paid him $400 a trade to pick stocks for me. That didn’t work either — and it cost more — so I went to a discount broker to get my fees down. But I still couldn’t match index funds. So, I gave up. I’d rather spend my time playing golf than picking stocks. Now I’m in index funds, in ETFs.”
Shared wisdom We talked about a few other topics, as well, but this post is already running long. I’ll skip the bits about certificates of deposit, investing in gold, and handling a windfall. But I do want to pass along a couple of quotes I liked:
“Always be a saver,” Kris said. She stressed that no matter what your life circumstances, if you make sure you’re a net saver — that you’re spending less than you’re earning — you’ll be fine. (Her advice reminded me of the “Always Be Closing” speech from Glenglarry Glen Ross. Maybe I should do a version with “Always Be Saving” — and less swearing!)
Gary is an advocate of boosting your income. “Your net worth doesn’t go up from your investments,” he said. “It goes up from your earning power.” His point is that you’re not going to get rich from the stock market — you’re better off developing your human capital and mining that for money. “If it’s important for you to accumulate a lot of money, you pretty much have to go into business for yourself,” Gary said.
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Meetings like this are invaluable. They’re a chance to exchange ideas with fellow investors, and to profit from their success and mistakes. I highly recommend finding a similar group in your area. There’s no need to be intimidated. It’s fine to show up and just listen if you feel like you don’t have anything to contribute. I feel lost a lot of the time, but the more often I do things like this, the less lost I become.
This may be because I take notes. I filled my ever-present notebook with four pages of scribbles, including books to borrow from the library, websites to visit, and concepts to consider. (And, of course, writing this article helps to reinforce much of what I learned.) I already have December’s meeting on my calendar. I’ll be back for more Chinese food and more convesation with the Diehards.
Inside: Looking for fun things to do with friends? Look no further! This guide has 101 fun activities for you and your friends to enjoy. From painting parties to bowling nights, there’s something for everyone.
Do you ever feel like you’re in a rut, doing the same things with your friends all the time?
If you’re looking for some new ideas for fun things to do with friends, look no further!
We’ve compiled a list of fun activities for friends to do so you can find something that fits your mood.
Whether you want to get active and try something new, or stay in and relax together, we’ve got you covered.
So round up your besties and get ready for some fun!
Why spending time with friends is important
Spending time with friends is an essential aspect of human life. It provides us with an opportunity to bond, socialize, and create lasting memories.
The benefits of spending time with friends are numerous, and they range from improving our social skills to reducing stress levels.
By participating in activities that allow us to spend quality time with our friends, we will have better overall mental health.
What should friends do for fun?
There is no one answer to this question, as friends can have different interests and preferences.
However, some fun activities that friends could do together include going to the movies, playing sports, going out to eat, or attending a concert.
That is why we will cover so many various ideas for you and your friends!
The fun things to Do with Friends
We all know the importance of having friends in our lives. They are the people we rely on and confide in. They make us laugh, help us when we’re down, and are always there for us.
If you are wondering what should I do today, then we have you covered.
So, it’s important to have plenty of fun things to do with friends as well.
1. Go on a Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts are a popular group activity that can be enjoyed by friends of all ages.
Planning and executing a scavenger hunt with friends can be a fun and engaging way to spend time together.
To get started, choose a location that offers a variety of interesting sights and sounds.
Next, create a list of items to find, such as a red bicycle or a funny sign.
Divide into teams and set a time limit for the hunt.
Use a special hashtag and have each team post a pic every time an item is found.
Nowadays, you can even buy a scavenger hunt kit to make it easier!
2. Play Board Games
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Board games are a great way for friends to have fun and connect with each other.
Some popular board games include Scrabble, Chess, and Monopoly, but there are many other options to choose from. Card games like poker and blackjack are also great choices. Party games like Charades and Apples to Apples can bring a lot of laughter and enjoyment.
Board games provide an opportunity for friends to engage in friendly competition, improve their strategic thinking and social skills, and have a great time together.
So, gather your friends, choose one of the best-selling board games, and let the fun begin!
3. Explore street food
Exploring street food with friends is an exciting way to satisfy your taste buds while spending quality time with your loved ones. From food trucks to pop-up stands, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Here are three street food examples that are worth finding:
Tacos: Bite into the crispy shell and savor the juicy meat, fresh salsa, and creamy guacamole. Tacos are the perfect combination of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.
Gyros: Sink your teeth into the warm pita bread and taste the tender slices of meat, crunchy vegetables, and tangy tzatziki sauce. Gyros are a delicious Greek dish that will transport you to the Mediterranean with every bite.
Bao buns: Savor the fluffy steamed bun filled with savory meat, pickled vegetables, and sweet sauce. Bao buns are a popular street food item in Asia that will tantalize your taste buds with their unique flavors and textures.
Exploring street food with friends is an adventure that will take you on a gastronomic journey around the world. You can try new dishes, share your opinions, and bond over your love of food.
The joy of exploring street food with friends lies in discovering hidden gems, trying something new, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
4. Get Messy with a Color Run
Participating in a color run is a unique and exciting way to stay fit while having fun with your friends.
This 5K run involves getting covered in colored powder while running through different stations. It’s a great way to stay active and create some memorable photos with your friends.
Plus, you get to support a good cause since many color runs are organized as charity events.
5. Watch a Movie Marathon
A movie marathon with friends is a fun way to bond and enjoy each other’s company. They provide a fun and relaxing environment to enjoy each other’s company and appreciate great films.
To plan and execute a successful movie marathon, follow these steps:
Choose a theme or movie series: Decide on a theme or movie series that everyone will enjoy. This could be a specific genre, actor, or movie franchise like “Harry Potter” or “Star Wars.” Or just pick a variety of old classics and new favorites.
Prepare snacks and refreshments: Popcorn, pizza, and soda are classic movie snacks, but feel free to get creative with your choices. You could even have a potluck and have everyone bring their favorite snack to share.
Arrange the viewing space: Make sure the viewing space is comfortable and has enough seating for everyone. Consider using blankets and pillows to create a cozy atmosphere.
So, grab some popcorn and gather your friends for a movie marathon that you’ll never forget!
The best movies can be found on Paramount Plus!
6. See What Festivals Are in Town
Attending festivals with friends can be a fun and unique activity to break up your routine. There are many different types of festivals to choose from, including food, music, art, and film festivals.
Additionally, there are usually free local events like food festivals, music festivals, farmers’ markets, and intercultural events.
Planning ahead and checking the festival schedule is important to ensure that all friends can attend. So why not gather your friends and try attending a festival together?
7. Hike
Hiking is a fantastic way to stay active and enjoy the great outdoors with friends.
Not only does it provide a great workout, but it also offers the opportunity to bond with your crew while surrounded by natural beauty.
You can even plan on these fantastic hiking trails for beginners or more experienced hikers:
In California, Big Basin Redwoods State Park offers a variety of trails ranging from easy to challenging, with the highlight being the 11-mile Skyline to the Sea Trail.
In Colorado, the Mount Falcon Park Trail offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and is a moderate 3.6-mile hike.
For those on the East Coast, the Franconia Ridge Trail in New Hampshire is a challenging yet rewarding 8.9-mile hike with breathtaking views of the White Mountains.
Remember to dress appropriately for the weather and terrain, wear sturdy hiking boots, carry plenty of water, and pack snacks to keep your energy levels up.
8. Go for a short road trip
Planning a road trip with friends can be a bonding experience, from working together on a collaborative Spotify playlist or burning some old-fashioned mixtapes to listen to on the road to stocking up on snacks and booking an Airbnb.
Going for a short road trip with friends is an excellent way to take a break from the daily grind and explore new places. It is also a reason to escape life’s hustles and bustles.
A spontaneous road trip might turn out to be a trip to remember as you explore unknown routes, stop at scenic spots, and try the local cuisine.
9. Host a Vision Board Party
A vision board is a visual representation of your goals and aspirations for the future.
Making a dream board with friends can be a fun and inspiring activity that promotes deeper social connections while helping you achieve your dreams.
It’s a crafting and manifesting activity that can help you visualize your dreams and work towards them with the support of your friends.
Learn how to host a successful vision board party.
10. Make Smoothies Together
Making smoothies with friends is a fun and healthy activity that promotes bonding and trying out new recipes.
You will need fresh or frozen fruits, such as bananas, strawberries, or blueberries, a liquid base like almond milk or coconut water, and optional add-ins like spinach, chia seeds, or protein powder to make smoothies.
Personally, I have found the Vitamix to blend the perfect smoothie!
11. Have a Karaoke Night
Karaoke is a great way to build confidence and create lasting memories with friends, so don’t be afraid to let loose and have a good time!
To host a successful karaoke night, start by choosing a venue such as a karaoke bar or setting up a karaoke machine at home.
Provide drinks and snacks to keep energy levels high and make sure to take plenty of photos and videos to capture the fun.
12. Have a Potluck Dinner
Having a potluck dinner with friends is a fun and affordable way to spend time together while enjoying delicious food.
To organize a successful potluck, consider the following tips:
Set a date and theme: Choose a date that works for everyone and select a theme to make the potluck more exciting. Some ideas for themes include Italian food, comfort food, or secret family recipes.
Assign dishes: Encourage everyone to bring a dish to share, and assign specific types of dishes to avoid duplicates. For example, one person can bring an appetizer, another a main course, and another a dessert.
Communicate and coordinate: Make sure everyone knows what they’re bringing and communicate any dietary restrictions or allergies. Coordinate with each other to ensure a good variety of dishes and avoid too many of the same thing.
A potluck is a great way to try new foods and bond over shared experiences. It’s also a money-saver and takes the pressure off one single host.
13. Skateboard/Roller-skate
Skateboarding and roller-skating are not only fun but also great ways to build friendships and community.
There are numerous activities that can be done while skateboarding or roller-skating with friends like:
Trying out tricks and stunts with friends can be a great way to learn and improve your skills.
Racing with friends can add an element of competition and excitement to the activity.
Obstacle courses can also be set up to test your agility and coordination.
Freestyle sessions can allow for creativity and self-expression.
Doing these activities with friends can provide support, encouragement, and a sense of camaraderie.
14. Have a DIY spa day
Spa days with friends are a fantastic way to bond, relax and practice self-care. It offers a break from the stress of daily life and provides opportunities for quality time together.
Moreover, hosting a spa day at home is a more affordable alternative to going to an actual spa.
You can confer with your BFF and figure out what kind of spa treatments both of you are in the mood for. For example, you can apply face masks, give each other manicures, or soak your feet in bath salts.
If you have the funds, you could even book a couple of treatments at a real spa and make it a real spa day! Regardless of where you have it, having a spa day with friends is an excellent way to relax, rejuvenate, and bond with friends.
15. Have a Craft Night
You don’t have to be crafty to enjoy craft night!
To have a successful craft night, start by choosing a craft that everyone is interested in and gather all the necessary supplies. A few craft ideas that are perfect for a craft night include making jewelry, painting, scrapbooking, or even DIY home decor.
Once you have everything set up, encourage everyone to let their creativity flow and enjoy the process of making something together.
Make sure to create a comfortable atmosphere by providing plenty of space to work and snacks to munch on.
16. Blow Bubbles
Roll by the time calendar and remember how much fun blowing bubbles was!
Blowing bubbles is a great way to spend a lazy afternoon or unwind after a long day.
You can go with the classic way of blowing bubbles or look into a bubble machine!
So, grab some bubble solution and wands and get ready for a fun and bubbly time with your friends!
17. Have a Water Balloon Fight
Water balloon fights are a fun activity to indulge in during the scorching heat of summer.
To make the water balloon fight even more enjoyable, you can incorporate team play or set up a tournament bracket. This will add a competitive element to the game and make it more exciting.
Regardless, having a water balloon fight with friends is a great way to beat the heat and have fun.
18. Plant a Garden
Gardening with friends is a rewarding activity that allows you to connect with nature and each other.
Plus it can also provide a sense of accomplishment and a source of fresh produce.
You can choose to plant a garden in someone’s backyard or join a local CSA.
Also, this is a continuous way to get together!
19. Spend Time in Nature
Spending time in nature with friends is a great way to relax, recharge and create lasting memories.
There are a variety of activities that friends can engage in while spending time in nature such as hiking, camping, picnicking, rock climbing, paddleboarding, and gardening.
Personally, know that spending time in nature with friends can be a refreshing and rewarding experience that allows friends to bond and enjoy the great outdoors together.
20. Sign up for a Recreational Sport
Signing up for a recreational sport is a great way to spend time with friends while staying active. There are many sports that are suitable for recreational leagues and can be played with friends, such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, and ultimate frisbee.
Playing team sports has many benefits, including building camaraderie, improving communication, and developing a sense of teamwork.
Costs associated with joining a league can vary, but many leagues have affordable fees.
21. Go Kayaking
Kayaking is a fantastic outdoor activity that is gaining popularity among friends who want to bond and have fun at the same time. It provides a great opportunity to explore new waterways, race each other, play games, fish, and take breaks to swim.
While kayaking, you and your friends can discover new places and enjoy the serenity of nature, which will help you to relax and forget about your daily worries.
Also, you have to work on your communication with each other while kayaking.
22. Cook Together
Cooking with friends can be a fun and rewarding activity that helps build strong bonds.
This is one of my favorite ways to spend time with friends. You can spend hours and never actually make anything edible and it doesn’t matter! Or you can create something absolutely delicious!
23. Join a Club
Joining a club with friends is a great way to try new things and meet new people.
There are many different types of clubs to choose from, including:
Book clubs
Hiking clubs
Cooking clubs
Bunco groups, and more.
Joining a club with friends not only provides an opportunity for shared experiences and new adventures but can also strengthen relationships by creating a common interest. Plus you meet on a regular schedule for spending time together.
24. Have a Painting Party
Painting artwork with friends can be a fun and fulfilling activity. Even better, plan to host a painting party with friends!
You hire someone with experience to help you out or you can watch a video on YouTube.
The best part is being able to exchange ideas and inspiration with each other to spark creativity!
25. Play Laser Tag
Playing laser tag with friends is a thrilling and exciting activity that is sure to get your adrenaline pumping.
This is always a must-do for most teens!
Playing laser tag with friends not only provides a fun and memorable experience, but it also helps build teamwork skills, promotes physical activity, and fosters friendly competition.
26. Go Birdwatching
Birdwatching is a relaxing and enjoyable activity that can be done with friends to appreciate the beauty of nature and learn about different bird species.
All you need to go birdwatching with friends is a simple guide to birds in your area, a pair of binoculars, bird seed, and a park or garden.
Birdwatching can enhance the bond between friends as they learn to identify different bird species and discover a new hobby together. It is a great opportunity to explore new trails, take pictures, and enjoy the scenic location.
27. Have a Marshmallow Fight
Marshmallow fights with friends are a fun and exciting activity that can help you forget your worries and bond with your friends.
You need a good laugh, right? This is exactly what you should participate in.
It’s a great way to relieve stress and enjoy some friendly competition with your friends.
So, grab some marshmallows, find a safe spot, and get ready for an unforgettable marshmallow fight with your friends!
Make sure to grab this indoor s’more kit!
28. Do Yoga
Yoga is a great way to improve flexibility, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being. Doing yoga in a class with friends or in a park can make the experience even more enjoyable and motivating.
Attending a yoga class with friends can be a fun and social way to exercise. You can encourage each other to push yourselves further and hold each other accountable for attendance. Additionally, practicing yoga in a group setting can help to create a sense of community and support, which can be beneficial for mental health.
Alternatively, practicing yoga in a park can be a great way to connect with nature and enjoy the fresh air and sunlight. You can bring your own mat or towel and find a quiet spot to practice. Practicing yoga outdoors can be a refreshing change of pace from the usual indoor studio setting.
29. Plan a Trip
Planning a trip with friends can be an exciting and bonding experience. It provides an opportunity to create unforgettable memories and explore new places with your closest friends.
However, it can also be expensive, so use this 100 envelope challenge to save for the trip.
Another way to save money is to be flexible with your travel dates.
Research your destination, create a budget, and be flexible with your travel dates to save money. With some dedication and effort, you and your friends can have the trip of a lifetime. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination.
30. Explore a New Town
Exploring a new town with friends is an adventure that offers new opportunities to learn more about each other’s interests and create lasting memories. It allows you to discover new places, try local cuisine, and learn about the history and culture of the area.
When exploring a new town with friends, you can visit local landmarks such as museums, botanical gardens, and historical sites. You can also attend local events such as festivals, concerts, and fairs.
Don’t forget to try the local cuisine at restaurants and cafes.
31. Paint Pottery
Pottery painting is a popular activity to do with friends that allows you to unleash your creativity.
Thankfully, you can go to a business that provides all of the necessary supplies or you can purchase online.
Painting pottery can also be a relaxing and therapeutic activity that helps to reduce stress and anxiety.
32. Try a New Food
Let’s be honest… If it wasn’t for good friends, you may be missing out on different types of foods and cuisines.
Trying new foods with friends is an excellent way to break up your eating routine and have some fun while discovering new flavors.
So step out of your comfort zone and try something new – you never know what delicious dishes you might discover!
33. Visit a Farmer’s Market
Visiting a farmer’s market with friends is a fun and exciting way to spend a day outdoors. Not only does it support local businesses, but it also provides an opportunity to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables.
Did you know the Palisade Farmer’s Market is one of the best in the country? I can attest to that; it was wonderful, especially during peach season.
There are many activities to enjoy at a farmer’s market with friends, here are my favorites:
Shopping for fresh produce: One of the main reasons to visit the farmer’s market is to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables. You can compare prices, sample different varieties, and even learn new recipes from the vendors.
Trying free samples: Many vendors offer free samples of their products, from homemade jams to artisanal cheeses. This is a great way to taste new flavors and support local businesses.
Exploring local crafts: Along with food, many farmer’s markets also feature handmade crafts and artisanal products. You can browse jewelry, pottery, candles, and other unique items.
Eating street food: If you’re hungry, there are often food trucks and stalls selling everything from tacos to crepes. You can grab a bite to eat and enjoy it at one of the picnic tables or benches.
So why not gather your friends and head to a farmer’s market? You won’t regret it!
34. Compete with Minute-to-Win-It Games
This one is popular! Competing with Minute-to-Win-It games is a fun and easy way to spend time with friends while challenging each other’s skills.
To get started, gather a few household items and set a timer for one minute.
These games are not only a great way to have fun with friends, but they also improve hand-eye coordination and quick-thinking skills.
Plus this is a low-cost and entertaining way to bond with friends. Give them a try and see who comes out on top!
35. Host a DIY Escape Room
If you are looking for a cost-effective way to enjoy an escape room challenge with friends, setting up your own escape room at home is a great idea.
You can find free missions at Escape Team, and additional missions only cost a few dollars each.
Hosting a DIY escape room for your friends is an excellent way to challenge their problem-solving and teamwork skills in a fun and engaging way.
36. Join a Flash Mob
Joining a flash mob can be an exciting and memorable thing to do with your friends. Flash mobs are spontaneous gatherings of people who come together to perform a predetermined action, often in a public place.
Typically, flash mobs can range from dance performances to singing events and can involve people of all ages and backgrounds.
Participating in a flash mob can be a unique and fun experience that you and your friends can cross off your bucket list.
You can find local flash mob announcements by searching on Google or checking out websites that list flash mobs in your area.
37. Create a Time Capsule
Creating a time capsule with friends is an exciting and unique way to capture memories and special moments together. It allows you to reminisce about the past and look forward to opening the capsule in the future.
To create a time capsule, start by finding a sturdy waterproof container.
Next, gather items that are important to each of you, such as letters to your future self, photos, ticket stubs, and other mementos.
Add these items to the capsule and bury the capsule in a safe place, such as a backyard or a park.
Make a pact to open it up in a few years, say five or ten years or twenty years.
Cherishing memories with friends is important, and creating a time capsule is a fun and meaningful way to do just that.
38. Head to the Beach
Visiting the beach with friends is a great way to spend quality time together while enjoying the beauty of nature. There are many activities you can do with your friends at the beach, such as lounging under an umbrella, playing beach volleyball, building sandcastles, or having a picnic.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can go surfing, snorkeling, or take a walk along the shore. The possibilities are endless, and the memories you create with your friends will last a lifetime.
Whether you want to relax and unwind or have an action-packed day, the beach offers something for everyone.
39. Try an Art Class
Trying an art class with friends is a fun and fulfilling way to explore your creative side.
There are many places you can try painting or pottery! by going with a friend, it cuts out the scary risk of doing a creative project alone.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to create something beautiful with your friends! This is a great experience gift idea, too!
40. Go Bowling
Bowling is a fun and engaging activity to do with friends.
Not only is it a great way to get some exercise, but it also offers a variety of fun things to do while playing. From trying trick shots to competing for the highest score, bowling is a great way to bond with friends.
Bowling is a fun and engaging activity that everyone can enjoy, regardless of their skill level.
41. Use Guest Passes
Typically, when you belong to a gym, museum, or any other membership-based activity. They will offer free guest passes.
This is a great way to hang out with your friends while enjoying a new activity. Or showing your friend one of your hobbies.
42. Go Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a winter activity that involves walking on snow with specialized footwear. It is a fun and unique way to explore the outdoors with friends while enjoying the beauty of nature.
There are many snowshoeing trails and locations that friends can explore together.
Snowshoeing provides an opportunity to get exercise, enjoy the peacefulness of nature, and bond with friends.
43. Get Creative With Sidewalk Chalk
Regardless of age, sidewalk chalk is a fun activity to do with friends that can ignite your creativity and bring out your inner artist.
There are a variety of ways to get creative with sidewalk chalk.
You can draw a hopscotch board and challenge each other to see who can jump the longest.
Create a masterpiece by working together on a huge drawing and experimenting with different styles and themes.
Play a game of tic-tac-toe and enjoy some friendly competition.
You can even use sidewalk chalk to write positive messages or quotes to inspire each other.
Spending quality time with friends is important, and simple activities like using sidewalk chalk can create lasting memories.
44. Have a Cocktail Party
Overall, the goal of a cocktail party with friends is to have fun and create shared experiences that will be remembered for years to come.
The best cocktail parties are based on a theme that will set the tone for the evening. Then, select a variety of easy-to-make and crowd-pleasing cocktails that will impress your guests.
Dress up smartly, put on some music, and decorate your space to match the theme. Provide snacks such as finger foods, cheese platters, and charcuterie boards to accompany the drinks.
During the party, encourage guests to mingle and try each other’s cocktails, while sharing conversation and laughter.
45. Go to a Drive-in Movie
Drive-in movies are a unique and fun experience that makes for a great activity to do with friends.
However, drive-in movie theaters are harder and harder to find. So, you may have to plan ahead for a local showing.
Once you arrive, park your car and settle in for the movie, chatting and joking around with your friends as you watch.
46. Meditate
Meditating with friends can be a powerful way to connect and improve your mental and emotional well-being.
To get started, find a quiet spot in nature, set up a blanket, and close your eyes. Take in the natural sounds as you sit in silence together.
Alternatively, you can attend a group meditation or breathwork session or hold a moon circle.
The benefits of meditating with friends include reducing stress and anxiety, improving focus and concentration, and deepening your connection with others.
47. Have an Insta Photoshoot
One of the best things about having a photoshoot with friends is that it offers you the opportunity to create memories together.
You can make funny faces, strike silly poses, and capture the moment in a photograph. You can also dress up in costumes and enact your favorite movie scenes together, which is bound to create some beautiful memories.
Whether you are looking to be goofy or play model, a photoshoot is an excellent way to express yourself and have some fun. You don’t necessarily have to photograph people either! You can experiment with still-life photography, food photoshoots, or even take pictures of landscapes.
P.S. You will always see teens taking photoshoots around town.
48. Play charades or Pictionary
Playing charades or Pictionary with friends is indeed a fun way to build excitement and laughter within the group while also improving communication skills and teamwork.
These guessing games are perfect for group activities and can elicit lots of shouting and laughter as people try to guess the correct word or movie.
You can even form teams and start a tournament to make it more interesting. Alternatively, card games such as poker, blackjack, spoons, and rummy are also fun and cost nothing to play if you already have a deck of cards.
All of these games can help improve your strategic thinking and social skills while having a great time with friends.
49. Make videos together
Indeed, making videos with friends can be a fun and exciting activity that creates lasting memories. There are many different types of videos that can be made with friends, such as music videos, vlogs, or short films.
The research suggests that enacting favorite movie scenes with friends can uplift the atmosphere as well. Dressing the part, rehearsing together, and video shooting the entire set can create fun moments that are bound to create some beautiful memories.
Making videos with friends can strengthen friendships and develop new skills such as video production and editing. The key is to have fun with your best friends and enjoy the time spent together.
50. Start a Band
If you and your friends have instruments, getting together and making music can be a fantastic way to bond and express yourselves while also encouraging collaboration and teamwork.
Creating music together is an excellent opportunity to learn new skills and experiment with different musical styles.
Plus, it helps create unforgettable memories and offers new opportunities to learn.
51. Create a Photo Album
In our digital age, putting together a photo album is another fabulous activity that you can do with friends.
Asking each friend to contribute a few photos and putting them in a friendship photo album is an excellent way to keep your memories close and spend an afternoon with your best friends.
Plus you are creating something you can enjoy for years to come!
52. Have a pillow fight
Having a pillow fight with friends can be a hilarious bonding experience that will make you forget all your worries.
To get started, find a spacious room or outdoor area where you can safely swing your pillows without breaking anything. Before starting the fight, agree on some basic rules to ensure everyone’s safety, such as no hitting in the face or aiming for sensitive areas.
Once you’re ready, grab your pillow and let the feathers fly! Don’t forget to laugh, scream, and dodge as you try to land a hit on your friends.
53. Attend park concerts
Attending park concerts is one of the best fun things to do with friends.
Not only are they affordable or free of charge, but they also offer a great opportunity to relax and unwind with friends.
This is something to enjoy after long work weeks!
54. Start a Business
Starting a business with friends can be a great way to combine your passions and skills while also earning extra income.
However, before jumping into any business venture with friends, it’s important to consider the potential risks and challenges. It’s crucial to have a clear agreement and plan in place to avoid conflicts and misunderstandings in the future.
Another option is to research side hustles as a great way to earn extra income. There are numerous side hustle ideas that can be done with friends such as dog walking, pet sitting, house cleaning, and tutoring.
Learning how to make money online for beginners is a hot topic.
55. Play Tourist in Your Own Town
Playing tourist in your own town can be a great way to spend time with friends while discovering new sights and experiences. There’s no need to travel far when there are plenty of activities to do in your hometown.
To start, visit local landmarks such as museums, historical sites, or city parks. These places offer a glimpse into the history and culture of your town.
Try out new restaurants and cafes that you haven’t been to before. It’s a great opportunity to sample local cuisine and support small businesses.
Attending local events such as concerts, festivals, or farmer’s markets can also be a fun way to experience your town.
Exploring the outdoors by taking a hike, bike ride, or even a picnic in a nearby park can be a refreshing change of pace.
Playing tourist in your own town not only allows you to discover new places but also strengthens friendships by creating shared memories and experiences.
56. Play games via video call
Playing games with friends remotely is indeed a great way to stay connected despite the distance.
There are various options available for playing games online with friends, such as board games, card games, and online games like Fortnite or Minecraft. Additionally, apps like Words with Friends or Yahtzee with Buddies can also be used to play games with friends remotely.
If you prefer non-digital games, you could play games like “Would You Rather?” or “Truth or Dare?” on a video call.
Playing games with friends online is an excellent way to spend time together and maintain a strong connection, even when you can’t be together physically.
57. Go to a bonfire
Going to a bonfire with friends is a fun and memorable activity that allows for bonding through storytelling, laughter, and shared experiences. Honestly, I forgot how fun a bonfire was until I went last weekend!
A bonfire is an outdoor gathering around a fire, typically held on a crisp fall evening.
With the hot temperatures and risk of fires, I would plan to attend a bonfire put on by an organization with fire trucks readily available.
Ensure there are snacks and drinks, and follow safety precautions. Overall, a bonfire with friends is a great way to escape the monotony of life and create lasting memories.
58. Bake something delicious together
Baking with friends is indeed a fun and exciting activity that can bring people closer together. It provides an opportunity to bond and share a sweet treat afterward.
One can choose a recipe they would like to try, whether it’s an old standby or something brand new. A cake, a sweet fruit pie, or a few batches of favorite cookies are some of the options that one can bake and decorate.
Alternatively, holding a friendly bake-off is a good way to bond competitively with friends.
So, next time you’re looking for something fun to do with your friends, why not try baking together?
59. Go camping together
Camping with friends is an excellent way to bond and enjoy the outdoors while disconnecting from technology. It is a cheap and fun hobby that offers numerous benefits, including strengthening friendships.
Whether you choose to camp in a nearby park or your backyard, sharing stories around a campfire, cooking meals together, and exploring nature can be a healthy move for everyone to unwind.
Camping provides an opportunity to enjoy the serenity of nature away from the disruptions of city life. You can hitch a tent, make a bonfire, roast some marshmallows, and play games, which is sure to be an adventure away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
It is important to plan ahead, bring necessary supplies, and follow safety precautions to ensure a fun and safe camping experience.
60. Go Geocaching
One of our personal favorite activities.
Geocaching is a fun and exciting activity that involves using GPS to find hidden containers or “caches” outdoors. It’s like a real-life treasure hunt that can be enjoyed with friends.
To get started, one can download the official Geocaching app for free.
Geocaching can be a great way to explore new places in your local area with friends while having fun. With GPS coordinates, you can search for hidden treasures that are waiting to be discovered.
61. Go to A Local Coffee Shop
Going to a local coffee shop is a great way to spend quality time with friends. Aside from being a cliche, it is an easy thing to do and offers a comfortable environment to catch up with your friends.
You can order your favorite beverage and indulge in a little slice of cake while chatting about everything you have missed since you last spoke.
A coffee shop offers a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, which makes it a perfect spot to hang out with friends.
Going to a local coffee shop also supports small businesses in your community. It is also a great way to discover new cafes and coffee shops in your area, which can become your new favorite hangout spot.
62. Volunteer
Volunteering with friends is a great way to give back to the community while having fun with your pals.
There are various ways friends can volunteer together, such as helping out at a local animal shelter, sprucing up city landscaping, or serving meals at a soup kitchen.
Volunteering with friends strengthens relationships, gives back to the community, and is a fun way to do good.
These are the best ways to capture your bucket list and find ideas!
FAQ
There are a number of things you can do right now with friends. You can go for coffee, take a walk, or visit a museum. You could also consider doing something more active, such as going for a run or playing a sport.
Whatever you choose to do, make sure you enjoy it and spend time with your friends.
The important thing is to find something that you both enjoy so that you can have fun together.
You can watch a movie, play video games, go for a walk, listen to music, or even just sit and talk.
What Fun Places to Go with Friends Will You Choose?
These unique activities are just a few examples of the many fun things you can do with your friends.
Don’t be afraid to try something new and get creative! Who knows, you might just discover a new favorite activity.
A little short on cash? Don’t worry… here are 101 things to do with no money.
So, gather your friends and start planning your next adventure together.
And if you have any unique ideas of your own, be sure to share them in the comments below!
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!