100 Simple Things Frugal People Make at Home to Save Money

In today’s fast-paced, consumer-driven world, it can be easy to overlook the simple, cost-effective, and gratifying art of creating things at home. But embracing a frugal lifestyle doesn’t mean depriving yourself.

Instead, it’s all about making the most of what you have and discovering the joy and satisfaction of DIY projects. This guide will share 35 things frugal people often make at home, offering a potential reduction in your expenses and an enriching, practical skillset you can be proud of. Let’s dive in and explore the fulfilling world of frugality!

Homemade Bread

Baking bread at home is cost-effective and allows you to enjoy healthier options. You can control the quality of ingredients, ensuring no unwanted additives, and the delight of fresh, warm bread is incomparable.

DIY Cleaning Products

Creating your own cleaning supplies is a step towards a safe and eco-friendly home. It’s not only cost-effective, but you’ll also know precisely what’s in your products, eliminating exposure to harmful chemicals.

Home-cooked Meals

Home cooking promotes healthier eating habits and better portion control. It’s also economical, as homemade meals are often cheaper than dining out or ordering in.

Handmade Soaps and Beauty Products

Making beauty products at home allows you to create natural, hypoallergenic items suited to your specific needs. Plus, it can be a rewarding hobby, and these make thoughtful, personalized gifts.

Homegrown Herbs and Spices

Cultivating herbs and spices at home is a delightful, practical, affordable hobby. You’ll have fresh, organic flavors at your fingertips, enhancing your cooking and eliminating the need for expensive store-bought herbs.

Homemade Yogurt and Granola

Preparing yogurt and granola at home is a great way to ensure you eat nutritious, preservative-free food. It’s economical and allows you to control the sugar and flavor content, providing a healthier alternative to store-bought options.

Home-brewed Coffee and Tea

Brewing your own coffee or tea at home guarantees a quality beverage each time. It’s not only cost-effective but also allows you to perfect your brew to your personal taste.

DIY Furniture and Home Decor

Creating your own furniture and home decor is a fun and creative way to personalize your space. It’s budget-friendly, and the items you make will be one-of-a-kind, reflecting your taste and style.

Handmade Gifts

Handcrafted gifts are personal and meaningful, showing the recipient that you’ve invested time and thought into their present. Moreover, they can be cost-effective and offer a unique alternative to store-bought gifts.

Homemade Jams and Preserves

Making jams and preserves allows you to enjoy the taste of seasonal fruits all year round. They’re nutritious, long-lasting, and often cheaper than store-bought varieties. Plus, you can adjust the sugar content to your liking.

Home-sewn Clothes and Repairs

Sewing your own clothes or fixing worn-out items is a practical skill that can save you money in the long run. You’ll have perfectly fitted clothes and won’t need to replace items as often, reducing your expenses.

Homemade Snack Bars and Cookies

Creating snacks at home allows you to control the ingredients and make healthier choices. You can save money by making your own instead of purchasing expensive pre-packaged options.

DIY Compost for the Garden

Composting at home is a sustainable way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. It’s an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers and can save you money in the long run.

Home-baked Pet Food and Treats

Making your own pet food and treats gives you peace of mind, as you know what ingredients are going into your furry friend’s diet. It can also be a budget-friendly option, especially for larger pets or those with dietary restrictions.

Handmade Cards and Stationery

Creating handmade cards and stationery adds a personal touch to your correspondence. It’s also a fun and budget-friendly way to express creativity and support small businesses by purchasing supplies from local shops.

DIY Repairs and Maintenance

Learning basic household repairs and maintenance can save you money on labor costs in the long run. Plus, knowing you can take care of things around the house gives you a sense of accomplishment and independence.

Home-prepared Baby Food

Opting for homemade baby food ensures your little one gets nutritious and safer meals tailored to their dietary needs. It can also be a more cost-effective method, as you can prepare meals in bulk and store them for future use.

Homemade Ice Cream and Desserts

Crafting your own ice cream and desserts allows you to indulge your sweet tooth while maintaining control over the ingredients used. This practice encourages healthier eating and can be lighter on your wallet than store-bought alternatives.

Homebrewed Beer or Wine

For those who appreciate a good brew, making your own beer or wine at home guarantees the quality of your beverage. It’s a fun hobby that can result in considerable savings over time.

Home-knitted or Crocheted Items

Home-knitted or crocheted items offer a personalized touch to your wardrobe or home decor while being cost-effective. Knitting and crocheting can be a relaxing hobby that helps reduce stress.

DIY Hair and Skin Treatments

Using natural ingredients to create hair and skin treatments can significantly improve your beauty routine. It’s an economical way to pamper yourself while avoiding the harsh chemicals often found in commercial products.

Homemade Candles and Air Fresheners

Homemade candles and air fresheners are not only a cost-efficient way to keep your home smelling great, but they can also be customized to your preferred scents. Additionally, they are generally safer as they do not contain the harmful chemicals in many commercial products.

Home-cooked Freezer Meals

Preparing home-cooked freezer meals allows you to have ready-to-heat meals, promoting healthier eating habits. It’s also a budget-friendly solution, helping to reduce food waste and save money.

DIY Gardening Tools

Making your own gardening tools can be an economical and resourceful alternative to buying new ones. It also encourages recycling and reducing waste, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.

Handmade Furniture Polish

Creating your furniture polish enables you to use natural ingredients, making it a safer choice for your home. It can also be cost-effective, saving you from purchasing commercial cleaners.

Home-prepared Dried Fruits and Nuts

Making dried fruits and nuts at home is a healthy and tasty snack. It is also cost-effective, allowing you to enjoy these nutritious snacks without the steep prices often associated with store-bought varieties.

Homemade Laundry Detergent

Homemade laundry detergent is non-toxic, effective, and can help you save money. It gives you control over the ingredients used, which can be particularly beneficial for those with sensitive skin or allergies.

Hand-painted Wall Art

Hand-painted wall art adds a personalized and creative touch to your living space. It’s a cost-effective way to decorate your home and can be a therapeutic and enjoyable pastime.

DIY Toys and Games for Kids

Creating DIY toys and games for your kids is a fun and affordable way to entertain them. These handmade items can also be customized to your child’s interests, providing a meaningful and engaging playtime.

Home-bound Books and Photo Albums

Making your own books and photo albums creates personal and memorable keepsakes. It’s cheaper than professionally bound options yet still offers a high-quality result.

Homemade Dehydrated Foods

Dehydrating foods offer long-lasting, nutritious options for snacks or meals. This practice is cost-saving and reduces waste, as dehydrated foods have a longer shelf life than their fresh counterparts.

Homemade Shampoo

Making your own shampoo is cost-effective and gives you control over what goes into your hair care routine. A simple mix of castile soap, water, and essential oils can leave your hair fresh and chemical-free.

DIY Playdough

Store-bought playdough can add up, but making it at home is easy and fun. You only need flour, salt, water, and food coloring for hours of entertainment for kids.

Reusable Cleaning Cloths

Ditch paper towels and switch to reusable cleaning cloths made from old t-shirts or towels. They’re washable, durable, and great for the environment.

Homemade Granola

Granola is a versatile snack or breakfast item that’s simple to make. Combine oats, honey, nuts, and dried fruit for a delicious and customizable treat.

Beeswax Wraps

Replace plastic wrap with reusable beeswax wraps. Made by infusing cotton fabric with beeswax, these wraps are perfect for keeping food fresh.

DIY Deodorant

Skip expensive store-bought deodorants and make your own with baking soda, coconut oil, and essential oils. It’s natural, effective, and affordable.

Pancake Mix

Preparing your own pancake mix ensures you’ll always have a quick breakfast option on hand. Combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt, then store in a jar for convenience.

Homemade Air Fresheners

Make your home smell amazing with DIY air fresheners. A simple combination of water, essential oils, and baking soda in a spray bottle does the trick.

Lip Balm

Protect your lips with homemade lip balm. Melt beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter, then pour into small tins or tubes for a nourishing treat.

Salsa

Homemade salsa is fresher and more flavorful than store-bought versions. Blend tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice for a delicious dip.

DIY Furniture Polish

Polish your furniture with a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice. It’s a natural and effective way to keep wooden surfaces shiny.

Face Masks

Pamper your skin with DIY face masks made from honey, oatmeal, and yogurt. For the best results, tailor the recipe to suit your skin type.

Energy Bars

Combine oats, peanut butter, honey, and chocolate chips to make your own energy bars. These are perfect for a quick, healthy snack.

Homemade Candles

Create cozy vibes with homemade candles. Melt wax, add a wick to a jar, and customize with your favorite scents or colors.

Pickles

Turn cucumbers into tangy pickles with vinegar, water, salt, and spices. They’re a tasty addition to sandwiches or burgers.

DIY Sensory Bins

Engage kids with sensory bins from household items like rice, beans, or sand. Add toys or small objects for a creative play experience.

Compost

Start a compost bin to reduce kitchen waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. It’s an eco-friendly way to give back to the earth.

Homemade Jam

Homemade jam captures the taste of summer. You only need fresh fruits, sugar, and pectin to create a delicious spread.

Reusable Dryer Sheets

Infuse fabric scraps with vinegar and essential oils to create reusable dryer sheets. These sheets are great for softening clothes and adding a fresh scent.

Body Wash

Homemade body wash is gentle on the skin and wallet. Mix castile soap, water, and essential oils for a refreshing shower experience.

Nut Butter

Blend nuts in a food processor to make creamy, healthy nut butter. For extra flavor, add honey, salt, or cocoa.

Mason Jar Cookie Kits

Assemble cookie ingredients in a mason jar for a thoughtful gift or a ready-to-go baking mix. Layer flour, sugar, chocolate chips, and other add-ins for a visually appealing jar.

Homemade Ice Cream

Indulge in homemade ice cream made with just cream, sugar, and your favorite flavors. Some recipes don’t even require an ice cream maker.

DIY Pet Treats

Spoil your furry friends with homemade pet treats. Simple recipes using peanut butter, pumpkin, or oats are safe and delicious for pets.

Compost Tea

Feed your plants with nutrient-rich compost tea. Soak compost in water, strain it, and use it to give your garden a natural boost.

Toothpaste

You can make your own toothpaste with baking soda, coconut oil, and peppermint essential oil. It’s natural, effective, and inexpensive.

Chalk

Homemade chalk is a fun and creative project for kids. Mix plaster of Paris, water, and food coloring to make colorful pieces.

Popsicles

Cool down with homemade popsicles. Blend fruit, juice, and yogurt, then freeze in molds for a healthy summer treat.

Homemade Scarves

Knit or crochet scarves to stay warm in winter. It’s a relaxing hobby that doubles as a way to save money on accessories.

Dish Soap

Make your own dish soap with castile soap and water. Add essential oils for a pleasant scent and extra grease-fighting power.

Christmas Ornaments

Create unique Christmas ornaments using craft supplies like felt, beads, or wood. These add a personal touch to your holiday décor.

Laundry Detergent

You can save money on laundry detergent by making your own with washing soda, borax, and grated soap. It’s effective and gentle on clothes.

Reusable Shopping Bags

Sew your reusable shopping bags from old fabric or clothes. These bags are sturdy, customizable, and reduce plastic waste.

Knitted Hats

Keep warm with knitted hats made at home. They’re fun to make and can be customized in your favorite colors and patterns.

Flavored Syrups

Enhance your coffee or desserts with homemade flavored syrups. Combine sugar, water, and extracts like vanilla or almond for a sweet touch.

Homemade Pet Beds

Craft cozy pet beds using old cushions or blankets. Your furry friend will love having a comfortable place to relax.

DIY Organic Pest Sprays

Keep your garden healthy with homemade organic pest sprays. Mix water, dish soap, and garlic or cayenne pepper for an effective solution.

DIY Jewelry

Beads, wire, and other craft supplies can be used to create unique jewelry. This is a great way to accessorize on a budget.

Shaving Cream

Homemade shaving cream is gentle on the skin and easy to make. Combine coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils for a luxurious shave.

Birdhouses

Build birdhouses from scrap wood to attract feathered friends to your yard. It’s a rewarding project that supports local wildlife.

Sugar Scrubs

Exfoliate your skin with homemade sugar scrubs. Mix sugar, coconut oil, and a few drops of essential oil for a spa-like experience at home.

Raised Garden Beds

Construct raised garden beds from reclaimed wood for an efficient gardening setup. They’re easy to maintain and look great in your yard.

DIY Kites

Make a kite from lightweight fabric, string, and sticks for a fun outdoor activity. It’s a simple project that kids will love.

Fabric Napkins

Replace disposable napkins with homemade fabric ones. Use old fabric scraps to sew reusable, eco-friendly napkins for everyday use.

Pasta Sauce

Cook a large batch of pasta sauce using fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Freeze it in portions for quick and delicious meals.

Homemade Photo Albums

Preserve memories by creating photo albums at home. Use printed photos, decorative paper, and adhesive for a personalized keepsake.

Dog Collars

Sew custom dog collars with fabric and buckles. They’re fun to make and add a personal touch to your pet’s accessories.

DIY Mulch

Create your own mulch from shredded leaves, wood chips, or grass clippings. It’s an economical way to nourish and protect your plants.

Wooden Toys

Craft wooden toys or blocks for kids using sanded scrap wood. They’re durable, safe, and encourage imaginative play.

Plant Fertilizers

Make natural fertilizers for your plants using kitchen scraps like banana peels or eggshells. They’re rich in nutrients and easy to prepare.

Reusable Makeup Pads

Reduce waste with reusable makeup pads made from soft fabric. Wash and reuse them to save money and the environment.

Popsicle Stick Crafts

Transforming popsicle sticks into fun crafts, such as picture frames or small boxes, is a creative way to upcycle materials.

DIY Bath Bombs

Relax with homemade bath bombs made from baking soda, citric acid, and essential oils. Customize them with your favorite scents and colors.

Homemade Costumes

Design costumes for dress-up or Halloween using items you already have. This is budget-friendly and allows your creativity to shine.

Natural Weed Killers

Eliminate weeds in your garden with a homemade vinegar and dish soap mix. It’s a safe alternative to chemical weed killers.

Final Thoughts on Things Frugal People Make at Home

Adopting a DIY and homemade approach can bring significant savings and cultivate a more sustainable lifestyle. From healthier food options to eco-friendly household items, these cost-efficient practices offer a myriad of benefits beyond monetary savings.

They foster creativity, instill a sense of accomplishment, and provide an opportunity to create items tailored to your preferences. So, the next time you consider buying something, take a moment to think if it’s something you could make at home.