7 fun things to do for 50 cents

6/15/2009

Yesterday, a tween in front of me at the gas station register left before getting his change muttering sarcastically “whoopee, a whole 50 cents.” The clerk and I exchanged motherly eye-rolls because we know from experience that every penny counts. If fact, on the way home, I thought of seven fun things to do fifty cents or less.

1. Send a letter.

With the price of postage at 44 cents, you can get a stamp and an envelope for 50 cents. Sending a handwritten note is an easy and inexpensive way to make someone smile. (Hint: Try it for Dad’s Day!)

2. Have lunch.

Sounds impossible, but check out this list of lunch recipes for less than 50 cents per serving. I actually tried the Quesadilla con Huevos recipe and it was fantastic!

3. Go on a treasure hunt.

Fifty cents actually goes fairly far at a garage sale. For example, I recently purchased two hard cover classics for 25 cents a piece.

4. Grab a gobstopper.

While they may not be everlasting, jawbreakers do give you a lot of bang for your buck. In fact, there are a lot of old time candies out there for 50 cents or less (think Dum Dums or Smarties). Or, you can go to a buy in bulk store where your 50 cents buys you a lot of options!

5. Blow some bubbles.

There are a lot of fun and inexpensive options when it comes to bubbles. For example, you can buy a gumball, make your own bubble solution, drink a can of generic root beer, or take a bubble bath.

6. Visit a lemonade stand.

Buying lemonade from a road side stand is a great way to support young entrepreneurs and quench your thirst at the same time.

7. Make a donation.

Most charities welcome donations of any size.

Finally, don’t fret is you don’t have 50 cents to spare—there are a lot of fun things to do for free..

Kim McGrigg is the former Manager of Community and Media Relations for MMI.

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