What hobbies help you minimize or avoid navigating commercialism?

By commercialism, I’m aiming at a mix of spending a lot and sifting through bloated business models (e.g. this or that accessory/equipment, microtransactions, etc.). Feel like many can relate to this sort of commercial fatigue, and yet it creeps even into hobbies where one tries to unwind.

Lately I’ve picked up reading more again, as thanks to libraries I’m able to do just that, but I’m wondering what some other, less obvious options* might be.

:::spoiler * This is mainly for the going outside, walking folks. I enjoy a good walk from time to time, but I’m interested in activities that are a little less obvious. :::

0x4E4F,

I repair almost everything and just love to tinker with gadgets and tech in general… repurpose/reuse old things, make beter versions of them, etc.

Simple example, all of my old audio equipment now has Bluetooth, an MP3 player, an aux input, a USB port (for MP3 playback) and an SD card reader (also for MP3 playback)… oh and let’s not forget the FM tuner that comes bundled with those thingies 😂. Don’t use it, but still, it is a nice option to have at your disposal 😉.

Kethal, (edited )

I hand draw cards using dip pens, ink, brushes, or whatever media is interesting. It’s a nice way to spend time, and art shops have a fascinating array of niche products. There’s a bit of consumerism there, since you’ve got to buy the supplies. But a few supplies goes a long way, and there’s not really the sort of expansion lock in that other products have. You’ll always want a new ink color or a different nib for some purpose, but you can get any brand you want. They don’t look great, but, uh, it’s the thought that counts?

ALostInquirer,

Ooh, cool! Cards of varying sizes?

I’ve thought about getting into this 'cause my favorite part of old trading cards was more the art than the games they were associated with.

Kethal,

I buy sheets of paper and cut them to size. I use Strathmore drawing paper a lot. It’s not excellent at holding most inks, but it’s Ok and it’s fairly stiff, which is good for cards. Clairefontaine Triomphe paper gives great crisp edges on the ink, so sometimes I’ll draw on that and attach it to stiffer paper (www.jetpens.com/…/10365).

There are tons of kinds of papers and nibs and quite a few inks. Mostly I’d say there’s nothing bad, just different things have different uses. Art stores have racks of fancy paper to use for trim or other decorations. You’ll want some standard nibs. Leonardt and Speedball sells sets. Some really fun nibs are the Brause 361 and Zebra G. For writing the Windsor and Newton calligraphy ink is really nice. For drawing I try out different brands or whatever color or texture seems nice for what I’m doing.

Just to get started, I’d get a set of Leonardt nibs (they come in a carrying tin) and a straight handle, black Windsor and Newton calligraphy ink, and any drawing paper stiff enough for a card. Then think of a card design and buy the colored inks you need of whatever brand.

The only thing in this hobby that has ever seemed crappy are the plastic nib holders with patterns printed on them. They dry out and split. I can’t find a picture online, but every art store with nibs always has these holders too. The Speedball plastic ones are fine.

ALostInquirer,

Thanks! I’ll have to keep this in mind next time I’m getting supplies to try some of these out. I initially started with some standard Pentel pens and some blank index cards for practicing on when the thought struck me to try out making some small cards.

zero_spelled_with_an_ecks,

Some martial arts. A gi and a fee to keep the lights on. Avoid the places that guarantee black belts in a year or sell gear.

starfennec,
@starfennec@kbin.social avatar

Plants / gardening: you can multiply plants and get seeds for little or no cost.

rockandsock,

Landscape photography. Do it while you are on your hike.

RBWells,

I do gardening (easier for me than most as a landowner, but there are also community gardens where I live), make my own bread, cooking, and yes, walking.

Birdwatching is good and doesn’t require buying much.

My kids lately have been into puzzles and karaoke.

There’s a lot of fitness stuff you can do without buying stuff. Yoga, bodyweight exercises, even the partner acrobatics are fun and certainly a challenge.

Sex, lol. Not a hobby per se, but so good for a relationship and a great activity to do together.

Mrs_deWinter,

Writing stories/novels.

Chances are your initial expense will be zero. You most likely already own everything you could need. Almost everything available for purchase is unnecessary or completely ridiculous. Your friends and family won’t even know what to get you for Christmas over this new hobby.

Fill your everyday routine with daydreams and inspiration, imagine scenes and dialogues while your mind would otherwise go idle. Stuck in traffic? Turn up the music and imagine something. Bored doing chores? Picture yourself as one of your characters. Annoyed by strangers? Put them in your story and let a piano fall on their heads.

I truly think everybody should write. It’s such a delightful thing. Not to publish anything obviously - but because it’s fun, it’s easy and it’s completely free.

Bye,

Playing magic cards. I just print them all off at the library

Kolanaki,
@Kolanaki@yiffit.net avatar

None of my hobbies intrinsically help. The fact that I have ADHD and autism do. Commercialism’s psychoaddicitiveness doesn’t work on people with broken brains.

RamenDame,

Boardgames. You can go all in and Kickstart cool games and buy all the bits and pieces. But actually, board gamers are always in the lookout for players. Therefore you’ll find a big community with lots of games and it is not necessary to have your own games. If you do like to buy though but want to avoid costs, share it with someone. Make it your game. Many you can’t play alone anyway. I wouldn’t mind someone to have no games at all but spend the time with me to play. Your time is the most valuable. And: it is easier to find friends through board gaming than get your friends to play boardgames.

shinigamiookamiryuu,

Photography, drawing, browsing, some other things…

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