We typically think that entertainment means expenses. After all, you can’t have much fun with a single dollar. Or, can you? Below are eight different things you can do with a dollar. Take a look and decide if any of those seem fun to you.
Participate in a Blackjack Championship
One of the most exciting ways to spend a dollar is in a blackjack championship. In Spinanga Casino, for instance, the minimum bet is just $1. The championship lasts a couple of days, and the competition isn’t too tough (about 100-200 players competing).
The prize pool is significant — several thousand dollars. At the moment of writing this, they have a championship running with a prize pool of $5k. Of all the entertainment ideas on our list, this is one of those few that let you turn your dollar into a bigger sum (if you are lucky, of course!).
Purchase a Song on iTunes
This one is for music lovers. One dollar is actually enough to expand your playlist with a new song on iTunes. The latter has countless tracks available for just $0.99. For example, you can make it a habit to discover a new artist every week. This will only cost you four to five dollars a month but will provide endless enjoyment as you listen to your new purchase on repeat.
DIY Projects
If you love crafting, a dollar can buy a surprising number of supplies at dollar stores. These can be items like
- markers
- stickers
- small crafting kits.
An even more unordinary idea is money origami. Here, you fold dollar bills into various shapes and designs (from basic heart shapes to… an owl). There are tons of tutorials online, and the mechanics aren’t too difficult, so you typically succeed on the first try.
Whatever DIY activity you choose, it’s entertainment that will leave you with a cute decoration or even gifts. Money origami can introduce you to origami as a whole, which is not bad either because it’s quite a meditative practice.
Lotto
This is another idea on our list that lets you earn more with your dollar if you are lucky enough. Quite often, one dollar is enough to buy a lotto ticket.
You can buy it online or in a shop. Some online casinos have their own lotteries, and they may even give you free lottery tickets for deposits.
Even if you don’t win, the anticipation and excitement are still entertaining. In a way, a lottery is always your chance to dream big. They inspire you to envision a future that you are really passionate about.
Visit a Penny Arcade
If you have access to a penny arcade, a dollar can provide hours of entertainment. These are filled with vintage games and attractions of all sorts:
- play classic arcade games
- try your luck at various machines
- Win small yet cute prizes.
And it’s one of those activities that is fun to share with someone you like.
Donate to Charity
By the way, you don’t necessarily need to spend that dollar on yourself. You can donate it to a charity.
You may think that that’s too little for a donation, but it’s always better than nothing.
The world’s population is almost 8 billion people. Even if 1% of them follow your example and donate a dollar to charity, that’ll make a donation of 80 million dollars.
Purchased a Used Book
If reading is your thing, check local thrift stores or library sales. Here, you can often find used books. In fact, it’s the simplest way to relax and escape into different worlds for just a dollar. Just as with songs, you can make it a tradition to add a new book to your collection every week or month.
Enjoy a Snack or Beverage
Sometimes, the simplest pleasures are the most enjoyable. With just one dollar, you can treat yourself to a small snack or beverage. Many fast-food chains and convenience stores offer dollar menus where you can find items like soft drinks, coffee, or a small snack. Eating or drinking something you like always (okay, almost always) works to lift your spirits.
As you can see, one dollar can be enough to have fun. The thing is that entertainment is very often free or almost free. You just need to be creative and open to new experiences.