26 Ways to Reward Yourself That Don’t Cost Money

Completed a project on time? Stuck to your schedule? Dieted for an entire month?

It’s time to celebrate!

Rewards are a great way to stay motivated. It gives you something to look forward to. More importantly, it’s what pulls you through those days when you really don’t want to work.

Your reward could be going out for dinner or relaxing at a spa.

The problem with those rewards…

They cost money.

Is it really a reward if you have the break your piggy bank for it?

It’s not easy to come up with enticing rewards that don’t cost much.

To save you the trouble, I’ve gathered a list of 25 of rewards that will motivate you without draining your wallet.

Now, these are rewards if you refrain from doing them while working toward your milestone or goal.

Think, “I will only do ___ once I finish ____”

25 Free/Low-Cost Rewards for Yourself

1. Have a lazy day

What could be more rewarding than giving yourself some well-earned time off?

You worked hard to reach the success you achieved, so give yourself a break.

Have a day without any obligations. Sleep in. Stay in your pajamas all day. Rid your mind of stress and live life while it’s happening.

2. Practice your hobby

Most people have activities they like doing but are too busy to actually do them.

Give yourself the luxury of practicing the hobby you don’t get to do that often. For example, spend 3 hours painting a penguin, cook a new recipe you saw on Pinterest or build a card tower.

Why not reward yourself for your hard work, but making the time for something you enjoy?

(Don’t have a hobby? Read this.)

3. Do something you’ve been wanting to do, but always told yourself you don’t have the time

Achieving your goals is an example of delayed gratification. You are constantly saying ‘no’ to things you really want to do in order to focus on your progress.

Once you hit your milestone is a great time to indulge in some of your guilty pleasures (as long as they don’t reverse the progress you made!)

Reward yourself by doing all the fun things you pushed off because you “had work to do.” Been meaning to check out a new location? Want to upcycle your coffee table? Reach you milestone and do it!

4. Go out with friends

A day with friends is a super fun way to reward yourself after a job well done. This might sound expensive, but it doesn’t have to be.

• Have a game night and play cards or board games.
• Play party games with Airconsole
• Gather at your house and watch a movie.
• Go window shopping.
• Have a Peanut Butter & Jelly picnic at a nearby park.

5. Explore Your Creativity

Discover your creative side by doing something new and fun. Follow a video on YouTube or sign up for a free month of Skillshare and…

…make a clay mug! You can make clay with flour, salt, and water.

… Learn how to draw here or here.

Note: Skillshare offers a free month to new subscribers, so this one is only free if you remember to cancel once your month is up.

6. Plant an Achievement Flower

An achievement flower is a flower plant that you plant either in your garden or in a pot in your home to celebrate the achievement you have made.

It’s a lovely reminder of your success.

7. Have a movie night with popcorn

Lay down and turn the TV on. Settle into an engaging story and munch on some yummy popcorn.

If you are having trouble finding a fun movie to watch, check out these 10 motivational movies that inspire.

8. Get social

Celebrate by getting out of the house and Go to an event happening near you. Go to an festival or an open market near you. Head over to meetup.com and find a meetup you’re interested in.

Surround yourself with like-minded people and gain some new friends.

9. Bake yourself a cake in celebration!

Pull some cake mix out of the cupboard or make one from scratch. Decorate it with sprinkles and stick a candle in it to celebrate your big win!

10. Go On an Adventure

Reward yourself for achieving your milestones by going on an adventure. Explore local attractions, neighborhoods, or parks you’ve yet to visit.

11. Start a DIY project

Here’s another reward that boosts your creativity. Start a DIY project with items you already have laying around the house.

12. Write Your Success Story

Document your success to look back on later. Get some scrapbook material or use colorful markers and pens to create your success book that details the obstacles you’ve overcome and the accomplishments you’ve attained.

13. Make yourself a fancy dinner at home

Who said fancy dinners had to cost hundreds of dollars. You can live the experience in the comfort of your own home.

Light some candles. Make your own gourmet meal and complete the experience by setting the table with your best China and the fanciest table cloth you have.

14. Learn a new skill on YouTube

Here’s an article from Mental Floss with 50 Amazing Skills You Can Learn On YouTube.

15. Make yourself a win board

Take a picture of your achievement or something that reminds you of it and get a sticky note. Label your picture with your win along with the date and hang it up on the board.

You’ll be amazed by how motivating a win board is!

16. Have an at-home spa experience

Take a long bath with your favorite bath bomb. Put on a face mask and don’t forget the cucumber slices over your eyes. Lather yourself in fragrant lotion.

Treat yourself like you are royalty.

17. Pay it forward and volunteer

Celebrate your win by making the world a better place. Volunteer at a local pet shelter or an elderly home and let your win be a win for others, too.

18. Get a new book from your library

Reading opens up your mind to new ideas and perspective. Head over to the library and pick up a book you in a genre you haven’t tried yet.

19. Get public recognition

Ever heard the quote, “Don’t tell people your plans. Show them your results.”?

Don’t tell anyone what you’re working on, then post your achievement on Facebook.

Apply it with this reward and get public recognition for your hard work.

20. Redecorate your house

Let this achievement mark the beginning of your transformation. Let it be a fresh start. What’s symbolic of change than some a house renovation.

Ok, in this case, it’s the rearrangement of furniture and antiques you already have in the house, but it’s refreshening just the same!

21. Go outside, pick flowers, and make your own bouquet.

If it’s summer, you can take a walk and pick pretty flowers on the way. Arrange them in a bouquet and put them in a vase.

22. Low-cost idea: Put aside money every time you hit a milestone and have a fun experience once you meet your goal

Use a jar or envelope to collect $5 or $10 every time you hit a milestone. Once you’ve reached your goal, spend that money on a treat for yourself.

23. Low-cost idea: Check Groupon for cheap outings

You could go horse-riding, yoga, or try out an activity you’ve never done before. You might even discover a new interest while you’re at it.

24. Refrain from doing things you like and use that as a reward.

What are your guilty pleasures?

Feel less guilty by using them as rewards for your achievements.

For example, I will only stop at Starbucks after I lose 5 lbs.

25. Go star-gazing or watch the sunrise/sunset

We do not admire nature often enough. Use your accomplishment as an opportunity to witness the beauty of the fire balls in outer space.

26. Connect with an old friend

Reach out to a friend you haven’t spoken with in a while. Give them a call and see if you can meet. A get-together with a close friend is always a fun experience.

Rewards are huge motivators for achieving your milestones and goals. Your reward doesn’t have to be exceptional. Something to look forward to is all you need to pull you through the hard days.

What rewards have you given yourself? Let me know in the comments!