12 Alternative Ideas For Going Out This Winter

January. It can be a bit of a dismal month can’t it? Christmas is over and done with. A lot of us are probably on a health kick after overindulging during the festive period and it’s very likely that the bank balance isn’t as big as you would like it to be. Not only that but it has been so cold lately that by the time we get home from work at the end of the day, the last thing we feel like doing is putting the gorgeous coat we got for Christmas back on to go back out in the cold.

So what can we do with our evening’s instead? We still want to be social and we still want to make an effort to do something, but when the purse strings need to be a bit tighter and the heating needs to be turned up, what are the alternatives to going out?

I asked some of my fabulous blogger buddies what they do in the evenings that doesn’t involve going out into the cold or spending too much money. They had an array of ideas and they’re all here for you. Take a look to see if any of them take your fancy.

Vikki, familytravelwithellie.com – We absolutely love to put out some snack foods for the 4 of us, and then have a Mariocart tournament on the Wii! It’s fun, competitive and very entertaining (especially as I am so bad at it!)

Pete, householdmoneysaving.com – We bought some classic games last year so we could spend more time together – Twister and Operation. Winter evenings are a great excuse to bring these out and spend an evening at home.

Katy, katykicker.com – We love playing quizzes online! Seeing who can get the most right answers etc. Also, we enjoy watching comedies on Netflix for a good laugh when it’s dreary outside.

Becky, mommyandrory.com – We love to do a couples night at least once a month. Usually one of us knocks up a curry or a chilli and we all sit down to a good old-fashioned game of cards against humanity! Whilst it’s not for the faint hearted it’s perfect for January because if you don’t already own a pack you can download it for free online!

Suzy, ourbucketlistlives.co.uk – Karaoke. You can be bad and still have fun. We have spent many nights singing badly into a microphone.

Jaymee, themumdiaries.co.uk – Boys love a movie night, old film, popcorn and all the light turned low! They really love it and it’s nice and cosy too. Perfect for a cold night.

Emma, themoneywhisperer.co.uk – We have a race night DVD which we are doing next Friday with some friends. One person is the bookmaker, you get play money (or could do it with real to make it more fun!) to bet on the races with and watch the races throughout the evening mixed in with nibbles.

Maria, happymummy.co.uk – We love to host fancy dress murder mystery parties they are so much fun! Our friends always really enjoy them.

Cathryn, cardiffmummysays.com – I quite often have film nights with a group of close girlfriends around one of our houses. It’s so lovely to get together without having to go out and with no focus on alcohol. We have no worries about bringing our slippers and blankets to each other’s houses!

Jennie, ricecakesandraisins.co.uk – The kids love to make cosy dens in the living room. We throw blankets, all the cushions in there, snuggle up eating popcorn and have a picnic on the floor, they love it!

Laura, fivelittledoves.com – I love having a pamper evening with the girls! We have a pop-up spray tan booth, do our nails, even get out the waxing strips! It helps that one of our friends is a beauty therapist! A few glasses of prosecco and some pizza and it’s the perfect night in!

Collette, trulymadlycuckoo.co.uk – Once the kids are in bed you simply can’t beat an M&S dine in for £10 meal! We really live life on the edge!

I have to agree with Collette – we very often pick up the dine-in meals and follow it up with a film under a blanket. It’s such a nice cosy way to spend the evening. So much more appealing than going out in the cold and spending money that you haven’t got!

Have you got any ideas that you would like to add to the list? Pop them in the comments below and let others be inspired by them!

Many thanks to the lovely bloggers that contributed to this article.