International Frugal Fun Day

International Frugal Fun Day was created to remind us that having a great time doesn’t have to mean spending lots of money. The holiday was founded by Shel Horowitz, a well-known American author who has dedicated his career to helping businesses grow both regionally and internationally.

History

Frugal Fun Day began when Horowitz published his book, The Penny-Pinching Hedonist: How to Live Like Royalty with a Peasant’s Pocketbook, in 1995. The book quickly gained popularity, and fans started celebrating the holiday for the first time in 1999. By the 2010s, new forms of affordable entertainment—such as online gaming, streaming services, and e-books—became popular worldwide. In 2020, as people faced global lockdowns, interest in low-cost, at-home entertainment soared. October was chosen for the celebration because Shel believed autumn is the perfect season for enjoying nature.

Interesting Facts

• The book The Penny-Pinching Hedonist: How to Live Like Royalty with a Peasant’s Pocketbook was published in 1995.
• International Frugal Fun Day was first celebrated in 1999.
• The 2010s saw the rise of affordable digital entertainment, from online games to streaming and e-books.
• In 2020, with much of the world at home, people rediscovered the joy of simple and inexpensive activities.
• October was intentionally chosen—Shel Horowitz considered autumn the best time for outdoor adventures.

How to Take Part

You can celebrate International Frugal Fun Day by having a picnic in a beautiful spot, watching the sunset or sunrise, organizing a movie night, planning a day trip, or playing board games. The main goal is to have fun without spending much money.

When is International Frugal Fun Day in 2025?

International Frugal Fun Day is observed on the first Saturday in October each year.

Observations