Could Your Family Save $100s Just by Borrowing? Five Genius Ways to ‘Rent for Free’—From Toys to Tech, Even Beauty Perks
When every grocery trip feels like a math test and kids are outgrowing their hobbies as fast as their sneakers, it’s easy to feel squeezed. But what if you could dodge sticker shock by borrowing the stuff you need, totally free? Here are five genius ways families, students, and side-hustlers can tap into local ‘lending libraries’ to get entertainment, upgrade tech, or score handy tools—no credit card swipe needed!
1. Unlock Hidden Treasures at Your Local Library
Think your library card is just for books? Think again. Libraries across the U.S. now let you borrow board games, ukuleles, power tools, even museum passes—all at zero cost, just for being a library member.
Pasco County Libraries in Florida lend out ukuleles, board games, and family passes through their ‘Library of Things’ collection (Axios).
Big takeaway: Your library card is worth way more than you think—tap it for free fun and savings!
- Ask your branch about ‘Library of Things’
- Borrow musical instruments, video games, or kitchen gadgets
- Grab free admission passes to local museums or parks
Next step: Visit your library website and browse their “things” catalog today.
2. Get in on the ‘Buy Nothing’ Revolution
Why pay for something you only use once? Buy Nothing groups connect neighbors, so you can borrow a stroller for an outing, a popcorn maker for movie night, or even share party decorations—all for free.
The Buy Nothing Project includes over 13 million members in 245,000 communities, making it simple to swap or borrow what you need (Buy Nothing Project).
Bold move: Joining a local Buy Nothing group can erase your spending on everyday needs!
- Find your nearest group on Facebook or the Buy Nothing app
- Request anything—from camping gear to holiday décor
- Offer your own underused stuff; build community and savings
Sign up and post a request—the only thing you’ll spend is a quick ‘thank you’ message.
3. Borrow Tools and DIY Gear Without the Price Tag
Need a ladder, a drill, or a therapy light just for a week? Skip the hardware store and check your library or local tool-lending shed. Families save a bundle by sharing specialty items for fixing or fun.
Arlington Public Library’s ‘The Shed’ lends out gardening tools for free; Upper Dublin Library in Pennsylvania offers everything from binoculars to pickleball kits (Yahoo Finance, The Pennsylvania Independent).
Hot tip: The right tool is always “in stock” when you borrow, not buy!
- Search your city + “tool library” or ask at your branch desk
- Check out rakes, stud finders, or thermal leak detectors for free repairs
- Skip buying supplies you might only use once a year
Try it next time the house or garden needs a quick fix—your DIY budget will thank you.
4. Check Out Tech, Wi-Fi, and Study Kits for Home
Struggling with slow internet? Want to help the kids practice driving or experiment with science? Many libraries now loan mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, tablets, educational kits, and more, free with your card.
Licking County Library in Ohio lets families borrow mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, driving practice kits, and board games at no charge (Licking County Library).
Smart move: Try tech before you buy—save big and keep the learning going.
- Reserve a hotspot or learning kit when you’ve got an upcoming test, trip, or project
- Experiment with a digital microscope or coding kit on weekends
- Ask about loan periods for popular devices
Check your library catalog or ask a librarian what gadgets and kits your branch offers this month.
5. Score Free Family Adventures—No Fees, Just Your Card
Think you can’t afford outings? Many library systems partner with local museums, zoos, and parks to provide free passes or event tickets, opening up a world of local fun.
Las Vegas-Clark County Library District offers passes to the Discovery Children’s Museum and Nevada State Parks for families to check out (City of Las Vegas).
Bottom line: Unlock fun days out—your next adventure could cost $0!
- Check out a pass for a museum, science center, or park
- Search “museum pass” on your library’s website
- Plan a no-cost family weekend—just pack snacks
Mark your calendar for your next free adventure, and let the library handle the ticket price.
Don’t wait for your budget to stretch—use these five ideas to save $100s by borrowing instead of buying. Head online now to find your local library’s catalog or nearest swap group, and make your next money win totally free!