Activities usually focus on things to do when you go out. But with temperatures getting cooler in the fall and downright bitter in the winter, it's nice to stay in sometimes too. There's plenty of ways to have fun and make memories without leaving home. 

1. Shop Vintage

Searching for the perfect vintage piece to add to your wardrobe is a great way to get into the fall spirit. Thanks to online vintage marketplaces, you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home. Curl up with a hot coffee or tea, soft socks and visit some of the best vintage collections. Search terms like “cable knit” and “Flannel” for optimal coziness!
 
https://www.thrifted.com/
https://modcloth.com/
https://shopthrilling.com/
https://www.beyondretro.com/
 

2. Send someone a handwritten item

Handmade gifts are always the best presents and chilly fall mornings can be very inspiring. Sitting down and writing a letter to a family member you haven’t talked to in a while is a great way to catch them up on your life. You can even buy cute paper to make a handmade card. Regardless of what handwritten craft you send out, the receiver will be overjoyed!

 
3. Spend time on self-education  

Fall days have the best window weather, so why not cozy up by a large window and broaden your horizons? There are many resources that can help you learn a new skill and maybe even start a new career. You could learn to build websites for free at Code Academy with their beginner courses. You could also head over to Skill Share and learn everything from sewing to starting your own business. If you’re more academically minded, consider taking a college course at Coursera. They offer college level courses from people who are experts in their fields. 

 
4. Travel from the comfort of your couch

The pandemic ruined a lot of people’s vacation plans, but you can still enjoy different cultures thanks to international entertainment. Korean media has exploded in popularity since the beginning of the pandemic. Check out some popular Korean dramas like HomeTown Cha Cha  for a good laugh. If you’re wanting something a little spooky for the Halloween season, consider watching Squid Game or Stranger. 
 

5. Mull something

Mulled wine is a popular beverage that dates all the way back to ancient Rome. Commonly served at Christmas markets in Europe, this fragrant drink smells like the holidays and is perfect for warming up on chilly autumn nights. Add honey, ginger, cinnamon, clove, and orange slices to red wine for a dinner party with friends, or substitute red wine with apple cider for a more kid-friendly option!
 

6. Find a sunny spot to read a book

Winter is on its way, so it’s important to soak up the last of the autumn sun before the cold sets in! Sunlight is a great natural mood-booster, giving us vitamin D to boost our immune systems. Make the most of a warm autumn day by finding a sunny spot to enjoy a good book! We suggest Lisa Jewell’s The Night She Disappeared if you’re looking for a thrilling read, or a classic Halloween story like Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury for a spookier tale. 
 

7. Play a board game 

As the nights get colder and we spend more time indoors, playing games with friends and family becomes a great way to pass time! There are thousands of board games to choose from, from escape room games like the Exit series to laugh-out-loud party games like Quelf. One of our favorites is the indie card game The Tea Dragon Society; if you really want to enhance the autumn mood, look for the new Autumn Harvest expansion! 

8. Host a pie potluck party 

Who doesn’t love a slice of homemade pie? Instead of waiting to fill up on pie at Thanksgiving, organize a pie potluck with friends! Make sure there are a few savory options, like this yummy short rib pot pie, and lots of choices for dessert-- we’re loving this caramel-pecan cheesecake pie! Make a few batches of homemade whipped cream to top your pies, too-- we recommend adding a little cinnamon to one! 

9. Make soup  

There’s only one food that says ‘fall’ more than pie, and that’s soup! A warm bowl of soup is comforting, and can easily feed a large number of people. Classic recipes like chicken noodle and potato leek soup are always a hit. For an autumnal twist on a beloved favorite, try this pumpkin chili recipe! 
 

10. Light fall candles and read some ghost stories 

Now is the time to really embrace the Halloween spirit! If settling in for a creepy, cozy evening sounds like your cup of tea, think about turning off bright lights and lighting some candles instead. With scents like Fall Festival or Vanilla Pumpkin in the air, curl up with some ghost stories! Classics like The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allen Poe or Charles Dickens’ The Signalman will put you in the Halloween mood. For something different, look into an eerie podcast like The Magnus Archives or The Black Tapes Podcast. 
 

11. Play a fun “get to know you” game 

As the cold weather sets in, it can be almost impossible to avoid cuddling up with your loved ones. It’s a great time to get to know those around you even better with fun games that help start unique (and often hilarious!) conversations. The game So…Takes away the stress of small talk. It asks questions that can help you understand the people around you on a deeper level. If you’re looking for something more romantic, check out Love Lingual.
 

12. Commemorate the last year with a scrapbook

With 2021 rapidly coming to a close, now is the time to look back on the best memories of the year. Before the rush of the holidays takes up most of your time, pick a night to settle in with your loved ones and reminisce. Now is a great time to print out your favorite photos from the past year, snuggle up under some cozy blankets, and put together a scrapbook to share with your friends and family. With some pretty paper for a background, work together to place your photos, write a little about your favorite memories, and decorate the pages. The scrapbook will be a great way to look back on the highlights of the year, and makes a great tradition to bring into the next!