Three cheap and fun ideas to create new experiences with your friends rather than just meeting for coffee

SIMPLY catching up with friends is no longer good enough, according to social media. Apparently, we should be creating new experiences with pals, rather than just meeting for a coffee. If you want to do more with mates without blowing your budget, here are some ideas . . . EXPLORE: Discovering new places together is a great way to bond with friends. When you never quite know what is coming, you create opportunities for delight, surprise and even shock that can create new memories for years to come. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! It doesn’t have to be a big trip, you could just wander in a new part of town or look for a new hike through beautiful countryside. If it’s a rainy day, try heading to a free museum or gallery. VOLUNTEER: You could do something that gives back to your local community together through volunteering. There are options to suit all interests as lots of organisations rely on people giving up their time. READ MORE MONEY SAVING TIPS If you both enjoy food and meeting new people, FoodCycle could be a good idea. The charity serves free food to the homeless or those who can’t afford to feed themselves. There are kitchens all over the UK. You can serve the food or get involved in the preparing of meals. See foodcycle.org.uk for more information. BUCKET LISTS: Being with a pal can give you more confidence to start a hobby you’ve always wanted to try or to hit a goal you’ve been striving for. For example, if you love the idea of appearing on the stage, you could join an amateur theatre group together. Most read in Money Or start your training for a half-marathon by looking for local running groups that you could both join. You don’t have to stay local either. The National Gallery hosts free monthly online “talk and draw” events where conversation and informal drawing take place. The next event is on October 30 and celebrates Black History Month. Book online at nationalgallery.org.uk. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability. Deal of the day Bluey mud kitchen, £56 at George from Asda Credit: Asda ENCOURAGE kids to make up special leafy creations with this Bluey mud kitchen – down from £80 to £56 at George from Asda. SAVE: £24 Cheap treat Sea salt vanilla balancing body scrub, £5.99 from tkmaxx.com Credit: tkmaxx.com SOFTEN skin with sea salt vanilla balancing body scrub, £5.99 from tkmaxx.com. What's new? BUY a pizza or other main course dish at Pizza Express and get another for £1. Sign up to the mailing list to download the offer at pizzaexpress.com. Top swap Reversible check mac, £159 from John Lewis Credit: John Lewis Tu reversible trench coat, for £55 Credit: Tu GET two jackets in one with this reversible check mac, £159 from John Lewis, or pick up the Tu reversible trench coat for £55. SAVE: £104 Little helper CELEBRATE National Cinema Weekend this Saturday and Sunday with £4 tickets for top movies. Chains taking part include Cineworld, Odeon, Picturehouse and Vue. PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning! Comment now