We’ve finally found the solution to the eternal question —
“I don’t know, what do you want to do this weekend?”
Do you remember those cute, brightly-colored paper fortune tellers we all used to make as kids? You might remember them as Cootie Catchers, Snap Dragons, Chatterboxes, or even Salt Cellars or Whirlybirds! They’ve been around for a while. They usually have amusing Magic 8 ball type answers or are used to help make fun decisions, like which fun activity you should do with your friends!
Here’s a little refresher on how to make your own paper fortune teller, because we know it’s probably been a hot minute.
Step 1: Fold a blank piece of paper diagonally, lining up the bottom edge to the side edge as best as you can. They obviously aren’t the same length, so they won’t line up perfectly, but we’ll get to that next!
Step 2: Cut off that extra bit of paper sticking out on the longer side. This will create the square-shape we need to make the fortune teller. Then fold it diagonally again so that the two creases form an “X” when you unfold the paper.
Step 3: Open the paper, and fold all four corners into the center. Try to make them as even as you can — aim for the center of the “X”!
Step 4: Flip it over (with the corners still folded) and fold these corners towards the center on the other side. Then take a look at the four triangular flaps you’ve just made. From the top of each triangle to the base of each where it meets the fold, cut a straight line. This will give you eight small flaps, instead of four.
Step 5: Fold this new square in half, then open it, and fold it in half the other way. Make sure the corners stay folded!
Step 6: Ease your pointer fingers and thumbs under the flaps. Then, pinch the sides toward the center.
And that’s it! It’s pretty simple, really. Nothing your childhood self couldn’t manage. The fun part is next: decorating and filling in those answers!
Below, we’ve compiled 8 fun ideas for you, but feel free to have fun with it and make up your own ideas! Tag us on Instagram @rogue.ramms or e-mail us at [email protected] to share your creative designs and fun experiences!
Lotto Library
This activity is perfect for all our readers out there who want to curl up with a good book. This is a fun way to broaden your reading horizons and try a book you maybe wouldn’t ordinarily choose for yourself! It also requires very little setup.
Pull up a random number generator — whether that be an app or Google — or just go retro and randomly choose numbers off the top of your head. These numbers will be used to generate the coordinates of your next read.
You’ll want to pull about four different numbers to indicate which aisle you search, how far down the aisle you go, which shelf you pull from, and finally which book you pick! Of course, these numbers will vary depending on the library or bookstore you explore, so don’t get too caught up in the numbers — just have fun with it!!
Journal 30
This activity provides a great opportunity to embrace your inner creative without you having to purchase a bunch of supplies. All you need is a pen, an old notebook, and your beautiful brain!
There are plenty of different types of prompts online to match your mood — are you looking to be inspired? To tap into your inner motivation? Or do you just want something silly and fun? You’re one Google search away from finding prompts for reflection like…
What do you want to achieve within the next five years?
What would be three things you’d want highlighted if someone told you your life story?
Or you could try your hand at something sillier and more fictional like…
If you and your friends became a league of superheroes — or, better yet, supervillains — what superpowers would you each have?
If your favorite television character and your least favorite television character had their own show together — what would happen??
Challenge yourself to write for at least thirty minutes, but if you feel inspired, then by all means continue writing! Even if you aren’t much of a writer, these prompts are meant to stir your imagination and get you thinking. There is no wrong way to write. It’s all about having fun, opening your mind, and allowing yourself the freedom to create.
Random Road Trip
Get ready to dash off on a spontaneous adventure with a random road trip, because who doesn’t love singing your favorite songs at the top of your lungs while exploring with your best friends?
Randonautica is an app that helps you generate random road trips close to home! You can adjust the GPS settings to make your radius as big or small as you’d like, so you can travel by foot, bike, or car.
If you aren’t a fan of the Randonautica, then you can always create a random road trip yourself by selecting random points in the Maps app on your phone. Or, you can really go retro by finding a physical map of your city, closing your eyes, and pointing to a random location!
Just be sure to always travel safely, never venture onto private property, and always leave the environment better than you found it!
A Nudge Pick
The classic Nudge program really only works if you’re near a major city, but it’s also helpful for those who are planning a weekend getaway! They only have about ten cities right now but are working on expanding. You can check out their website for specific details.
This app takes all the stress out of planning a fun outing! All you have to do is sign up to receive text messages, and they’ll send you itineraries for unique, interesting adventures in and around your city. They tell you where to go, how long everything will take, and even what supplies you’ll need and where to get them. It’s all planned out for you so you don’t have to worry about anything, all the way down to where you’ll stop for snacks!
If you don’t live near one of their current locations — don’t worry! They also offer a “Couples Nudge” program you can do with your significant other (or some good friends)! This one isn’t free, unfortunately, but it’s available to anyone with a U.S. phone number (being near a major city isn’t necessary). You can try it out for free for two weeks to see if it’s something you might want to use!
Self-Care Social
This one does require a little bit of planning, but it can be so much fun if you’re willing to put in the effort!
Grab a handful of your closest friends, choose someone’s home, and indulge in a self-care social. Think of it as a pot-luck of self-care! To attend, everyone must bring something to contribute, whether it be face masks, a homemade lip exfoliator, maybe some wine, or freshly baked cookies!
Gather ‘round with your girls for a night in, where you can give yourselves some much needed TLC and some time to catch up with one another. Life can be hectic and stressful — but you need to take care of yourself. It’s nice to take a night off every once in a while to allow yourself the chance to slow down and reconnect over facials and mani-pedis!
Buzzed Bake Off
Here’s a chance to show off your baking skills (or lack thereof)! Invite a group of friends to get a little buzzed while you all try out a new recipe. Split into teams and see who makes the tastiest snack!
Of course, substitutions to the recipe are highly encouraged. With a little liquid courage, who knows what kinds of creative concoctions you’ll come up with? Will potato chips work in that chocolate chip recipe? Let’s find out!
Of course, please remember to drink responsibly. It’s a buzzed bake off, so try to keep yourself only slightly tipsy — at least until after the challenge is complete — when you can enjoy your tasty treats!
Design Challenge
Here’s another chance to flaunt your creative chops — and be environmentally friendly!
Challenge yourself to be a fashion designer! Find an old piece of clothing you hardly ever wear and give it a new style. You can do this alone or have a fun competition with your friends to see who can redesign their item of clothing best.
You can add some funky iron-on patches or maybe try your hand at embroidery! You can invest in a little fabric paint to decorate that old jean jacket you haven’t worn in forever or breathe some new life into your old t-shirts by tie-dying them. Whatever you want to try!
Feel free to check out our Slow Fashion Challenge for some environmentally-friendly ideas for your clothes, or our Color Psychology & Pastels in Fashion to learn more about color choices and some tips on making your own natural dyes with regular household ingredients.
Escape Room
Challenge yourself and your friends by doing a fun, interactive escape room! There are local companies all across the country that offer a variety of different experiences. Prices and puzzles vary by location, but there are plenty of options to test your brainpower (and your teamwork!)
EveryEscapeRoom is the largest directory of escape rooms in the U.S., and you can narrow your search to filter by city. They also show virtual escape rooms for a more socially distanced experience that allows you to connect with (or make new) friends in different states.
You can also look into getting an escape room experience to do at home! These typically range from $20-40, and you can do these with friends or test your analytical skills on your own.
