Collecting rainwater is great for saving on the water bill. Especially once the rain storms slow, or even stop, and you can use the stored supply of rainwater for plants or animals instead of city/county water.
Rainwater collecting has become very popular with simple decorative pieces for your garden that open at the top to collect whatever falls, though those only collect small amounts of water. The most common type of rainwater collecting system is the barrel that connects straight to the downspout. These can be found in all shapes and sizes, from practical to decorative, at most stores that have a home and garden section such as Walmart, Lowes, and Home Depot.
Most of these cost upwards of $100, with some of the simpler ones being offered closer to $50.
If you want to go the DIY route, you can purchase your own downspout diverter. Walmart has one HERE, and Home Depot also has a similar one available HERE. The directions are pretty straightforward: Just drill a hole into the downspout large enough for the diverter to fit inside, connect it to the downspout with provided screws, then press on the flexible hose.
All you need after that is whatever barrel, tub, trough, etc. you want to catch your excess rainwater.
Then, watch it flow!