I'd like a new hobby, but it's hard to know where to start. Am I more of a candle maker or basket weaver? Should I take up a new instrument or a new sport? One thing I know is that a hobby will be good for me. Just ask psychology professor Jaime Kurtz, who wrote about the importance of hobbies in Psychology Today. According to Kurtz, hobbies help us focus our time, relieve stress, and even make us more interesting and attractive to other people.
Which hobby sounds good to you? There's origami, which promotes mindfulness. To exercise the body as well as the mind, yoga might be worth a try. Or maybe something funky like tie-dye? I hope that by the end of this list, you and I are both inspired to try something new!
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We hope you find these hobby ideas as interesting as we do. Just an FYI: we participate in affiliate programs, and may receive a share of sales from links on this page.
Brew Your Own Healthy, Delicious Fermented Tea With This Complete Kombucha Brewing Kit
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I haven't quite jumped on the kombucha bandwagon yet, but an awful lot of my friends are true believers. After watching them shell out big bucks for bottles and to-go cups of kombucha, I think this home-brewing kit is a much better option. The set includes a 1-gallon glass brewing jar, kombucha SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast) starter pouch, a temperature gauge, pH strips, loose leaf tea, and complete instructions.Literally Everyone Takes Up the Ukulele as a Hobby at Some Point, so Might as Well Get to It
Humans fall into two categories: They either play the ukulele, or have always thought about playing the ukulele. If your time has come, this cute little beginner's set is perfect to get you started. It includes a very affordable ukulele, carrying case, neck strap, and two months of video lessons.This Wine Tasting Notebook Is Perfect if You Want a "Hobby" That Is Mainly About "Drinking"
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The other day, my friend Sarah excitedly told me she had a new hobby. Already bored (and fearing it was going to be golf or something), I asked what the hobby was. She answered: Wine. I perked up. I didn't realize we could claim wine as a hobby now. Turns out, all you need is a wine notebook to make it official. I'm ordering mine right away.Grow a Healthy Hipster Garden With These Heirloom Vegetable Seeds
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I can't decide which I like more--the hip illustrations on the seed packages, or the range of healthy vegetables they promise to provide. The set includes eight seed packets with instructions for starting the seedlings indoors or out. With a little patience, sunshine, and luck, you'll have the makings of a new hobby (not to mention a delicious salad!).Get Ready to Stretch Body and Mind With This 6-Piece Beginner's Yoga Set
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If you've been wanting to try yoga--or try it again--this set of six basic yoga accessories will get you started. All you really need for yoga is a mat and a willing attitude, but the other items in this set (foam blocks, towels, and a strap) will also come in handy. Choose from eight colors and get ready to downward dog your way to a more flexible body and spirit.Give Your Wardrobe a Groovy Makeover With This Tie-Dye Kit
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There are three well-known stages of tie-dyeing. Stage 1: Tie-dye an old t-shirt just for fun. Stage 2: Enjoy it so much that you tie-dye more shirts, bandanas, dish towels, maybe a pair of shorts, and okay your bedsheets too because why not. Stage 3: Everything is tie-dyed now; tie-dye is everything. You're welcome, and I'm sorry.This Easy-to-Follow Book Will Inspire You to Learn to Paint Watercolor in 30 Days
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I'm a word person rather than an art person, so painting and drawing skills are like magic to me. I love the idea of learning foundational skills step by step in this beautiful book, Everyday Watercolor. Starting with zero ability, I'm not sure 30 days will be enough to teach me to paint, but it will be fun to try!Make a Stepping Stone With Your Pet for a Special Keepsake
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I'm pretty sure my dog Rosie already loves the ways we spend time together: taking walks, keeping an eye on squirrels, and sharing afternoon snacks. She might not be enthusiastic to press her paw into clay, but I want to make something sweet with her that will last forever. Before I get weepy, I'm going to order this stepping stone kit.Take Better Photos With This Versatile Smartphone Photography Set
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We're all amateur photographers these days thanks to our camera phones, but it still takes skill to make really beautiful or interesting shots. This affordable photography set for your smartphone will let you experiment and capture a wider range of images. It includes a tripod, five lenses (including fish eye and wide angle), and a remote shutter button. Check out the product reviews to see some of the cool photos people have taken!Craft a One-of-a-Kind Memory Album With This Creative Scrapbook Set
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Scrapbooking may not be the hottest hobby at the moment, but no one has ever regretted making a personalized album of photos and keepsakes. What I love about this scrapbook set is that it's simple and classic looking, but comes with enough accessories to have fun and make it truly your own.Cook Up Something Delicious With This Unique Set of Jacobsen Flavored Salts
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A couple years ago, I persuaded my husband to start a hobby together, and we decided on cooking. We challenged ourselves to take on ambitious recipes and had fun experimenting with upgraded ingredients. One of our best discoveries was Jacobsen Salts, which are well worth the price. A tiny pinch transforms simple dishes like scrambled eggs or adds depth to even the most complex recipes.Center Your Attention With a Meditative Hobby Like Japanese Origami for Beginners
My daughter loves origami. She has infinite patience to watch a video and practice folding a shape over and over until it's perfect. She recommensd this origami set for any beginner, since it comes with a book, dvd, and 72 sheets of paper. Pro tip: The drinking cup is one of the easiest and most satisfying designs to master!Yes, You Can Build This Infinitely Cool Steampunk Music Box
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I can't stop obsessing over this DIY music box kit. It comes with laser-cut plywood and a hand-cranked music box mechanism (which plays the charming French song "La Mer"). Reviewers say it was fun and challenging to build.A Hobby Your Friends Will Love! Craft Cocktails With This 14-Piece Mixology Set
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There are probably healthier ways to get popular and make your friends happy, but they're probably not as fun as delicious cocktails! Fashion yourself into a mixologist who can shake or stir up a variety of drinks. This mixology bar set is a great place to start. It's a great value and includes shakers, jiggers, spouts, shot glasses, and even a cool long-handled spoon.Add Your Personal Touch to Wineglasses and More With This Clever Engraving Pen
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I keep looking at this engraving pen and imagining all the stuff in my life I could decorate with it. Apparently it works on glass, metal, ceramic, wood, and plastic. In other words, almost everything? It would be pretty great to engrave personalized gifts for friends, or maybe just inscribe my favorite coffee mugs with my name so it's harder for coworkers to steal them. (I'm looking at you, Mary.)Become the Ultimate Barista Artiste With This Latte Art Set
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I love going to my friend Amanda's house for coffee because she delights in brewing perfect cups of espresso, cappuccino, and cafe latte. She already has a fancy chrome espresso maker, but I think I'll encourage her to kick it up to the next level with this latte art set. It includes a milk frother, cocoa shaker, and stencils, to make every cuppa more special.Learn to Make Scarves, Pompoms, and More With This Colorful Knitting and Crochet Starter Set
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My mother knits and crochets beautiful blankets, hats, scarves, and other charming, handmade gifts. While I love receiving them, I've never learned how to make them myself. I might get inspired, though, by this nice little knitting and crochet starter set, which includes 24 balls of colorful yard, two crochet hooks, two weaving needles, and instructions to make a variety of beginner-level projects.Master the Totally Fun, Wonderfully Nerdy Art of Juggling Sticks
As soon as you see juggling sticks in action, you'll want to try them. It's not hard to get started; pretty much anyone can get the stick bouncing. The really fun part comes when you find yourself studying video tutorials, practicing in front of a mirror, and dreaming of the day you'll perform on a stage. (Or so I've heard.)It's Time to Dry Some Meat With This Awesome Jerky Making Set
via: Amazon
When I started brainstorming hobbies for this list, I admit that jerky didn't even occur to me. It was only during a deep Amazon dive that I came across this ingenious jerky making set and realized that drying meat could be the ultimate hobby for someone out there. The kit includes a dehydrator, something called a jerky gun (I swear!), spice and cure packets, and instructions to guide you on your dried meat journey.Exercise in the Comfort of Your Own Home With This Fitness Hula Hoop
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I've found that most hobbies fall into three categories: food, crafts, and fitness. For the latter, the trick is finding an exercise that's new and fun so you'll be motivated to keep at it. Hula hooping fits the bill. This smooth, 2-pound hoop is designed for comfortable fitness and earns excellent reviews.Even Novice Gardeners Can Grow a Nice Little Herb Garden
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I love the idea of gardening, but I get overwhelmed when I look at big flowerbeds or ambitious vegetable garden plans. Better to start with something small and manageable, like this charming herb garden set. It comes with everything you need to grow five herbs indoors: seeds, soil pellets, biodegradable growing pots, plant markers, and instructions.You'll Say "Accio Chocolate Frogs!" With This Magical Harry Potter Candy Making Set
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Perfect for the wonderful intersection of people who love Harry Potter and sweet treats, this fun candy making set includes candy molds for frogs, owls, lightning bolts, and other iconic wizarding shapes. There are also sticks, ties, and bags to package the finished candies as gifts or party favors. You just need to get the chocolate or candy melts, and you'll be ready to make candy magic!Go for 10,000 Steps a Day With This Affordable, Bestselling Fitness Tracker
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Whether it's a new hobby, new resolution, or just an attempt to look and feel better, getting 10,000 steps a day is an awesome goal. You'll be more motivated with this bestselling fitness tracker, priced right at under $30. It's waterproof, comes in eight fun colors, and tracks your steps and heart rate around the clock.Is This the Cutest Hobby in the World? Now We Can Make Our Own Mini Erasers
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I'm tempted to order a stack of these Make Your Own Mini Eraser sets for gifts. Not only will my tween nieces go nuts for them, but I'm pretty sure adults will find them irresistible, too! The kit includes enough eraser clay, tools, and instructions to make about 25 of the most adorable little crafts ever.Begin Your Pickling Pilgrimage With This Easy Fermenting Set
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My husband and I have been cooking together as a hobby for quite a while now, so I asked him to think of a new hobby for us to try. He suggested pickling. At first I hoped he had misspoken and actually meant to say "wine," but it seems he truly meant pickling. I figure we should start with this easy fermenting kit, which seems to have everything we need.Treat Your Pup by Learning How to Bake Your Own Dog Treats
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If you could ask your dog to suggest a new hobby, I'm pretty sure he'd endorse any idea that resulted in more treats. This set--which includes two baking molds and a recipe booklet--will help you bake your own dog treats from scratch, which means they'll be fresh and healthy. You can even customize the recipe to any special dietary needs.Have More Fun Outdoors With This Croquet Set
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Most hobbies are solitary endeavors, but croquet is meant for groups. This would be a great hobby for you and your family, friends, or coworkers to try. Start with this colorful and affordable croquet set that includes supplies for six people to play, plus a handy carrying bag to take your croquet set on the go.For a Delicious New Hobby, Master a Bit of French Cooking With This Crepe Maker
via: Amazon
We all have to cook (or at least microwave frozen meals), but to transform basic food prep into a hobby, it needs a special edge. That's where a crepe maker could come in handy. Think how happy the people in your life would be if you told them this was your new hobby!Transform Ordinary Items With Chalkboard Paint
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I guarantee that if you acquire a can of chalkboard paint, you will start walking around your place thinking that almost everything you own would be cooler if you could draw on it with chalk. Maybe a wall in your bedroom, a tabletop, an outdoor fence...they can all be transformed in minutes!For a Hobby That Will Make You Laugh, Just Get This Catbutt Coloring Book
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Adult coloring books have been around long enough that you've probably tried one. Most are beautiful, inspirational, and, to be honest, kind of cheesy. That's why I love this Catbutt Coloring Book. It's just silly and odd enough to make me want to try coloring books again.Build a Complex, Beautiful Piece of Architecture With This 3D Castle Puzzle
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This highly rated 3D castle puzzle would be a fun and unique challenge for anyone who enjoys puzzles or models. Made of paper and foam board, the pieces are intricately designed and cut so that you don't need any glue or tools to construct the castle. You will, however, need patience and careful attention to detail!Begin a Hobby of Patience and Serenity With This Bonsai Starter Set
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Some hobbies can be learned, mastered, and discarded in days or weeks. Tending a bonsai tree, however, can be the work of a lifetime. If you've ever been fascinated by these miniature, slow-growing trees, give this bonsai starter set a try. The kit includes materials to grow four trees: a Rocky Mountain Bristlecone Pine, Black Poui, Norway Spruce, and Flame Tree.Paint Very Small, Very Happy Clouds and Trees With This Miniature Bob Ross Paint-by-Number Set
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The genius of Bob Ross was that he made everyone feel like they had the ability to paint. He even assured us, “We don't make mistakes, just happy little accidents." Bring some of that joy and acceptance into your life with this adorable, tiny Bob Ross Paint by Numbers kit.Make Jewelry for Yourself and Friends With This Set of Gemstone Beads
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For a simple hobby that results in beautiful gifts, why not start making your own bracelets? All you need is stretchy cord and this affordable set of gemstone beads. It includes hundreds of naturally shaped beads in 15 colors, so you can mix and match to make endless variations and designs.Love Bath Products? Then You'll Love This DIY Essential Oil Bath Bomb Kit
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I love bath bombs, and I love the idea of making my own. But my favorite thing about this DIY bath bomb set is the quality of the ingredients. The kit comes with everything you need to make up to 25 wonderfully scented bath bombs: baking soda, citric acid, corn starch, epsom salt, real rose petals, essential oils, molds, bags, and instructions. I can't wait to try this.Experience the Excitement of an Escape Room at Home With This Exit Board Game
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Unique and intriguing, the Exit series of board games give you the experience of an escape room condensed down to a board game you can play in about an hour. You can even play it alone, but it's more fun with a friend or two. Once you've solved the first title, The Abandoned Cabin, you can move on to other titles in the series.Customize Your Skin Care With DIY Face Masks
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There are suddenly a zillion face masks on the market, most of them individually packaged and pretty pricey if you want to enjoy them regularly. If you like face masks, it would be smart to make your own. This DIY face mask set is a great place to start. It includes a silicone mixing bowl, two brushes, and a specially designed measuring cup.