1. A cake decorating kit so you can learn a new skill and treat yourself to something sweet! It includes a smooth-turning turntable, essential decorating tools, convenient disposable piping bags, and an instruction manual for all the fun, different piping techniques — so each cake can become a canvas for your imagination. Perfect for beating boredom!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I loved this kit! I can count on one hand the amount of times I've even held a piping bag before, so this is a really new experience for me, and I've never decorated a whole cake by myself. Thought I would invest a little bit into some materials but didn't want to spend a lot on something that is just a small hobby. Anyway, I made this cake yesterday, and everything worked great! Great piping materials; I loved the spin table and the frosting spatulas; I had everything I needed, and it was so fun to try this out! Will definitely be making more! And overall great quality for the price, I'll use this stuff for a long time." —Rashae Williams

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in three colors).

2. A pasta maker for whipping up your own noodles like a pro with adjustable thickness options and handy clamps that fit most tables and counters. Have you seen those mesmerizing pasta-making vids? Now it's your turn — you just need flour, eggs, and this magical machine for fresh, homemade pasta in a snap. It'll be the ultimate pasta party every time!

www.amazon.com

You can make spaghetti, fettuccini, lasagna, dumpling skins, and more! This guy caters to ~all~ your pasta-making needs. 

Promising review: "This product is an absolute game changer when it comes to making your own pasta noodles. Previously, I would roll out the dough and cut it by hand. But with this product, you can simply roll it through the machine and then roll it through again to cut it into perfectly even pieces (and you don’t even need a KitchenAid Mixer to do it!). Attaching it to the countertop was simple and kept the machine sturdy and stable. I started with the thickest level and worked my way down to thinner. And once I hit about a. Level “7,” I simply add on the cutting attachment and rolled each piece through for perfectly even pieces. Very happy with my purchase and I’m making homemade pasta a LOT more now that I have this!! ☺️" —Morgan

Get it from Amazon for $36.99.

3. A paint-by-number that you can do while bingeing a show or listening to a podcast. There are a variety of stunning scenes to suit every taste, and these kits include all the necessary materials. They're not just about art; they're about dedication and the satisfaction of creating something beautiful over time. Watch as what starts as a way to cure boredom ends up as a masterpiece!

www.amazon.com

The kit includes a pre-drawn outline, which is divided into numbered sections (each corresponding to a specific color), and the numbered paints. It's a great relaxing project that you can come back to every time you're bored. 

Promising review: "This was so much fun and looks great on the wall. Easy to see the numbers. I say, "I painted that," and people are really impressed! They don't know its paint by numbers! I've tried others, and this was the best one." —A. Wainot 

Promising review: "After our bucket list trip to NY I bought my mother this painting! She enjoyed hours of relaxation watching her scene come together! Very easy to follow the instructions and everything is provided that you need" —Mamaloe12

Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (available in 21 different scenic options).

4. A set of temporary tattoo markers to play around with when you want a tattoo, but don't want a tattoo (iykyk). The markers' fine tips allow you to draw ~exactly~ what you want (artistic ability sold separately), and they're skin-safe. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "First off, the staying power is impressive. We're talking about a solid week of wear, even with daily showers, and that's without going to town on it with a loofah. But, a quick tip: lotions seem to be the kryptonite here. They'll cut your tattoo's lifespan short, so maybe skip the moisturizer on your inked spots if you want to keep your designs looking sharp longer. What I really appreciate about these markers is how smoothly they apply. It's like they're gliding on butter but without the mess. The ink dries in a flash, too, so you're not sitting around waiting to dry. And when you're ready to move on to your next masterpiece, a little makeup remover or a scrub with soap and water makes removal a breeze. These markers are a solid win in my book. They've earned a well-deserved 5 stars from me." —John Neff

Get the set of eight colors from Amazon for $26.95. 

5. A Roku streaming device because watching a good show or movie is a tried and true way to satiate boredom. This guy brings them all to your fingertips with an easy set up (just plug in and go). Get comfy, grab your popcorn, and let the streaming marathon commence!

www.amazon.com

Just plug it into your TV, connect to the internet and enjoy access to 400+ free live TV channels and streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Peacock, MAX, etc.

Promising review: "Exactly what I was hoping for. Set up was easy and didn't take too long. A vast selection of things to watch. From YouTube to movies, live tv, etc. Best of all it's all free unless subscribed to something. Highly recommend." —Gerard Dorazio

Get it from Amazon for $19.

6. A pack of Craftmix mocktail mixers (or cocktails, depending on your mood) for hosting a cocktail night — or just treating yourself to a tropical getaway at home. This brand offers a delightful assortment of flavors to tantalize your taste buds. Just add sparkling water or *ahem* other beverages and have a delicious drink in literal minutes. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Great way to make some good adult beverages! The amount of storage space that would be needed to make drinks that this would take would be huge. This cut down the need for all the extras and kept things simple. Easy to make and tastes great!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in nine different flavors or a variety pack with four flavors).

7. A basic Kindle you can consider a pocket-sized portal to limitless stories. It's compact, glare-free, has epic storage for thousands of books, and a battery life that lasts longer than your favorite binge-watch. You'll dive into a story in the morning and emerge at night wondering where the sun went. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "THIS WAS THE BEST THING I EVER BOUGHT MYSELF. I love reading, and I always read on my iPad with the Kindle app. I never thought I would need a Kindle because I have so many devices. I recently noticed it’s hard to read at night in the dark with my iPad because my eyes get tired, and my iPad is heavy, so my wrist hurts. I decided to just do it and get a Kindle, and it was so worth it. I used to charge my iPad everyday because it would drain my battery to read for hours. I now charge my Kindle once a week or every other week. The size is great, and it’s so lightweight. It fits in my little purse, and I can bring it everywhere. So easy to set up and use. It sinks with your other Kindle apps, so you can pick up where you left off reading. The book selection is endless for Kindle Unlimited as well. The screen looks like paper, and I feel like the Kindle is less harsh on my eyes, so I don’t get fatigued while reading in the dark. You can also customize the font, page color, and display. The best thing I ever got myself. I didn’t think I could love reading more than I already did. I look forward to my Kindle reading." —Holly C. 

Get it from Amazon for $99.99.

8. An at-home candle-making kit for immersing yourself in a fun, creative project. Craft your own scented masterpiece, choosing hues that match your vibe. It's a breeze to follow and keeps you totally absorbed. Plus, when compliments roll in about the amazing aroma, you'll be a scent-sational star!

www.amazon.com

This kit includes: soy wax, a heat-proof container, a stirring spoon, eight candle tins, fragrance oils (rose, lavender, vanilla, lemon), candle dyes (red, green, yellow, purple), stickers, candle wicks, and candle wick stabilizers. 

Promising review: "This kit is perfect for someone who is maybe just starting out in candle making. The wax is a high-quality material. The color of the dye is right on point and easy to use. This kit also includes wicks, wick stickers, and even wick stabilizers to help hold the wick straight and firm. All in all, I would definitely recommend this kit!!" —Troy & Jamie Pate

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in two kit options).

9. The Worst-Case Scenario, a fun game so you can gather some friends anytime you need a dose of absurdity. It comes in a family, adult, or apocalypse version, depending on your vibe, and reviewers love how easy it is to learn. Guess how players rank five worst-case scenarios from 1 (bad) to 5 (the worst), and the more accurate the guess, the more points you earn. Each round promises unexpected twists and laughter — perfect for bonding!

www.amazon.com

This game is recommended for ages 10+ and is best with 3-6 players. 

Promising review: "I played with my family (all adults, but it seems okay to play for most ages) and actually had a blast! Disasters ranged from mild, common occurrences to detrimental and it was fun to see how each family member would rank it amongst the rest. In my family, at least, there was always one who would be way off from the rest, and it was just hilarious to discuss. Having anxiety makes thinking of these disasters pretty common but thankfully, anxiety played no part in this game." —Persephone Tenorio

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in two versions). 

10. A catch-and-release aquariumthat transforms any outdoor excursion into an interactive aquatic adventure! Just remove the lid (it stays attached), submerge the bowl, and see what you catch! It's perfect for chilling by the beach or the river — this kit turns boredom into excitement as you discover and observe marine life up close. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This made the perfect gift to my son for our Spring Break trip to the beach. It is such a simple but cool design. We have always enjoyed catching and releasing the creatures we find on the beach, but normally have done so in a typical bucket. This was much more fun as it was transparent, and we could view our catch from every possible angle. It is lightweight and has a reliable handle for carrying without worry that the lid will come off by accident. The vented lid is handy and the size was just perfect for us as we caught several crabs and other little critters and could observe them and then easily release them back to the sand or ocean where we found them. We also used it a few times simply to carry shells we found. It is a nice way to carry them and then easily wash them off without dragging back a bunch of sand to the condo. I would definitely buy this again, as our kids loved it. I had some other beachgoers ask about it, hoping to get one themselves. It seems to be really well made and durable and I expect we will use this many times through the years. It is really a great find!" —Pollywolly70

Get it from Amazon for $15.99.

11. ALego cherry blossom display for you to build, brag about, and watch ~bloom~ into a cute, fun boredom-buster. This set includes everything you need to craft a vibrant bouquet that never wilts. You'll be *obsessed*, seriously — these are so adorbs. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "LEGO's new floral line is so beautifully amazing. They look as close to realistic as could possibly be, using small plastic bricks and pieces. I was very impressed with the Cherry Blossoms set. With needing some good hand coordination for the tiniest of pieces, this set is recommended for ages 8 and up. The set comes in a small 5x7 box and would make an excellent gift. There are two stems of the cherry blossoms in the box. Fun for a parent and child to work on together!" —KayteeLee

Get it from Amazon for $9.59.

12. An embroidery kit to inspire your inner artist with a colorful array of threads, different patterns to choose from, and easy-to-follow instructions. Whether you're a seasoned stitcher or a complete beginner, this kit promises hours of creative fun — it's the perfect way to wind down while listening to your favorite audiobook!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "GREAT for beginners! This was my first attempt at embroidering a whole image, I even surprised myself at how well I did and how well these turned out. You will receive the cloth with the image already on it in water-soluble ink, the threads already coordinated to your project with extra for any mistakes, and three needles per project. I recommend loading up your needles with the called for thread when you start working so that while you’re working you pick up the next pre-threaded needle and just keep going, less interruptions. The projects directions are visual (like the image on a puzzle box) with directions on how to do specific types of stitches on the back of the paper. You need to be able to visually compare your work-in-progress with the given photo to know what to do. These felt so fun, I blew through them. They felt like ‘paint by numbers’ but with thread on fabric. It makes me want to buy more pre-coordinated projects because it was so mindless." —Katie Lee

Get it from Amazon for $13.98 (available in 14 different styles).

13. A mini plant growing kit for adding a splash of natural beauty to your home and reconnecting with nature. It includes biodegradable pots, nutrient-rich soil discs, and easy-to-follow instructions. Watch gardening become a breeze — even if you've never had a green thumb before!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

This one comes with cactus, forget-me-not, sunflower, poppy, and daisy seeds. 

Promising review: "With distance learning, apps, YouTube, games and more. It was so nice to plant these adorable flowers with my little one be be totally "unplugged." Planting couldn't be easier and the pots are perfect for a window sill or small space. Every morning my little one checks on the plants and feels so responsible by checking their water and sunlight. We can't wait to see the flowers start to grow!" —Andi Mc. 

Promising review: "This was super cute and it came very well put together. The directions are very clear and they’re very cute and small little pots perfect for stocking stuffers and as presents to anyone with kids or adults. My kids and I had a lot of fun mixing the soil and planting the seed in each of the six pots. I am getting one of these for my niece and nephew in Chicago." —MParmar

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 .

14. A microwave flower press kit so you can take a stroll and gather beautiful flowers, then preserve their beauty. Simply follow the instructions to dry and press your blooms quickly and safely — just remember, not following the guidelines can be a bit of a *hot mess*. With reusable pressing sheets and straightforward steps, you can create botanical art, personalized bookmarks, and stunning greeting cards in no time!

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Such a unique and easy to use product. I preserve dried flowers in resin and this has been such a time saver. In literally minutes you have a perfectly preserved flower. I always err on the side of caution and microwave the flowers in short bursts of 10-15 seconds and let it cool between the bursts. The device should never get so hot that you can’t touch it. I’ve never had any burned or overcooked flowers doing it this way and it definitely beats pressing them in a book. I can’t wait to buy these as gifts for a few other plant lovers in my life." —Jessie

Get it from Amazon for $36.99.

15. A sun-printing paper kit that transforms ordinary sunlight into extraordinary art by combining science and creativity. Each kit includes specially treated paper to create mesmerizing blueprints (pun intended). Just place your objects on the paper, expose them to sunlight, rinse them, and reveal your one-of-a-kind art — no two will be the same! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I've been using these SunPrint kits since childhood (so over 30+ years!) I remember buying them at nature stores in the '80s and '90s, and they are as fun today as they were back then. All you have to do is place objects, plants, toys, or anything you want to contact print on the light-sensitive paper right side up, put it in the sun for a few minutes, then rinse the paper with water. The images made will darken as they dry as well, which enhances the blue color. There's no mess, which I love. These kits are also a great introduction to cyanotype printing for artists interested in trying the medium before graduating to mixing chemistry." —K.K.

Get it from Amazon for $18.99.

16. A coloring book to replace scrolling on Instagram while watching TV. Instead, you can go on a coloring book adventure and create vibrant pictures where clear lines guide your creativity. It's the perfect blend of chill and focus without the dual-screen chaos.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

If you're super new to coloring — here is a simple marker set to get you started! 

Promising review: "The pictures are so much fun! Whimsical and carefree is how I felt coloring each one. It is a fun way to pass the time, and the pictures make you smile." —Betty

Promising review: "Color pages detailed and challenging. I am learning a lot by coloring in this book. The author, Johanna Basford, has a website that includes video instructions, a listing of all her books, view pages for each book, and a 'color gallery' in which you can download your work and view the works of others for each book. I am really enjoying. This is my second book. I also purchased Christmas book. Unique and fun." —Sheryl C.

Get it from Amazon for $11.14. 

17. A colorful puzzle (cat not included) that will capture your entire attention. It comes with 1,000 pieces, so you will definitely be locked in for a hot minute. Reviewers love how this one is *particularly* relaxing. It can also help heal commitment issues because once you start, you'll want to see it through — and it will be worth it. 😌

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I really enjoyed putting this puzzle together! The design made it easy to organize the pieces, and I could put together sections at a time on smaller surfaces before transferring them. Usually, I only buy puzzles where I like the artwork enough to hang on the wall, so 1000+ piece puzzles I complete get permanently affixed for hanging. I did not do that with this one. Not because I didn't like the design, but because putting this one together was so relaxing, I didn't mind breaking it back down for another day. Plus, it comes with a print of the design, so if I wanted something to hang, I didn't have to rely on the puzzle. Definitely buying more Elena Essex puzzles. They are a lovely break from the more challenging (or obnoxious) puzzles, and I would enjoy putting these together many times." —Kayem

Get it from Amazon for $25+ (available in four designs).

18. A holographic tarot card deck to ask the universe why you are experiencing boredom. It's perfect for beginner and expert readers alike. The deck comes with a guidebook to decode the meanings behind each card and dive deeper into the world of tarot. You'll love this if you're seeking clarity, inspiration, or simply a touch of magic in your daily life. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

I do tarot at an intermediate level and it is a great way to pass time. Especially if you are like me and have a lotttttt of questions for the universe. 

Promising review: "I fell in love with these as soon as I seen them on Amazon and even more so when I opened them up!! They are smooth, easy to use for beginners, and have such a beautiful energy to them. The pictures are beautifully printed, easy to understand (and even more so because it comes with a booklet with the definitions of all of the cards), and feel just like normal playing cards. After using them a lot after receiving them, I started noticing some scratches on the cards which was sort of unexpected but I would assume it’s actually normal for cards with the holographic effect. I’ve had them for about 13 days now and have not used them everyday but were used quite a bit. If you can handle small scratches on your deck, please get it!! They are so worth the price!" —Samantha Lucio

Get it from Amazon for $14.97.

19. A jumbo AirPod-shaped Bluetooth speaker that is hilarious to look at and guaranteed to bring laughter and entertainment to any occasion. Blast some music and have a dance party — which can last for hours thanks to the rechargeable battery and easy-to-use Bluetooth connectivity. Just looking at it can kill boredom because it's just so silly! 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This was the perfect gag gift for my little niece. She loves her AirPods, so this was perfect. It connected pretty easily and sounded good." —Hazel

Get it from Amazon for $22.99.

20. An at-home wood-burning kit to learn a funky new art medium. This set is perfect for beginners — it includes stencils and a range of pen tips for all kinds of designs. You can make loved ones very unique gifts and cure your boredom at the same time. Just be careful using this because it is a hot tool and you do NOT want to burn the house down.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

This kit includes: an adjustable wood-burning pen, 59 different wood-burning tips, 12 colored pencils, 10 carbon papers, 14 stencils, 5 round wood pieces, 5 square wood pieces, a pencil sharpener, a storage box, a pen stand, a solder wire, a solder sucker, tweezers, welding trowels, instructions, annnnd an organizer to hold all the tools. 

Promising review: "I am a total beginner, never did this and I love this set!! I went on YouTube, which said to start with flowers, and this is my very first try!!! It's not too bad, even with mess-ups and corrections. So many options and very easy to use. Comes with everything. Thank you!!" —Cheri

Get it from Amazon for $33.99.

21. A crochet kit because creating coziness is always in style! Craft your boredom away as you whip up everything from snug scarves to adorable amigurumifriends. This kit makes crafting a breeze with easy-to-follow patterns and a fun variety of yarn — no experience required, just a dash of creativity!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Some reviewers mention that they don't love the yarn, so here's some different yarn that the people seem to like!

Promising review: "This yarn kit was amazing. I didn’t realize what I was getting, but for a beginner child or even an adult, this kit was more than I expected. The crochet hooks that are in there are really great. They even give you markers for your stitches, so I really suggest getting this kit if you are a beginner." —Chandra M. 

Get it from Amazon for $26.99 (available in three different kit options).

22. A cosmetology mannequin head to ~brush up~ on non-heat hairstyling techniques. It comes with an adjustable stand to simply clamp to your table, so you can practice everything from braids to updos with ease.  Now, you'll be the go-to person everyone asks to braid their hair! And you definitely won't be bored when this thing gives you a jump scare at night (speaking from personal experience). 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Synthetic hair isn't great for heat styling, so here is a heat-resistant option to practice with heated tools. And here's a curly-textured hair option that is also heat-resistant. 

Promising review: "For the price, this is a great practice mannequin. The hair is synthetic but is silky smooth and easy to practice basic braids. I purchased this to teach a youth group how to braid, and it will work perfectly. I haven’t tried putting heat on it, so I can’t say how it would hold up. If you want to practice or learn some basic braids on very straight hair, this is the mannequin for you." —Brian Kane

Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in 11 hair colors). 

23. An Instax Mini 12 camera so you can have a cute photo shoot and get the printed pictures *instantly*. It comes with 50 sheets of film, a photo album, and a cute protective case with a strap to keep your camera close. Happy snapping!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I promise you will not regret buying this camera. Yes, you can take pictures on your phone, but those rarely get printed. Buy this camera, take the snapshots and hang them in areas where you will see them often — your bathroom mirror, the fridge, your office. The only issue we have had with this camera, is troubleshooting it not taking pictures. The camera would turn on, but wouldn't allow you to take a picture. After some digging on Google, we learned that there is a minimum amount of battery required to take the picture. So even if there was enough battery to turn on, there wasn't enough to take the picture/push the film up and out of the camera. A quick battery change fixes this issue." —Anonymous

Get it from Amazon for $142.95 (available in five colors). 

24. A Yamaha digital piano to escape boredom through musical magic. Whether you're a master pianist or a budding Beethoven — this piano comes equipped with weighted keys and a sustain pedal that offers versatility and quality in function and sound. It's great for practice sessions, live performances, or simply serenading your pet!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "The weighted keys on this instrument truly feel like the real thing. I’ve played on 'plasticky' keyboards before and nothing is more unsatisfying if you’ve played on a real instrument throughout your life. The P71 feels just as genuine as playing a real piano. In fact, depending on piano brand, it feels smoother. The touch sensitivity is wonderful as well, and also adjustable to your liking! The sound is beautiful with a large volume range. I especially love the way the bass rings out with a gorgeous fullness. The higher octaves seem to be a little thinner, but that’s to be expected since it’s up the keyboard. There is so much variety on this instrument to play with! There are many customizable options on this piano and I haven’t even dived into everything it can do yet. Sound changes, sound combinations, sensitivity adjustments, tempo adjustments, etc etc etc. I love having the ability to experiment and find what I like for any given piece of music! However, I also liked the simplicity of the customizations; Sometimes, less is more with the amount of buttons and gadgets." —Carrie Capell

Get it from Amazon for $449.99.

25. A cool decompression fidget pen for when we get bored in public and need *discreet* entertainment. It can be used as a gel pen or a touch-screen pen and can be turned into all kinds of shapes. Perfect for writers, overthinkers, and anyone who likes a little flair with their pens. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This was a gift for our teenager. She’s 2E with ADHD, so she was hoping it would be a good fidget. It’s a really cool pen and a fun thing to play with; however, it definitely is not something that can be used at school or a professional setting. It can’t be used as a pen unless it’s in the pen form. And the little balls and links are easy to lose, so keep track of them. Otherwise, it writes well and is visually appealing." —Nattie Berry 

Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in four colors).

26. A food canning kit to make and preserve your own jams, jellies, sauces, pickled veggies, and more — all at home! This kit comes complete with jars, a funnel, handling tools, and a rack to let things cool. It's perfect for beginners because it honestly has more than you need (except the edible materials, duh)! Now, it doesn't matter if restaurants don't have enough pickled red onions, because you'll have your own. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I am new to canning and honestly had no idea where to start. This bundle has helped me tremendously and is a great price! If you try to find these items by themselves - you’re going to pay a lot more. The sturdiness of the clamps to pull the jars out of the water and or loosen a jar that has been canned worked great. I also think the stickers add a nice homey touch. The size, color options and material quality is great. I’ve also been able to use these over and over." —Taylor

Get it from Amazon for $17.69 (available in red or green). 

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.