1. A beginner-friendly crochet kit with everything you need to create a whole family of plants, because some of us love the idea of tending to a garden, but need a hobby we won't feel guilty for inevitably forgetting to water. The set comes with all the necessary tools, along with step-by-step video guides and yarn specially designed for beginners.

www.amazon.com

The complete kit includes six colors of yarn, stuffing, eyes, an ergonomic crochet needle, a yarn needle, a stitch marker, and helpful instructions and video tutorials. 

Promising review: "Super cute! I love how this is beginner-friendly! I wanted to start a new hobby, and I think this won me over! I have two kids, so this is perfect to make them new, cute little toys. Going to keep this in mind for gifting as well as it is a great gift and not too expensive!" —Astrid Cobble

Get it from Amazon for$21.99.

2. A 1,000 Piece Mystic Maze — if you yawn at the thought of a puzzle, I present you, ~magical puzzles~. The jigsaws are designed by different artists who each add their own whimsical twist and tiny details for you to discover as you build. The true magic, though, is in the grand finale, which is kept secret in an envelope (guarded by a wizard's curse, of course) until you complete the puzzle!

Amazon, www.amazon.com

A few other fan-favorites from The Magical Puzzle Company include The Crystal Caves and The Happy Isles!

Promising review: "My family and I do a TON of puzzles. This is one of our collective favorites. It might be my personal favorite puzzle ever. There were a bunch of little unusual surprises throughout, and one big surprise at the end that's unlike any other puzzle I've done. Other puzzle companies that try to "innovate" usually end up making the experience worse by making the puzzles extra hard or inconvenient in some way. The innovation of this one didn't have any of those problems. It only added to the fun, without any detraction." —Nick M. Bentley

Get it from Amazon for $22.99.

3. A DIY mosaic coaster that takes puzzling (and your table decor) to the next level. The thoughtful kit comes with everything you need to make one trivet, including pre-cut stained glass of your choice and illustrated instructions. Now you can try out an ancient art technique (dating back to Mesopotamia, btw!) and reduce the rings from your hobby drink of choice (a matcha latte, for me). 

SheLoves Craft / Etsy

The seller offers 45 (!!!) designs to choose from, with the complete kit including gloves, mosaic tiles, a sponge, glue, translucent or clear grout, and either a bamboo (15.5cm/20cm) or acrylic (14.5cm/19cm) coaster base. 

Promising review: “I bought three of these mosaic kits for a craft night with friends, and we loved it! It was so fun and easy, and the final product turned out beautifully!” —Ai-Lin

Promising review: “Super unique gift for that creative person in your life who likes paint by numbers, but maybe wants to explore other outlets” —Lea

Get it from SheLoves Craft on Etsy for $21.83+.

SheLoves Craft is a woman-owned small biz founded by Anne, a mom and craft-lover based in Sydney!

4. A candle-making kit if you can't help but admire (and sniff) every hand-poured masterpiece at your local market. The natural soybean wax, essential oils, and dye blocks are perfect for custom scent and color combos, and the kit even includes dried flowers and labels to give your very own creations that extra artisan ~flair~.

www.amazon.com

The kit includes 3 pounds of soy wax, a 1.3-liter melting pot and wax melter, 6 candle tins, 4 glass jars, 10 fragrances, 12 wax dyes, 4 types of dried flowers, 4 wick holders, 20 wicks, 30 sticker labels, 20 glue stickers, (*deep breath*), "love" cards, a mixing spoon, a thermometer, AND a manual. 

Promising review: "Got together with some girlfriends and did this craft together. There were plenty of supplies for five of us to have at least one, if not two, candles each. The kit was easy to use, and we loved that it came with the thermometer in the pot. Easy to use on the stove, easy to follow instructions. Would definitely try this again." —M. Davis

Get it from Amazon for $49.99 (also available without the melter).

5. A DIY macrame keychain for the perfect, manageable introduction to this age-old knotting technique. Despite its intricate design, reviewers find the provided video tutorial super helpful for beginners of the craft. The seller even offers custom color combinations! Can I get a “macram-yay”?

sTEAdy decor / Etsy

Each kit comes with pre-cut 100% recycled cotton string and one silver lobster clasp ring. No printed instructions are included — instead, an email is sent with digital instructions and two detailed videos explaining the knotting process. 

Promising review “I wanted to gift my partner a cute homemade keychain, but I’ve only ever learned a standard braid and wasn’t even sure where to start with materials. The kit made it so easy, and the instructions were very helpful! It turned out so cute and I can’t wait to gift it to them. 🌼💛” —Taylor Maki

Get it from sTEAdy decoron Etsy for $12.21 (available in nine colors or a custom color combination of your choice).

sTEAdy decor is a woman-owned small biz based in Toronto, btw! Owner Su Min is the original creator of the viral flower design.

6. A compact felting kit to fill your life with little creatures that will keep you company as you venture into the world of phone-free hobbies. With 20 colors and all the tools you need (including plastic eyes!) you can make — and grow attached to — all the ones your heart desires.

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Within the portable storage box, the kit includes: 20 colors of wool roving, 30 needles (small, medium, and coarse sizes), 30 plastic eyes, 10 silver 9-shaped needles, 5 colorful rope chains, 4 small wool felt molds, 1 colorful wooden handle, 1 pair of finger gloves, 1 tweezer, 1 yarn cutter, 3 needle bottles, 1 foam pad, 2 glue sticks, and 1 awl. 

Promising review: "This is my first time ever Needle Felting and this kit has every tool I have needed so far! The tools are well-made, and the needles are strong. I did buy some additional wool for a project I started, but this kit has a lot to use to just play around with and make smaller things. I watched a few videos on YouTube and voila — made my first little animal! I'm really having fun and hope this review helps someone. If you price these tools individually at Hobby Lobby or similar, you will spend a lot more money — this kit has everything! Happy Felting!" —Kristin Bernhardi

Get it from Amazon for $15.99+  (available in green and orange).

7. A DIY moss kit that brings all the green, earthy energy of a houseplant into your home without the responsibility. The provided moss is preserved, so absolutely no water, sunlight, or trimming is required (maybe just a light dusting now and then). And, because you have creative freedom with the placement of your natural elements, each spongy masterpiece is truly one-of-a-kind. 

Evergreen Oasis / Etsy

Each kit includes a piece of natural wood with a built-in hanging hardware to display your art (no screws), a variety of high-quality moss, and an assortment of natural elements like cork bark, walnut husks, branches, and more. 

Promising review: “Needed something 'eye-catching' for above my boring kitchen cabinets. Wanted organic, earthen materials to brighten my space. Love this piece! Thank you.” —Suzanne Dobrovolny

Get it from Evergreen Oasison Etsy for $24.69+.

Evergreen Oasis is a small biz committed to only using wood that comes from sustainably managed forests or reclaimed sources. 

8. A beginner's embroidery kit, the perfect curl-up-on-the-couch activity if you need a little more coziness in your life. Complete with every tool you need (yes, a needle threader too —phew!) the pre-stamped design, which easily washes off, and QR-code video instructions are great for learning basic technique and stitches.

www.amazon.com

With 11 pattern options available — like butterflies or famous artworks — each kit includes 3 patterned embroidery cloths, 6 embroidery needles, 3 instruction sheets, 3 packs of colored threads, and a 7.8-inch (20 cm) embroidery hoop.

Promising review: "Great quality, 100% totally beginner friendly. You'll need to look up a tutorial video for each stitch, but that takes only minutes. I actually enjoyed doing these more than I did doing more complicated projects. It's fun, cozy, relaxing, and you feel accomplished when it's finished." —Galaxy

Get it from Amazon for $15.99+.

9. A 5-Minute Daily Writing Promptsbook that sparks inspiration with what reviewers say are 501 genuinely interesting thought-starters. With a variety of genres, topics, and styles to choose from, it's a great way to explore your writing interests in short, manageable bursts. And, if your creative juices really start flowing, each prompt even offers a "continue the story" add-on!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "What a great, clear book! I love this. I haven't written anything in years. But I wanted to start again. Since I haven't written, I am VERY rusty. This book has been great to get me started again. Highly recommend, no matter where you are in your writing journey. It's a great refresher." —Mandy Kendrick

Get it from Amazon for$8.49.

10. Or 642 Tiny Things to Draw for the artists (casual doodlers included) seeking a *little* inspiration. The prompts are truly unique — keep it simple by literally drawing a ball of lint, or think outside the box and illustrate small talk. If you find yourself in between muses at the moment, this could be the push your 🌈imagination 🌈 needs. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "The only way that I’m able to make art is when I have a prompt because otherwise I'm just so stuck on what to draw. This is amazing for people who need to wind down a bit and focus on something. The book is small, but it comes super packed with interactive prompts, and I can’t wait to do them all." —E

Get it from Amazon for $9.25.

11. Exit: The Sunken Treasure, the closest you'll get to an escape room... without the actual escape room. Each board game in the franchise can only be played once because of clues that need to be modified, but reviewers say the challenge and mystery-solving thrill are totally worth it. Many fans play solo, and if you want an even more immersive experience, there's an optional app with a timer and atmospheric soundtrack!

Amazon, www.amazon.com

The Sunken Treasure has a difficulty of 2/5 — more difficulties and adventures are available at the Thames & Kosmos store.

Promising review: "This game was SO MUCH FUN! I’ve done an escape room before and was surprised at how well this card game mimicked it! My 11-year-old and I did it together and did have to use some hint cards, but that aside, it was fun to try to figure out mostly on our own. You have to give it a try! We’ve already selected another game to play next." —GMP

Promising review: "If you're new to the 'Exit, The Game' franchise, this is a great one to start with. It will give you an idea of how the games work, and the puzzles are varied enough that you can get a good idea of what their range is. I do them all alone, and I've never finished one in under four hours, so I usually plan on doing one over a period of several days." —Frank Probst

Get it from Amazon for$14.95.

12. A sourdough kit equipped with everything you need to start your, what many reviewers call, ~sourdough journey~. Along with stencils and *two* proofing baskets, the set also includes a scoring tool so you won't need to hunt for the sharpest knife in your kitchen mid-bake. Once you experience the bliss of a freshly-baked, satisfying *crunch*, you'll never go back. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

The kit includes a 9-inch Banneton basket, 10-inch proofing basket, 2 linen liners, a silicon bread sling, dough whisk, dough scraper, bowl scraper, bread scoring tool with 5 blades, silicone spatula, silicone brush, flour duster, cleaning brush, and baking stencils. 

Promising review: "Finally, a sourdough kit that has everything for beginners! Such a great value considering it comes with all of the items I would’ve purchased individually. Easy to clean and use, I’ve made a few breads with the basket and utensils; they came out perfect. Giving this to my sister as a gift as she’s on her sourdough journey." —Fizza S.

Get it from Amazon for $32.99.

13. The Official Stardew Valley Cookbook for the ones whose screen time is spent hard at work tending to their farms. The book brings more than 50 recipes from the charming game to life, separating each dish by season and providing thorough, easy-to-follow instructions. Even non-fans of the game will appreciate the original illustrations, food photography, and recipes that actually taste delicious. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: “I ordered this because my 13-year-old loves the game and I thought it might inspire her to want to learn to cook. I expected it to be more of a meme cookbook than anything, and it doesn't disappoint on that front! The illustrations are beautiful! and there are more than a few paragraphs devoted to the storylines and characters in the game. I did not in any way expect the recipes to be worth actually cooking. I was very surprised then to see how much effort went into turning awful-sounding dishes like "Seafoam pudding" into legitimate dishes. I am an experienced chef, and after reading through these recipes, I can say there are only a few that I am not excited about trying. Even the ones making familiar dishes have a couple of unexpected twists that sound really good. So to sum up, if you're a Stardew Valley fan, this recipe book is a no-brainer, and if you are a collector of interesting recipe books with unusual, but enticing twists, this is all a must buy."—Zachary C. Hoskins

Get it from Amazon for$18.38.

14. Crayola Air-Dry Clay, because no hobby list is truly complete without it (for good reason). The ol' reliable 5-pound tub is the perfect way to bring your saved crafts to life — it's easy to mold, mess free, doesn't require baking, and can be easily painted over. It’s also just a great way to get into tactile crafts and sculpting. Michelangelo, who?

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Note: Slight cracking can occur with air-dry clay, especially with larger projects. One way to help reduce them is by covering your craft with a damp cloth during the drying process!

Promising review: Air dry clay is such a fun and inexpensive hobby to take up (versus regular clay pottery making: kiln, pottery wheel, etc). It’s incredibly easy to work with, easy to clean, and easy to store. I’m 23, and it is possibly my favorite pastime — I’d imagine it’s fun for any and all ages. This particular clay is just the best I’ve used, in my opinion. Others have been almost rubbery consistencies — and, although they dried beautifully and were easy to sand/fine tune, I just couldn’t get past how hard they were to get off my hands/tools/etc. This one is just perfect. —Lyss

Get it from Amazon for $10.62.

15. A wood carving kit to make two whittle —*ahem* little birds. This craft may look intimidating, but reviewers praise the kit’s tools, step-by-step video tutorial, and carving guide for making the hobby super beginner-friendly. The two blocks of wood included offer two levels of carving difficulty and, more importantly, ensure your birdies don’t get lonely.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

The kit includes 2 wood carving blocks (1 cherry and 1 brasswood), a super sharp carving knife, sharpening supplies, a birdie template, and 3 types of sandpaper. 

Promising review: "What a fun and relaxing project. Very easy to accomplish a bird figure with this kit. This is a very beginner-friendly project, and also fun for experienced carvers. The instructions are straightforward and easy to follow, with pictures to guide you through the process. Everything you need to carve, sand, and finish the bird is provided conveniently in the kit. I really enjoyed crafting a bird figure with the kit and recommend this for anyone who wants to get into wood carving or is looking for an easy project for the weekend. Have fun and don't forget to strop the carving knife often to maintain a sharp cutting edge." —J.leprgoblichaun

Get it from Amazon for $32.99.

16. A Lego Botanical Mini Orchid if you love Legos, but are intimidated by the larger sets (seriously, where do people even put the Millennium Falcon?). Its 10-inch, potted design makes it the perfect standalone decor piece, and if you get lost following the building process on paper, there's an accompanying Lego Builder App that includes more features and in-depth instructions!

www.amazon.com

Lego has a few other potted plants, like these bamboo or chrysanthemum sets. Or, if you have a vase you've been wanting to fill, this cult-classic bouquet is a gorgeous, more intricate option. 

Promising review: "The Lego Orchid set is absolutely stunning! The build was relaxing and enjoyable, with clear instructions and thoughtful design. The finished piece looks so realistic — I’ve had people mistake it for a real plant! It makes a great display piece and doesn’t require any watering. Perfect for Lego fans and plant lovers alike. Highly recommend as a gift or for yourself!" —Jess H.

Get it from Amazon for $23.98.

17. An activity book for all the loyal NYT gamers who stay up until midnight for the latest edition of The Mini. With 195 activities, 13 puzzle types, and a variety of themes and difficulties, the book has a lil’ something for everyone. Disclaimer: joyful jingle not included. 

Amazon

Promising review: “This book is wonderful for getting away from my phone and engaging with a great array of puzzles. With different difficulties and types, I can pick between a thematic crossword puzzle or just end my night with some colored pencils. This is an excellent nightstand book to end a long day of work!” —Samuel

Get it from Amazon for $12.59.

18. A sushi-making kit so you can explore a new culinary interest without needing to rinse sticky rice off your fingers every few seconds. The kit comes with everything you need for a hassle-free experience, like sushi mats, a nigiri shaper, and *gasp* a sushi bazooka that you simply fill with toppings and rice to make perfectly compact rolls. Amazing.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

The kit includes two sushi mats, a rice bazooka, cucumber and avocado slicer, rice paddles, sushi knife, dipping plate, nigiri maker, sushi brush, and four maneki-neko (chopstick holders).

Promising review: "This kit is a total blast for anyone who loves sushi, whether you’re just starting out or already know your way around a bamboo mat. The rice bazooka is a standout — it packs sticky rice into perfect cylinders for mess-free rolls, which is great for beginners like me who struggle with even spreading. The sushi knife is legit sharp, slicing through seaweed and fish cleanly without squishing the rolls, though I’d recommend hand-washing it to keep the edge pristine. The bamboo mats are sturdy yet flexible, and the avocado slicer made prepping ingredients a breeze. Everything’s BPA-free and dishwasher-safe (except the knife), so cleanup was no hassle." —Martin E.

Get it from Amazon for $22.09.

19. A Creative Haven Main Street coloring book, because who said only kids can enjoy this colorful pastime? The charming scenes take you on a walk past shops and storefronts, with enough detail to be fun without being overwhelming. The pages are thick (minimal bleeding!), perforated, and one-sided, and they're even designed by various artists, so there's *lots* of themes to choose from. 

www.amazon.com

A few other popular Creative Haven books areMagical Fairies andAround the World, which is a color-by-number option!

Promising review: "Great therapy for my post-Lyme recovery, which still keeps me from my former more intricate crafts …and is beautifully relaxing after a long day at the office. Creative Haven makes some of my favorite coloring books — nice paper for colored pencils, nice detail, love the perforated pages, fabulous quality for the nice price point." —Northwoods Charm

Get it from Amazon for $4.79.

If you're looking for some markers to begin your coloring adventure, the Caliart alcohol markers are a great option — reviewers report little to no streaking!

20. A Fujifilm Mini Printer for anyone who loves capturing memories and has *totally* been meaning to get into scrapbooking or journaling. This ink-free wonder connects to your device via Bluetooth and has an accompanying app that lets you edit, add AR effects, or even collage! Whether you enjoy writing snippets around photos or simply putting pictures you love together, it's a great way to bring your favorite moments to life with an ~oh-so-vintage~ feel. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Note: This device requires Instax mini instant film, sold separately. And, if you’re looking for a sturdy case to protect your mini printer when you’re out and about, this one comes in 10 cute colors.

Promising review: “I love this little printer so much. I actually bought the square printer a long time ago, but I’ve been wanting the mini one for a while now. I finally bit the bullet and bought it, and I have had no regrets since then. I use it for my scrapbook, and let me tell you, with the other printer, I have to lighten the picture a lot. But the picture quality here is amazing. You get what you print. Super easy to use and I can’t wait to use more of it!” —Lee

Get it from Amazon for$89.90 (also available in white and pink).

21. A watercolor paint set to unleash your inner Monet on a smaller, hand-held scale. With 50 vibrant colors, a sketching pencil, and a few watercolor pages, it's perfect for jumping right in. Even better, the velvet bag and tin make the kit easily portable! (Just imagine sitting in a meadow, enjoying the spring breeze, and painting the scenery... *sighs wistfully*).

Amazon, www.amazon.com

The kit includes 50 colors, 10 watercolor papers, a water brush pen, nylon brush, drawing eraser, pencil sharpener, sketching pencil, color chart, natural sponge, portable tin box, and velvet bag.

Promising review: "I LOVE this set. I'm a beginner and trying to paint one bookmark every day as I learn — 21 bookmarks so far. This kit makes it easy to take with me everywhere. All you need is a napkin and your paper, and you're all set. I do think it would be tough to make a large painting with this, but that's the same critique of any pan paints. I'm very pleased." —Dee Bundy

Get it from Amazon for $15.99.

22. A sticker-by-numbers book for a methodical, relaxing process that makes 28 high-quality floral designs that many reviewers actually choose to frame and display around their homes. Unlike its paint counterpart, the activity poses zero risk — it’s mess free, and the stickers can be easily re-lifted if you misplace one or need to eliminate pesky gaps. Oh, and did I mention the pages are perforated for easy removal? Mhmm.

www.amazon.com

The company offers a few other themes, like animals and enchanted forest. 

Promising review: “So peaceful. I was looking for something 'mindless' to do while listening to audiobooks. This is it! I can listen and not be too distracted from the story, and create beautiful sticker art. I thought it would feel juvenile or come out misaligned — not the case! Sophisticated and pretty!” —Freshlyberry

Get it from Amazon for $10.65.

23. A gel nail polish kit so you can explore a hobby that is not only fun, but is guaranteed to save you major money in the long run. The kit comes with 32 colors, nail tools, and an LED light with four settings that automatically turns on when you insert your hand (fancyyy). And if you need the practice, you can force your family and friends into what will eventually be a cute, salon-grade mani. It’s a win-win.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

The kit includes 32 bottles of gel nail polish, a bottle of base, 3 top coats (no-wipe, matte, and glittery), a professional nail lamp, and some nail tools. 

Promising review: “Salon quality nail product!! I was apprehensive because of the price, BUT the kit worked exactly as described. I cured my nails for twice as long as is recommended, and I didn’t have ANY problems with runny or wet polish getting ruined. As others have said, the bottles are small, but to say “you can only use them once or twice” is an exaggeration. There’s more polish in there than that. It WOULD be nice if the base coat and top coat bottles were bigger than the rest because you’ll use so much more of it, but they aren’t. I’d buy this set again in a heartbeat!!” —Andrew jacone

Get it from Amazon for $29.99.

24. A pair of retro-style roller skates, because does anything say summer livin' better than roller skating? With a support column for better control and easy braking and a high-top design to help protect from twisted ankles, these are a great way to ease into the practice. And, because they’re designed for indoor or outdoor use, you’ll be seen rolling through the park all season long — or, desperately clinging to the walls of a roller-rink, which is equally valid.

www.amazon.com

Promising review:  “I have fibromyalgia, and it affects my feet if I don't wear good shoes. When my daughter asked me to take her roller skating the next day, I cringed at the thought of wearing rental skates. To my surprise, I was not only able to find women's size 11 skates, but they also offered next-day delivery to my address! These skates are super comfortable, durable, and high quality. I am excited for our new hobby!!” —Melanie Cade

Get it from Amazon for$60.99+ (available in women's sizes 5–12 and men's sizes 4–11 and 4 colors).

25. And a yoga set for a full-body activity to hep you physically feeeeel the tension melt off your shoulders. The 8mm mat is slip-n'-slide proof thanks to the double-sided surface, and the resistance bands and yoga blocks are available if you're looking to break more of a sweat. If not, nobody will judge you for hitting the savasana pose for twenty minutes. 

Amazon

The complete kit includes two yoga blocks for support, a mat, a yoga strap for stretching, resistance bands, door anchor, and booty bands. 

Promising review: I’m very happy with this purchase, the mat is thick and comfortable. I like all of the additional pieces as well. The resistance bands are so well made and definitely give a good workout!!! I would 100% recommend! —Queen718❤️

Get it from Amazon for $59.99 (also available in pink)

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.