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Take a screen break and learn something new.

Looking for something to do that's not mindless scrolling? Or a craft to complement your latest TV binge? Try your hand at making crochet plants, learn how to play the kalimba, or start a creative journal. 

Promising review: "I LOVE the sound of this kalimba. I've been playing around with it for a little while, but like any other instrument, it will take time to play this without looking at my hands. For someone new to the kalimba, I'm so glad it came with all the accessories I will need." —Kathy

Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in two styles).

Promising review: "I’m a young adult who spends a lot of time in the hospital due to bad health issues. Most of the time it’s nerve wracking and very boring. I ordered this little book to take with me for next time, and I was very happy with it! It kept me busy and calmed my nerves. It was easy to do and therapeutic. I like the variety of pictures!" —Cherry  

Promising review: "Absolutely love this journal! So so soooo many activities to keep you busy, and the supplies you need are just everyday household items! very fun and engaging, and helps get rid of perfectionism. Also keeps your mind off anxiety and stress. Very helpful and I really love it! The activities vary from sew this page, infuse this page, drop a journal from a high place, freeze this page, press flowers, poke holes in this page, and so much more! There are even activities and a cut-out postcard on the cover jacket. So fun and engaging! Hours worth of activities to do. Worth the money!" —Squishmallows101 

It comes with an 80-page instruction book, 33 Lego pieces, 6 plastic balls, string, paper ramps, and other components. Reviewers say you may need to supplement the kit with some of your own bricks. 

Promising review: "I purchased this for my grandson. We sat down together and made the first one together. It did require several Lego pieces from his own collection, but the pieces needed to create the catalyst for the chain reaction was in the kit. He’s enjoying it." —Sara

Promising review: "This mini pottery wheel was great for my daughter, and we had a blast playing with it. It was a bit of a learning curve at first, but we figured it out. I wish the pottery we made could be bigger. Maybe this is just a beginner's kind of device, but it sparked my interest so much that I want to get something larger now and do some real pottery. Overall, it was worth it." —Jason Custodio

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in regular or deluxe, which makes double the amount of projects). 

Promising review: "I first saw this book on TikTok and decided to look more into it. I purchased four total because I know some people holding onto things that are difficult to let go of. It’s a great way to look at things from a different perspective and truly hold yourself accountable to different things in your life. I love what it stands for, and I look forward to when I burn mine after I’m done. Self-love, self-care, and meditation for a better state of mind tomorrow are always the goal. I definitely recommend it to those susceptible to change and the willingness to try things differently. You’re so much more than what’s been done to you, and someone’s inability to see your worth does not decrease your value. Choose you for a change." —Brent Helm

Promising review: "When my granddaughter comes, I always buy her a craft for how to sit and do. She absolutely loves this. Kept her busy for hours and very inexpensive." —Arlene  

Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in 10 designs).

All reading counts: audiobooks, graphic novels, kid's books, etc. Check out the 52 Book Club website for more details and their community page. 

Promising review: "A great tool for keeping your mind busy. The instruction book is a little difficult to follow, but with the use of YouTube and the book makes for a great experience." —Camille L. Branch 

The kit comes with a crochet hook, a yarn needle, stitch markers, eyes, colored yarn, and enough stuffing for six plants. 

Promising review: "It comes with everything you need to get started, including easy-to-follow instructions. As someone new to crochet, I found the materials and tools high-quality and perfect for learning. The kit is well-organized, making it easy to dive right into projects, and the step-by-step guide is super helpful. It's a great kit for adults looking to pick up a fun and relaxing new hobby. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to start crocheting!" —heidi vanderlee 

Promising review: "I'm absolutely in love with this book! I'm fairly new to amigurumi, and I think this book has really helped me along this journey. There are simple patterns and some that are more complex. With every new one, I learn something new about crochet. If you are looking to learn how to make amigurumi, then this is the book for you!" —Olivia M

The 78 press-out cards come with illustrations based on the classic Rider-Waite-Smith deck. Grab some colored pencils here!

Promising review: "This little coloring book is delightful! I love the idea of coloring your own cards — putting a little more of 'you' in the 'energy' of the cards. It's soothing and relaxing to color away while contemplating the meaning of the card. I haven't colored all of them yet. I'm taking my sweet time and enjoying the process of creation! The cards come perforated around the edges to help you push them out. They color well." —asha_kira

The book comes with space to draw small things like a nail art design, thimble, and coat button.

Promising review: "The only way that I’m able to make art is when I have a prompt because otherwise I just get 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

It comes with 25 sheets and instructions. 

Promising review: "My kids and I have a blast making these! I recommend getting a hole punch and making key chains! You could also make super cute earrings as well. Really easy to use product and keeps kids busy for at least an hour." —Amanda 

Promising review: "I honestly thought this was going to be way more complicated than it is. Quality was good and the instructions were perfect. I was able to make my first picture in a few evenings. Very relaxing new hobby :)"—Nikkia 

Get a three-pack from Amazon for $13.97.

Promising review: "Very beginner friendly, was supplied with enough supplies to do all the designs, the supplies were good quality, yarn did not fall apart, and still was very soft and glided perfectly through the needle. Totally recommend." —Amanda

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in eight styles).

It comes with an 11-inch cake turntable, two icing spatulas, two smoothers, and one decorating comb.

Promising review: "This year, I decided to make my 2-year-old's birthday cake. I watched 500 cake and frosting videos on Youtube and decided two weeks before the party to order this set. It was 100% worth the money. I can guarantee you, her cake wouldn't have come out looking half as good with all three of these tools." —A. Bourguignon

Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in two styles).

The set comes with 36 icing tips, two silicone pastry bags, two flower nails, and two plastic couplers. Also grab some vibrant food dye!

Promising review: "The tips are of high quality. They feel substantial and not flimsy super thin metal, like some others I have felt. The silicone bags were super easy to clean by turning inside out and washing. I highly recommend the set — it's thorough, well made, and is offered at a reasonable price." —Blondie

Promising review: "This is the quickest I've ever gotten up to speed on a synthesizer, and some of the most fun I've ever had with one...at the lowest price point! A great deal of quality, versatility, and spontaneity in a very small package. Worth adding to almost anyone's arsenal. Even as a more-fun-than-drudgery metronome, it's worth the price of admission. But once you start chaining sequences together and playing with FX automation, its flexibility and pizzazz start to shine." —David

Get it from Amazon for $59 (see more styles here).

The kit comes with two landscapes and one portrait of Bob.

Promising review: "I have to admit I was skeptical because of the price and size. However, I got these for my husband for his birthday (he loves Bob Ross) and What a find!! We had so much fun mixing colors and painting. Would definitely recommend. The fact that they are small makes them even more special. I wish there were more to paint!" —slb m

This will be great for making calendars and journals. Perfect gift idea? 

This is just for the hole-punching device. Grab some binding wire, needle-nose pliers, and paper. We R Memory Keepers is a small business that sells binding equipment. 

Promising review: "So happy I got this. It’s a true crafter's dream. It’s easy to use. Does a professional job and doesn’t take up a lot of space." —REBECCA

Get it from Amazon for $119.99 (available in three hole styles).

It comes with nine colors of clay, a bracelet, tools, glaze, jump rings, charm loops, a display stand, and a 60-page instruction book. 

Promising review: "This is the coolest thing I’ve purchased from Amazon. I’m a crafter, so it fit very well on my shelf of little kits. It’s super easy to follow the instructions — make sure to bake, then put the glaze on the charm. This is really a great gift or activity to do to pass the time. I’m going to try Klutz's other kits." —Brittany

The press makes 12 raviolis at once. You can also use it for stuffed cookies or teeny-tiny pies. Anyway, please invite me over after you get this.

Promising review: "This little gadget was great. I thought it would be something to get used to, but I was able to make perfect raviolis the first try! For the price, you just can't beat this ravioli press. I don't know why anyone would buy the super expensive attachment for the Kitchenaid when this is just as easy —probably more so." —PFamily

It comes with 275 beads, six double-strand keychains, coordinating cords, and double gold lobster/key ring hooks.

This is one of Oprah's Favorite Things this year! Check out our list of the best kid-friendly items on the list. 

The kit comes with five lighting elements. The finished product can open like a book so you can admire all the details. See the booknook in action on TikTok. 

Promising review: 'OMG! This is every puzzle person’s dream. I finished it in one (very long) session and loved every minute of it. The instructions are very easy to follow. There were extra pieces included. It’s absolutely adorable! I want all of their booknooks." —Rachel

The book has 50 pages of watercolor art, and the pages are perforated so you can tear them out and frame them.  

Promising review: "Changed my life. So I get anxious doing the adult coloring books. This was so much fun and made me really think outside of the box. I'm not the best at drawing but I felt like I was when I was a kid doodling in my textbooks in school." —Carley C. 

(And throw in these black fine point pens for $11.99!) 

Promising review: "This works like magic! It's easy to use and makes a beautiful gift from the kids!" —Sj773

BuzzFeed writer Mallory Mower has this and says: "I own this! I have mine hanging in my kitchen windowsill. I've had it for ages and like the design for several things. I've successfully grown plants from avocado pits, and I'm currently using it to regrow green onions. I buy green onions, chop up what I need for a recipe, throw the rest into this planter with water, and watch my green onions grow for future meals. It's great!"

Promising review: "I am absolutely obsessed with this vase. I had been searching a long time for bigger vases with a narrow neck to grow my avocado plant, and this was exactly what I needed! The bottom is nice and wide and allows so much room for root growth. The glass is not real glass; it seems like it’s some type of high-quality plastic. But it still looks very nice!" —Alysia 

There are also postcards, letters, and other knickknacks to help you solve the mystery.

Promising review: "I rarely post reviews; there doesn't ever seem to be anything I can add that hasn't already been said by some other reviewer. That's probably true in this case as well, but I'm not letting it stop me this time. S. is truly a delight. I haven't been this excited by a book in ages. S. is the first non-ebook I've purchased in a very long time, and I'm loving every minute I spend with it." —Corey Punches

Promising review: "You don't understand — TikTok made me obsess over this microphone. As a 30+ year-old woman, I resisted purchasing it. I finally broke down and bought it because it was haunting me in my sleep. I'm so glad I did. When I am in a bad mood, I start karaoke in my house and am instantly better. It has 'ruined' my teenage son's life because my performances can be heard through his Xbox microphone. This is a must-have product." —Zane A. Undercoffer

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in 12 colors).

Promising review: "This is a wonderful project for an older kid. The directions are very clear. The project itself is very detailed and time consuming, but the result is awesome." —Jaclyn

BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

Rebecca O'Connell is a BuzzFeed Shopping editor with over 10 years of experience finding and vetting new products. She's personally tested hundreds of products, sifted through tens of thousands of consumer reviews, and met with countless brands to expand her breadth of recommendations. Her work has been featured in prominent publications like Rolling Stone, Mental Floss, Encyclopedia Britannica, and Merriam-Webster. 

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.