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You Should Try These 31 Hobby Products If Doomscrolling Is Your Kryptonite
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BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Read More When TikTok tells you it’s time to put your phone down, you may want to listen and pick up some pancake batter. You heard me. I'm a resident writer on the Buzzfeed Shopping team, where my love for shopping (and doomscrolling on TikTok) helps me curate lists of the most trending lifestyle, home, beauty, and fashion products. The kit includes a cool-touch griddle, two fine-tipped and two standard-tipped batter bottles, and double-sided, nonstick templates to practice. If you want fun colors, one reviewer says gel food coloring works best. Promising review: "I'm so happy with this buy. I feel like I'm making great memories with my children. It is easy to use and clean I even make eggs, bacon and other foods on it." —Valerie G. Tina's House is a Sydney, Australia-based small biz. Get it from Tina's House on Etsy for $49.74 (available in three colors). This comes with four self-venting lids so no burping required, four fermentation weights, a recipe book, and a wood pounder to push down your veggies when making kimchi or sauerkraut. It does not come with wide mouth mason jars, so I would check out this pack to get started. Promising review: "Already in use and very much enjoying it. The self burping caps are funny to watch swell up and burp over the day (I’m childish). The glass weights are easily manipulated and I am not concerned with not being able to remove when ready. Easily cleaned for use and after and I store in the box it came in. The basic guid it came with is good for starters but if you are looking at this you have already abused google for ideas and can’t wait to try more." —Summer B. Check out these other fun versions of sticker-by-number if flowers aren't your thing. 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 Each kit includes four natural crystal-filled geodes, one pair of safety goggles, one display stand, and one learning guide. Promising review: "I’m an adult in my 30s, but I was such a rock nerd as a kid, so when I saw this kit I knew I had to buy it! I ended up buying it for myself and my adult siblings as a Christmas present — we had so much fun cracking open the rocks on Christmas Day, it brought be back to my childhood! Highly recommend this kit, you get a lot of rocks for the price, and it’s so fun cracking open a rock and discovering what’s inside." —Anna Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in three sizes). The game mat measures 4' x 4' and is machine washable! It comes with a carrying bag and 24 jumbo playing discs (12 red and 12 black). The discs are made of nontoxic, recycled EVA foam. Swooc Games is a small business that makes fun games for family and friends. The company is committed to maintaining a net-zero footprint by planting trees to offset 100% of its carbon emissions. Promising review: "This 4' x 4' reversible game mat is great for indoor and outdoor fun! I love that you can play checkers or tic-tac-toe, and all of the supplies fit in a portable bag that is perfect for storage and/or traveling. The mat is machine washable, and the pieces are made of foam that is eco-friendly. The best part about this game set is how easy it is to set up and put away. I am looking forward to using this game with friends, family, and in my classroom." —Sixth Grade Teachers This kit provides you with a banneton basket, a dough whisk, a dough cutter, five blades (with a leather cover) for designs, a bowl scraper, a scoring lame, and even a cleaning brush. You can also use the recipe book to try out different loaf recipes or to get a better understanding of every tool. Promising review: "This is just what I was looking for to start my sourdough bread journey while healing from a surgery and on leave from work. It kept me busy, and I still use it today. Great quality, durable items." —joanne Get it from Amazon for $23.74+ (available in two banneton basket shapes and in gift sets). This kit comes with 139 pieces, but requires craft glue to stick all the small details together and two AAA batteries for the LED lights. Promising review: "I gave my wife one of these for Christmas, and she absolutely loved it! She's kind of a bookworm, so this was perfect for her bookshelf. It was fun to build and pretty simple to assemble. Putting the individual books together was a bit daunting, but the final product made it all worth it. As for quality, the pieces are very thin and sort of fragile (but that's the case with most DIY models), but overall, pretty solid in construction. Well worth every penny, and kept my wife busy for a month! My only real gripe about it is that the light switch is in the bottom back of it, so turning it on and off can be kind of a pain, having to pull it out of the bookshelf every time. Otherwise, it was a successful purchase, and the perfect gift! I'd recommend it to anyone!"—Daniel Get it from Amazon for $26.38+ (available in nine designs). 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 $13.69. 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 Check out a TikTok of the mini Kindle in action. Of course you can carry around a paper book (the real analog option), but this is a great alternative that can slip into any bag and allows you to hit your reading goals. It still keeps you away from doomscrolling on TikTok soooo I would say that's a win. Promising review: "This is such a great Kindle! It’s lightweight, the perfect size for going in a purse or bag, and the matcha is SUCH a great color. I already have a Paperwhite SE that I love, so I decided to get this Kindle for travel purposes. The battery life isn’t as great as my Paperwhite, but it still lasts me a while with daily reading! It fits perfectly in my hands and makes reading very comfortable. The only thing it is missing is the warm light option, but that is not a deal breaker for me. If you are looking for a lightweight and comfortable Kindle, this is the one for you." —Christine Heath Get it from Amazon for $109.99 (available in black and matcha, and with or without an ad lock screen). Here are some paint and brushes so once your creations are dry, you can add some personality to the white clay if you'd like! Promising review: "It’s honestly just a really nice material to work with! If you want to create things with clay, this is definitely a good choice! It’s definitely not for professional use, but I feel like that’s a given? I mean, it is Crayola. But all in all, great for those who want to use it for fun!" —Amazon Customer Each kit comes with a pottery wheel machine, a power adapter, eight sculpting tools, two paint brushes, three packs of air-dry clay, and 12 paints. Promising review: "I am amazed how well thought through this product is. It is very compact and has everything you need to get started and trying your hand at pottery! My kids immensely enjoyed using it and were very excited with their creations. It's very compact, built with very good quality materials. The wheel is very stable and you can control the speed as you get the hang of it. It's well priced for a starter kit and overall a great kit." —Synghal Promising review: "Best sushi-making kit out there, period. It contains all the tools you need to start making sushi, a really affordable kit, and it's just very entertaining to try it out with your family. It's the beginner's set you were looking for, and all parts appear to be made of non-harmful, natural, and durable materials. Five stars." —Antonio Mendez Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in three colors). 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). Each piece is 12x16 inches. The kit comes with 12 images, color-coded gems, a single-tip diamond painting pen, a small tray, and wax. The pen holds a small piece of wax to help you grab the individual gems. Each canvas comes coated in a sticky adhesive protected by a clear film. Because that's how the gems stick on, I recommend peeling it off a little at a time as you go to preserve the adhesive, so you're not left with a picture covered in dust and dog hair. Promising reviews: "Bought it over a year ago, I do them every so often when I’m bored and they’ve lasted me this long. They’re fun, something to do while watching my shows, there’s always left over gems so they’re nice for other things too. I’d get larger pickers cause it’s slow without but I didn’t mind much. Very pretty, shinny, the stickiness is good, it’s enough that they stay but if you need you can pry gems off or push them around" —customer "First time I ordered something like this, and I'm glad I started with this one. The pages are large, and you get 12 of them, which should last me probably two years. I haven't had this much fun doing something in a long time. I don't wanna stop. I don't know what it is, but there is something satisfying about dropping little gems on the sticky paper. I can't wait until I finish my first one." —Female in Rochester NY The kit also includes two wood carving blocks (one cherry and one basswood), three types of sandpaper, and sharpening supplies. Promising review: "Great little introduction to the hobby! It will take you longer than you think to complete, so it’s a nice free-time activity. My 8-year-old is very impressed that I 'made it with my bare hands.' I highly recommend this adorable comfort bird kit, and my advice is to take your time, it’s not a race!" —Tammi H. The kit comes with four glass jars and three tin cans, pre-measured soy wax, seven fragrance oils, 10 dye blocks, candle wicks, glue dots, a melting pot, a digital thermometer, a mixing spoon, two centering devices, dried flowers, and decorative labels. Promising review: "This kit comes with everything a beginner hobbyist needs to make custom candles for gifts or for yourself. I've been having so much fun mixing different scents and colors to create my perfect custom candle. Easy to use (with a little practice and some instruction reading) and comes with everything you need. I am really enjoying this new hobby and think I may have finally found one I can stick with, simply because of the joy it brings to make and then use my creation!" —Lauren R. Get it from Amazon for $49.97+ (also available in a black candle kit and larger sets). After you complete the mushroom cottage, you can dive into other Buffalo Games puzzles that are equally as complex and colorful! Promising review: "I am recently retired and need something to keep me busy. This is my favorite brand of puzzle, and I have well over 50. I love how they aren't the easiest due to the color schemes, so it's not something you will get done in a few hours. Would recommend for puzzle lovers." —Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $11.97+ (available in four designs). Promising review: "Another stellar puzzle from Magic Puzzle Company, featuring high-quality pieces, a hidden final image, and a unique solving experience. The artwork is full of detail, making it an immersive and engaging build. The pieces fit together snugly, with no puzzle dust, and the final reveal adds an element of surprise. If you’re looking for a high-quality puzzle that’s more than just a standard jigsaw, this one is worth every penny." —Baloptimus Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (and check out the DELIGHTFUL assortment of Magic Puzzles for more options!). Promising review: "I absolutely love this book! The illustrations are beautifully detailed, and the paper quality is outstanding. It's a great way to unwind and get creative. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys coloring!" —Sorianny Pair it with a set of pens in five thicknesses, which are perfect for outlining. Promising review: "I love this book. I pre-ordered after seeing it on TikTok and couldn't wait to get it! I'm working on my second coloring page and love it! THIS is a great book for older adults and anyone who doesn't think they are an artist! Just need a fine black marker and you'll be busy for hours!! I'm going to get more as gifts. This also makes a great alternative for children, teens, and really anyone as an alternative to screen time! Get one, you won't be disappointed!" —Little wave Promising review: "We are absolutely in love with this set! The color range is incredible; so many vibrant or rich shades that blend beautifully. Both tips are super useful: the brush tip is smooth and flexible for coloring and blending, while the fine tip is perfect for details, outlines. The ink flows evenly without streaking, and the color quality are consistent across the set. For the price, the quality honestly exceeded my expectations. They feel comfortable in hand, don’t dry out quickly, and are great for coloring (ages 7–32) in our home. Whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced artist, this set is an amazing value. I would absolutely recommend these markers and would buy them again in a heartbeat! 🎨✨" —Kanna Paper Peony Press is a Texas-based boutique publishing company that specializes in purpose-driven books. Promising review: "I’ve tried several instructional books on hand lettering. This book is the best by far. I won’t say the names of the other books, but suffice it to say they are all at the top of the list when you search for hand lettering. It is the only book that gives practice for the base strokes and also discusses posture and how to hold the pen, and at what angle to the paper. It is also a lovely book to work with; nice artwork/illustrations. I recommend this book to other beginners out there!" —Karen Rorick It not only is full of scrapbooking inspo but also fun crafts like making your own stickers, trinket tin, magnets, frame backings, and memory locket. Promising review: "I absolutely LOVED this book from the creative activities to the photos of the art — chef's kiss!! The photos of the crafts and trinkets were so well thought out and just so visually appealing. The breakdown of each activity was also very easy to understand and insightful." —lepetit The bouquet includes 15 stems with a mix of flower and leaf varieties, including roses, snapdragons, and poppies, and it uses elements made from plant-based plastic. Former BuzzFeed editor Heather Braga says: "My 3.5-year-old is Lego-obsessed and had a blast working on these with me! They appear intricate, but, honestly, weren't hard to put together at all (and I'm a Lego novice)!" Promising review: "Buy this for anyone in your life who loves gardening, and you are guaranteed to see their face light up when they open it up. Got it for my mom on her birthday, and she thought it was the coolest gift ever." —Greg Get it from Amazon for $48.49 and check out the entire Lego Botanicals collection! Promising review: "When I first flipped through this book I was beaming with joy and excitement since I’ve been a Disney fan for years. They say food brings people together and this cookbook depicts fun and exciting food/drink recipes the whole family can enjoy. I couldn’t get over the photos for each recipe. They all had that magic touch Disney brings to its films. I see this book becoming a collectible and I feel every Disney fan should own a copy of it!" —Alena D. Dungeons & Dragons is THE ultimate role-playing game. If you're stuck in the house for a bit, it's the perfect time to start a campaign. This kit comes with an eBook, 1,000 pre-generated characters, a map, and more to help you get started. If you're already familiar with DnD, check out one of the MANY expansion books available. Promising review: "My son is getting into D&D, and I wanted to get something with some decent starter material. Coming with seven sets of dice, this makes it extremely easy to get games going right away. Not to mention campaigns already ready. If you're looking for a great starter set, this is the one you want!"—Jason Willis The kit comes with a crafting board, small hammer, a holder, nails, glue, screws, cotton string, a frame, a pattern, and a detailed instruction manual, so there's no need to buy other supplies. Promising review: "These instructions are easy to follow — I finished it in two hours. This was so much fun and I love my finished results! It looks so beautiful. It was a gift for my friend. I would buy it again and recommend it to others." —yuyantan Get it from Amazon for $23.99 (available in six styles). You can do the book in any order, but if you start from the beginning, you'll get the full story of Detective Logico. There are 100 puzzles total, ranging from Elementary level to impossible. Starting easy, you will find the suspect, location, and weapon. The next level, you will have to go through a puzzle of interrogation, as the suspects always tell the truth, but the murderer lies. You will then need to discover the motive. And when you've hit the impossible level, you will have to discover all four elements while dealing with a lying witness statement. And there's a logic grid puzzle helping you solve each case! Check out a TikTok of Murdle in action. The best part?? Once you finish "Murdling," you can use your sleuthing skills on Volume 2, Volume 3, and a whole BUNCH of other themed Murdle books! Promising review: "The puzzles are a lot of fun, but the characters, story lines, and other details take the Murdle experience to another level. I have no idea how the author came up with all of this creativity! You can Murdle solo or with friends. I look forward to future volumes, but this one will keep me busy for a while!" —Liz Gately Each set comes with a 100-color palette, a sketch pencil, a sponge, a swatch sheet, and three water brush pens. Here's some watercolor paper to get you started. Promising review: "Love collecting watercolor sets, and this one is amazing — so many exquisite colors to paint with. Creativity is everything, and imagination with all these colors is unlimited. Pure happiness!" —pve 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. The reviews used in this post have been edited for length and clarity.
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