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I’m a resident writer on the BuzzFeed Shopping team covering a variety of topics in a fun and mindful way, including travel, home, beauty, gift guides, and anything that’ll add just a bit of whimsy into people’s lives.

If you somehow breeze your way through the first edition, there are two more you can check out!

Promising review: "Great quality book. Thick pages with beautiful color. Engaging problems to solve (and so many of them!!!). I am almost halfway through the puzzle book within my first week of having it, and I came back to Amazon to see if there were other volumes available for purchase. I will be buying all future volumes. Great fun!" —Daniel

It includes a beginner knot guide with step-by-step picture instructions to the eight basic macrame knots (available as a physical booklet or a QR code) a 9-inch wooden dowel, and all the pre-cut cord you need in the color you choose.

Cord Plus Quartz is a Nevada-based small biz that specializes in macramé wall hangings, patterns, and DIY kits.

Promising review: "This was my first macramé project and it was much easier than I thought it was going to be. I really liked making it. I appreciated having cords that were pre-measured and cut, it made it so much easier to get started." —Rachel

Get it from Cord Plus Quartz on Etsy for $28+ (originally $35+; available in 17 colors and two instruction styles).

Promising review (for photo on the right): "The paddles are lightweight yet sturdy, with a comfortable grip that makes playing super enjoyable. The quality feels premium, and the set comes with everything we need to get started right away. My family and I had so much fun playing together — it’s perfect for beginners and also great for more experienced players. Excellent value for the price. Highly recommend!" —passerbya

Get the set with two paddles from Amazon for $36.99+ (available in 18 styles and sets with four paddles). 

The kit includes a 5-inch glass bubble vase, dirt, Spanish moss, activated charcoal, three succulents (approximately  1 inch–2 inches in diameter), decorative rocks, reindeer moss, and an optional miniature animal!

Partyn with Plants is an Ohio-based Etsy shop that makes terrarium kits, fairy garden kits, and more.

Promising review: "This is absolutely adorable. It’s my first terrarium, and I think I am hooked. The shipping was quick. Everything came packaged well! So fun to put together!" —Kendra Foust

Get it from Partyn with Plants on Etsy for $47.69 (originally $52.99; 14 optional miniatures available, or none). 

One reviewer says the process is like "staring at clouds and trying to make something of the shape," which sounds so relaxing. 

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: "Love it! The cutest and most calming coloring book ever! Not too detailed that it overwhelms you, like some, but detailed enough that it keeps you concentrated on your next color choices and just relaxed. Every page is a very satisfying coloring experience. Whimsical and cozy designs. Great for kids or adults." —Casi

Get the paperback from Amazon for $13.50 (also available as a spiral-bound). 

And here are some reviewer-fave colored pencils! 

Btw, reviewers mention these markers bleed through thinner pages, so they're best to use on coloring books with thicker pages or single-sided designs. (Or you can slip a protective sheet behind the page you're coloring). 

Promising review: "Crayola is the marker set every kid had in third grade, so when they launched an alcohol-based line for adults, my first thought was that it'd be a nostalgia play that couldn't actually keep up with brands people who color seriously already use. They won me over pretty quickly. The dual tips switch cleanly between detail lines and filling in larger areas, and colors layer without going streaky or patchy where they overlap, which is usually where cheaper markers fall apart. The swatch cards are a nice touch too. I liked them enough that I brought the set to a local coffee shop to color for a bit. Ended up with a couple of people stopping by the table to ask what I was using, and being genuinely surprised when I showed them it said Crayola on the barrel. For the price, this is a legit way to get real blending without spending Copic money." —Tim

Get a set of 40 from Amazon for $31.99 (also available in sets of 60 or 120). 

This comes with hoops, pre-printed patterns, thread, needles, and a guide. 

Promising review: "I used to do embroidery when I was in sixth grade, and now I have decided to pick it up again and do it with my mom. She loved the surprise. This kit has helped me a lot in remembering and learning new stitches." —Reyna B

Get it from Amazon for $19.97+ (available in three sets).

The kit includes a clear acrylic base, hand-cut stained glass, glue, grout, a wood stir stick, a disposable glove, and written instructions with photos. 

Mosaics At The Farm is a small business specializing in mosaic art and DIY kits. 

Promising review: "My daughter and I made these on Christmas Day and they turned out beautifully. Such quality and clear instructions. What a wonderful memory we have now. We both look at our suncatchers daily and think of each other. Great product and customer service." —Susan

Get it from Mosaics At The Farm on Etsy for $49.95+ (available with or without an easel). 

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

I own the Renaissance Fine Art Mini Puzzle Set (that's me putting the puzzle together!) and these are such a fun and unique jigsaw experience! I couldn't stop admiring the pieces as I was building it, and the way they fit together was always so unexpected. I'm not a huuuge puzzler, so the mini was the perfect intro to the brand. I actually also gifted the Moonside Moth to my grandma who loves puzzles, and she was both amazed by how beautiful the butterfly and flower-shaped pieces were, and worried about how the heck she was supposed to put it together, lol. The packaging also feels really nice, so I def also recommend as a gift! 

Get it from Nautilus Puzzle for $17.95 — and check out the *many* other designs available. 

Btw, there are also a few designs available on Amazon. 

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

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

The kit includes two wood carving blocks (one cherry and one brasswood), a super sharp carving knife, sharpening supplies, a birdie template, and three 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

Promising review: "I got this for my mom, and she absolutely loves it. She’s really gotten into Lego Botanicals recently, and this set didn’t disappoint — the build was calming and fun, and the finished cactus looks fantastic on display. The attention to detail and vibrant flowers make it feel like a real plant without the upkeep. It’s hands-down become one of her favorite sets, and now she’s planning her next Lego Botanicals purchase!" —jeremias luna

There's enough clay to make 20 projects. Make It Real is a small business that sells kid-friendly art kits. 

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 two styles). 

The kit includes air clay in shades of green, blue, pink, and purple, a wooden modeling tool, acrylic varnish, a paintbrush, and a wooden frame. 

Promising review: "This project was so much fun to make! The quality of the materials was excellent, and there were plenty of supplies. The value was very good, and I plan to purchase some for gifts." —Carol the Crafter

Helpfully, this book measures in grams *and* tablespoons, so you can bake however you prefer. 

Promising review: "Love this one so far! I'm attaching the table of contents for each section so you can see the full list of recipes. Really appreciate the photo with each recipe so you know what to aim for — in fact, I just made the sticky prune teacakes and they came out exactly like the picture (see for yourself!). Plus, any book with a recipe for an “emergency chocolate chip cookie” has to be a winner, right?" —peeka

Get it from Amazon for $12.95 (also available for the Kindle). 

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 a paperback from Amazon for $9.99+ (also available in a spiral-bound style).

It has 25 projects that'll each take less than 30 minutes to complete. Heads up that you'll need to grab a watercolor paint set, too.

Promising review: "This workbook is perfection. So well made and explained for beginners in the world of watercolor. So entertaining yet challenging for more advanced watercolor enthusiasts. I ordered this book and some new watercolors to practice with, and from the moment I opened it, I was obsessed. I absolutely love Sarah’s designs. As someone who hasn’t painted in years and has little experience, I found this book very helpful. It was so easy for me to start painting again and remember how much joy I feel while I am doing so. Its instructions, tips, and stunning color combinations definitely helped awaken my creativity a little more each day. 10 out of 10! 🎨🫶🏼" —Ale

The kit includes a 9-inch Banneton basket, 10-inch proofing basket, 2 linen liners, a silicone bread sling, dough whisk, dough scraper, bowl scraper, bread scoring tool with 5 blades, silicone spatula, silicone brush, flour duster, cleaning brush, and 16 baking stencils. 

Promising review: "The durability of the tools that come in this kit surprised me! I’ve been using it for a couple times now so everything has went through multiple washes and bakes and everything is still intact! The basket are AMAZING quality. As far as odor there wasn’t one when i opened The package which was nice. The appearance of everything seemed super clean and organized!" —hannah shaub

Get it from Amazon for $28.99 (available in five other sets). 

The company has 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

It includes a blank canvas, 48 specialty pet colors, brushes, and tech tools to make one 8" x 10" painting. The company provides the paint and a QR code to use their tech to turn any pet photo into a "paint by number" template, so you just need a printer to generate the image! Also, this was one of Oprah's Favorite Things in 2023!

Promising review: "This was so much fun! I tried three different photos in the tool they give you. It shows you a preview of each painting, which is really helpful when deciding which image to go with. Not every picture came out as good, so definitely try a few! Easy to use, and fun to paint — excited to frame it! Actually have some paint left over and will try to do another one!" —Jonathan Kebert

Promising reviews: "I love all of Oprah’s journals, and this one is no exception. The journal is beautiful and really hits on the issues of being stuck. It provides helpful exercises. The quotes and photography are beautiful. I highly recommend this journal." —L. Doctor

"I really enjoy this journal! It’s beautifully made and built to last. The guided prompts are so helpful — especially when you’re not sure where to start. It’s an inspiring tool for self-reflection and personal growth. Highly recommend!" —Venita

These beauties also won the 2025 Women's Health Sneaker Award!

Promising review: "These are my first pair of running shoes and they did not disappoint! At first I was skeptical about getting such an expensive shoe that will probably be ruined in a month but so far they have held up really well and honestly make me want to run more and more haha. I got the pink ones but I will definitely be getting more colorways because they are just so cute. They are true to size and perfect for my narrow feet, especially accommodating for my arch, fit like a glove. On my first run with them I ran four miles and expected to be riddled with blisters, as thats what has happened with mostly every sneaker I have tried, but these kept my feet in perfect condition. I would say these are good for a daily runner and maybe even a couple of races, wouldn't recommend these for everyday wear, mainly because they have a very thick sole. I love the fact that these have a nice big toe box so my toes can really spread out and aren't squished together. Love my Hoka's so much!" —X

Get them from Hokas for $124+ (originally $155; available in women's sizes 4–12, standard and wide styles, and four designs; also available in men's sizes 7–16, standard and wide styles, and 14 designs). 

This is also fun for folks who already love D&D — one reviewer incorporated their own characters into the story! 

The set includes four adventure booklets (aka four campaigns), a DM screen, a Hellfire Club poster and poster maps, magic items and monsters, 11 dice, 91 spell cards, 72 tokens for player characters and monsters, 15 character sheets, four handouts, a quick-start guide, a play guide booklet, AND a combat tracker. 

Promising reviews: "Seriously, this set is awesome and totally worth it! It's perfect for anyone looking to dive into tabletop role-playing games. I was blown away by how good it is. If you're new to the hobby, you really can't go wrong with this purchase. It exceeded all my hopes!" —Michael

"Grab this set if you’re on the fence about playing D&D. After countless videos and research and reviews about this product compared to the original Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set, I bit the bullet and grabbed this set instead since it has more to offer bang for buck. Despite the Stranger Things theme, you’re not missing out on much, it’s still a D&D experience through and through with extra goodies to boot. It is very beginner friendly and has tips and tricks everywhere for you to a point that it’s almost overwhelming but I’ll happily take having reminders and notes over trying to remember how and what to use during a campaign. For all the D&D fans this is a MUST for you, and for the Stranger Things fans, grab this set for all of the nods and winks it includes for the show." —JG

Each kit includes four types of organic seeds (Norway Spruce, Royal Poinciana, Blue Jacaranda, and Rocky Mountain Pine), four biodegradable growing pots, four expanding-soil discs, four bamboo plant markers, one bonsai clipper, and an instruction booklet.

Promising review: "I love this. My bonsai has already sprouted and it's coming along nicely. The best thing about this product is the customer service. They actually take an interest in how things are going and are willing to help you through anything. They respond personally, no form letters, and they give heartfelt responses to your questions and comments. This is definitely one of my best purchases." —G Eckberg

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 was the easiest thing to use, it was honestly fantastic. I used to make sushi years ago and used the double-rolling-mat wrapped in plastic wrap technique. It worked, but it was a pain. I chose this sushi bazooka because it came with all the extra items, and I used everything in this kit. I was able to make eight rolls of sushi in less than 15 minutes. You just coat the inside of the tube with rice vinegar, and the rice comes right out. You don't have to clean it in between making rolls. It wasn't messy at all. It worked exactly as advertised. I will make sushi more often now that I have this kit. Kids can use this, it is so easy! I was impressed with how well this worked." —GrayCatVintage

Get it from Amazon for $22.29 (available in three colors). 

You get one fabric with preprinted pattern on a wooden base (40 x 40 cm), one wooden punch needle, one set of embroidery cotton threads, glue, and a needle. It also comes with detailed instructions with a stitch guide.

Tina's House is an Australia-based small biz that makes embroidery kits.

Promising review: "It’s my first punch needle project, I started two hours ago and I am very happy. It’s easy and fast to learn, the punch needle is nice to use, the wool is very soft and the colors are nice. Looking forward to the finished piece! Definitely recommend." —funambuline

Get it from Tina's House on Etsy for $57.60 (originally $96; available in three colors).

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 nine-shaped needles, five colorful rope chains, four small wool felt molds, one colorful wooden handle, one pair of finger gloves, one tweezer, one yarn cutter, three needle bottles, one foam pad, two glue sticks, and one 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 $19.99 (available in green and orange, and in a set of 40 colors).

A few recipes include Baked Kale Salad with Chili Quinoa, Whitefish Peperonata, Sweet Potato Focaccia, Tiny Salted Tiramisu Cookies, and Butternut Squash Cake with Cinnamon Whipped Cream (yup, there's desserts too, along with sauces and dips!). 

Promising reviews: "Justine's recipes are not only delicious but they're well thought out, too. I love that the cookbook is lay-flat and it's easy to read. It's well organized and the pictures are great. The tables and explanations throughout the book are also very helpful. It's beginner-friendly and overall a very cozy, snacky, heartwarming book of yumminess. 10/10 recommend. I also recommend following her YouTube for cook-throughs of the recipes!" —Brianna Smith

(for photo on the right) "I just made my first recipe, Gochujang Beans with Melty Escarole and Black Vinegar, and good lord it’s delicious! So delicious that I made a bowl, then went back  for seconds, then said “screw it”, and ate it straight from the pan. I had to tear myself away and put the rest into a container, and let me tell you it was not easy." —Karen

Get a hardcover from Amazon for $16.31 (also available as a spiral-bound book and for the Kindle). 

The set also includes two extra queens to promote your pawn, and as someone who knows nothing about chess but is adding this to their cart, I'm exciting to find out why I'll be grateful for it! 

Promising reviews: "I really love this chess set! The size is just right — not too big and not too small — making it perfect for playing at home or taking on trips. The magnetic pieces hold firmly on the board, so the game stays steady even if the board moves. The wood quality feels solid and well made, and the extra queens are a nice bonus. It folds easily for storage and travel. This is a great set for beginners and families. Highly recommended!" —qinyang886

(for photo on the left) "This is a very well made chess set that has served me for well over three years with no issue. The magnets are still in good working order and the set looks great. People are still surprised by the price I got it for." —Shammana

And if you're wondering what the heck you'd even take pictures of, reviewers have uploaded tons of fun and aesthetic pics for inspo. (I love this one of the cake!) 🍰 

Promising reviews: "I do photography as a side hobby and I would 100% recommend this camera. It is so compact and gives your photos such a cute vintagey vibe. For the quality, the price is very acceptable compared to other companies selling digital cameras for hundreds. The charging life is PHENOMENAL! 10 out of 10 :)" —Angelina

"This little camera SERIOUSLY surprised me! I'm a semi-professional photographer with a ton of equipment, and this thing almost holds up to them in certain scenarios. Light, small, fast. Worth every penny for someone wanting a camera that you can't even feel in your pocket that gets the spur-of-the-moment shots. Video is not bad either. It has it's limitations, but the price is right." —hoopz

Get it from Amazon for $139.99+ (available in four colors). 

And if you're planning to take tons of photos and want a way to transfer them to your laptop and phone, check out these microSD cards and adapter!

Each month, you'll have the option to choose from a list of hardcover or audiobook selections available. If more than one of the books are calling your name, you can redeem more than one credit, and if none of the options are calling to you, the credits will rollover for future use. Learn more about this subscription box.

Get a subscription and your first book for $9.99, then for $17.99 each month. 

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

Get a set of four from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in seven designs, and as a set of six and eight).

This includes six sewing feet, a three-piece needle set, a twin needle, four bobbins, an instructional DVD, and a manual. The "extras" vary by bundle, but this one includes six premium thread spools to get you started! 

Promising review: "Honestly I thought I would need a few weeks to even figure out how to get the needle making correct stitches, but it only took me a day. I have been thinking about fashion, fashion design, clothes, and sewing for months now and I finally made the step to... do it lol. I didn’t want to at first because I thought maybe it would be “too tedious” (my worst nightmare) or “too hard” but the Brother makes it soooo easy. Some things with this machine are self-explanatory but even then I would struggle for hours with something small. Good thing there is like a “if this is happening maybe it’s this” guide in the manual. Also google helped me with a tension problem in two seconds lol. Anyway, it’s a great product and I sewed a skirt within a week of buying it and a day of messing with it." —Sanaa

Get it from Amazon for $159.98+ (also available sets with extra bobbins, extra threads, a case, and a stabilizer). 

This kit includes a 96-page booklet with 38 origami projects and step-by-step instructions. It also comes with 162 sheets of origami folding paper in a variety of colors, plus patterned and foil sheets!

Promising review: "This is everything you could want for an introduction to the art of origami! It has clear instructions, a variety of options and paper too! This has been an entertainment piece for the family for a few nights, as the kids want to try new projects each time. Fun for all!" —Bookbum

Get it from Amazon for $12.71 (also available for the Kindle). 

Reviewers are impressed by the durability of the mat and how it remains wrinkle-free after rolling it up. Many also place it on uneven surfaces (or towels) to create breaks!

Promising review: "I tell ya I just love this product. I've been looking for something to keep me active and break up the boredom. It's great for one person or many people, and gets you up off the couch and back in the game. With the built-in sand trap to catch the balls, it gives this putters range an added bonus. This has been a great conversation piece in my household and I can even put it in front of the TV or in the hallway. Totally recommend it." —addison

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in two styles). 

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.

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.