Whether you’re looking for an easy, relaxing hobby or a new side hustle, these items can help you get started. (iStock)
Did you know that January is National Hobby Month? Talk about perfect timing! There’s no better way to kick off the new year than by diving into a hobby you’ve always wanted to try. Whether it’s a mixing bowl set for baking, a paper trimmer for scrapbooking, or a Canon camera bundle for photography, we’ve rounded up everything you need to start some of today’s most beginner-friendly hobbies.
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Scrapbooking
Scrapbooking is a fun, low-pressure way to get creative, and you don’t need much to start. With just a few basics (like a sturdy scrapbook, a reliable trimmer, and some fun scissors), it’s easy to dive in and make something meaningful.
Secure photos and memories with this acid-free tape. (Amazon)
Start your scrapbooking journey with a five-pack of this double-sided tape. Using a powerful adhesive, it ensures that your items stay in place over time. An ergonomically designed dispenser allows you to measure the precise amount. The tape is strong, but more importantly, it is acid-free, so it won’t degrade your precious memories.
Original price: $10.99
Make straight cuts way less stressful. (Amazon)
Whether you’re slicing through cardstock, photos or labels, this compact trimmer handles it all. The hidden blade keeps fingers safe, and the non-slip feet means it won’t slide around mid-cut. It’s well-suited for clean angles and compact enough to pack for scrapbooking onthego.
Get inspired with this quality scrapbook. (Amazon)
With loads of colors to choose from, this 8×8 scrapbook has 80 pages of thick paper, so your photos and stickers won’t bleed through. Spiral binding lays flat while you work, and the elastic cover with reinforced corners keeps everything tidy once you’re done.
Original price: $9.99
Add some flair to your creation with these scissors. (Amazon)
Each one of the six scissors cuts a different decorative edge, so whether you’re scrapbooking, card-making or just adding flair to your planner, you’ve got options. They’re bright, easy to find and the covered blades mean you won’t stab yourself fishing them out of a drawer.
Photography
Start capturing memories now, and you might just become the go-to family photographer for life’s big moments. With a little practice, this hobby could even turn into a side hustle.
Original price: $729
This is a solid starter DSLR that won’t overwhelm you with features. (Amazon)
A favorite for budding photographers, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 delivers crisp image quality without the high-end price tag. It packs a high-resolution 24.1 mega pixel APS-C imaging sensor and shoots full HD video too. You’ll get an 18–55mm zoom lens, plus fun extras like a 500mm telephoto and wide-angle screw-on lens for experimenting. You’ll also get a tripod, remote control, 32GB memory card, battery pack, charger, neck strap and body cap — basically everything you need to start shooting.
Take clearer pictures on any smartphone, tablet or laptop. (Amazon)
Looking to give your phone or tablet a serious photo upgrade? This clip-on lens is equipped with both wide-angle and macro lenses, so you can capture sweeping shots or close-ups with stunning detail. The GlowClip LED light attaches anywhere on your phone to add warm, even lighting. Compatible with iPhones, Galaxy phones, Pixel and more, it works with just about any model. It also comes with handy extras like a quick-release lanyard, durable case, clip and cleaning cloth.
Adjust the lighting in your photos more easily. (Amazon)
Perfect for shooting small items with clean, consistent lighting, the Glendan 10″x10″ Photo Box has built-in, adjustable LED lights that help you control brightness, and multiple openings make it easy to find the best angle. Capable of folding up fast, it’s ideal if you don’t have a dedicated photo space. This is an excellent pick for anyone selling online or just wanting to level up their Instagram game.
Original price: $36.99
A tripod adds stability when recording videos and taking pictures. (Amazon)
Capture all your family’s memories or make social media-worthy videos with the help of a stabilizing camera tripod. Weighing just under three pounds, this tripod is lightweight enough to take anywhere. The two-in-one holder fits most smartphones and tablets. Easily adjust the height of the tripod and swivel the camera 360 degrees for the perfect shot every single time. A wireless remote connects to your phone or tablet via Bluetooth, so you can stand as far away as you need while capturing pictures and videos.
Cooking and baking
Cooking and baking at home saves money — and let’s be honest, it’s way more satisfying than takeout. These kitchen essentials make it easy to whip up something delicious.
Original price: $125.99
You can’t start cooking without a good knife set. (Amazon)
If you want to start cooking, one of the first tools you’ll need is a reliable knife. This 10-piece knife set gives you a chef’s knife and multiple other knife sizes, so you can be ready to prep any ingredient. Made from durable stainless steel, they will last for years. A wood block self-sharpens the knives every time you put them back, so you’re ready to cut right out of the box.
Original price: $27.99
Stainless steel mixing bowls are easy to clean and help you mix any ingredients. (Amazon)
Whether you’re baking a cake or preparing a salad, a set of mixing bowls can help make cooking a little less stressful. Used by professional chefs in their own kitchens, these stainless steel mixing bowls are the way to go. For anyone looking to add a pop of color to their kitchen, this set is available in eight different colors.
Original price: $40
This cookbook teaches you everything you need to know about flavors. (Amazon)
Now a Netflix show, “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat”, is a standout cookbook for beginners and experts alike. It explains the complexities behind the main ingredients in all our foods and how to pair them together to make delicious meals. Think of it like a textbook and a cookbook mixed into one. For those who prefer eBooks, Barnes & Noble also has this option available.
READ MORE: Kitchen gadgets that’ll take your cooking to the next level
Gardening
Get ready for gardening season with these essential tools — by summer, you could be harvesting your own fresh produce.
Original price: $34.98
Start your gardening journey with this tool set. (Amazon)
If you’re looking to turn your backyard into a gardener’s paradise, start with a few simple tools. This nine-piece tool set has everything in one convenient kit, from gloves to shears to digging tools. Complete with a storage bag to keep everything organized, beginner gardeners can get started as soon as spring hits.
Grow veggies easily in these growing bags. (Amazon)
Don’t grow veggies in raised beds or the ground if you don’t have the space. Plenty of vegetables and herbs can be grown in these 10-gallon grow bags. Front flaps lift so you can check on potatoes, carrots or anything else you decide to grow. Home Depot also sells a five-pack of five-gallon grow bags for smaller plants or smaller decks and yards.
READ MORE: Garden upkeep just got easier with these garden accessories
Original price: $39.99
Save space with these stackable planters. (Amazon)
If you don’t have a lot of room to grow, a vertical, stackable planter can help. Plant flowers, herbs or some veggies in them and stack as high as you’d like. It comes apart, allowing you to use each planter individually.
Golfing
Golf is a classic hobby that lets you stay active and have fun at the same time. To get started, you’ll need a reliable set of clubs and a few practice tools to sharpen your swing.
A lightweight, easy-to-use set of clubs, perfect for beginners. (Amazon)
Ideal for beginners, the Callaway Strata complete golf club set comes at a reasonable price (compared to the $1,000+ sets), and is lightweight. They’re forgiving clubs that give you control when you need it most on the course. Complete with a golf bag, you’ll be ready to go as soon as the set hits your doorstep.
Practice without losing your golf balls. (Amazon)
Before hitting your local golf course, get some practice in your own backyard with a golf practice net. The four metal poles click together for an easy setup and fast takedown. It’s no more complicated than putting together a tent. As you practice, the balls fall to the base of the net, making them easy to gather once you’re done.
Get a better grip on your clubs. (Amazon)
Golfing gloves give you the grip you need to take your swing to the next level. An affordable option with plenty of size options are FootJoy golf gloves. The breathable mesh stops your hands from sweating on those hot days on the course. Plus, the strong grippy surface keeps you well-connected to the club.
Fishing
Hit the water more this year with fishing gear like rod-and-reel combos, pliers, and more.
Bright, strong and lightweight, this rod and reel is great for every type of angler. (KastKing)
Fishing starts with the right pole, and you should go with a rod and reel combo if you’re a beginner, since they’re often more affordable and pre-assembled. A striking flame orange option that’s on the budget-friendly side is the KastKing Lethal Blaze combo. Made from graphite, it’s lightweight, making it easier for beginners to cast. Stainless steel guides keep the line sturdily in place and won’t rust. The pole also works well for intermediate anglers that need something tough and fast enough to stand up to larger fish.
A retractable, foldable fishing net is easy to store. (Amazon)
Reeling in the fish is only half the battle, and a net helps you actually get the fish out of the water. A retractable fishing net is even more convenient and simple to store with the rest of your fishing gear. At just a pound, the net is extremely easy to maneuver, even when weighed down with a heavy fish. Fully extended, the net can handle fish up to five pounds.
KastKing pliers have a tough grip. (Amazon)
Find the right pair of pliers to get difficult hooks out of the fish’s mouth. A tough steel pair of pliers like these KastKing ones won’t rust, bend or corrode. Thanks to the ergonomic handle, you’ll have a strong grip and can avoid slipping when you’re in the middle of removing a hook. Plus, it makes them more comfortable to hold when battling with an active fish in the other hand.
READ MORE: Learn to fish with these essentials
Crafting
Crafting is a calming hobby that lets you create something one-of-a-kind with your hands. The options are endless, but these beginner-friendly tools make it easy to get started.
Make stickers, cards, iron-on patches and more. (Amazon)
Make stickers, banners, birthday cards, posters and so much more with a Cricut Explore cutting machine. Powered by smart technology, the small machine uses different blades to cut designs you create through software. It’s an all-in-one crafting tool that cuts hundreds of materials, from leather to paper to vinyl. Not only does it cut, it can also draw, foil and score. You’ll become an artist without having to lift a finger!
Embroidery is a fun hobby that results in beautiful works of art. (Amazon)
Whether you’re watching TV, listening to music or just enjoying the peace and quiet, an embroidery kit keeps your hands busy. Once you have more experience, you can create your own patterns, but until then, this floral four-piece embroidery kit gives you the practice you need. It comes with everything to get started, from multiple needles and yarn to even scissors. Another simple pattern that makes a beautiful piece of home decor is this winter cabin kit. Yarn, instructions and needles are included in a small tin that makes storing the project easy.
Make painting fun with this Paint by Numbers kit. (Amazon)
Taking up painting is intimidating, but this Paint by Numbers kit is an easy way to get into the craft. There are hundreds of scenes to choose from, so you end up painting a work of art you actually want to hang up. Ideal for kids and adults, this river scene comes with the canvas, an easel and all the paint you need to complete the project. A larger, more involved project, this gorgeous lake and sunset scene is more difficult but results in a colorful painting.
Knitting
Learn to knit now and you could have handmade holiday gifts ready long before the holidays. With just a few affordable tools, it’s easy to get started.
Knit anything you can think of with this knitting needle set. (Amazon)
Depending on what you’re trying to knit, knitting needles come in a variety of sizes. This set can help you make socks, blankets and everything in between. You get 11 pairs and a storage case to keep them organized, plus stitch markers to help you mark your place when pausing a project.
Store all your knitting accessories in this convenient storage bag. (Amazon)
Conveniently store all your yarn, needles and any other accessories in this knitting storage bag. There are plenty of oversized pockets to keep your half-finished projects in as well. Constructed from heavy-duty canvas that’s difficult to pierce with knitting needles, it holds its shape over time, so the bag won’t wear down, no matter how much you shove inside.
Start all your knitting projects with this multipack of yarn. (Amazon)
For beginners, acrylic yarn is the affordable and solid yarn choice for all your projects. It’s not the softest yard in the world, but it slides on and off the knitting needles easier than wool and other thicker yarns. This set of mini-skeins offers every color of the rainbow and then some.
Woodworking
Whether you’ve dreamed of building your own furniture or just want to whittle a few animal figurines, these tools can help you dive into the world of woodworking.
Original price: $58.99
Start carving with this full set of tools. (Amazon)
Wood carving is a fun hobby that’s relatively easy to learn. This carving kit comes with every tool to carve small, simple projects. You’ll also get a pair of carving gloves to keep your hands safe when you work. The roll-up leather case keeps the sharp edges from dulling and makes it easy to bring your new hobby with you anywhere.
Original price: $51.97
Create details in your woodworking projects with a rotary tool. (Amazon)
A rotary tool helps you carve small, precise pieces. You can sand, carve and even wood burn. Plus, mini drill bits are ideal for drilling small holes, making them well-suited for jewelry making or working with more breakable materials. This kit has dozens of sanding, drilling and grinding attachments all organized in one convenient carrying case.
Get all your wood perfectly sanded with this sander. (Amazon)
For larger projects, an orbital sander is often necessary before you stain or paint. Instead of spending hours with a hand planer, the electric version blasts through rough edges in minutes. This electric Dewalt sander is a professional-grade tool with a sawdust collecting bag that keeps your workspace clean as you go.
Puzzles
Puzzles are a relaxing way to unplug — and they can help boost your focus, memory and problem-solving skills.
Original price: $22.99
Add this winter scene to your jigsaw collection. (Amazon)
Whether you’re new to puzzles or already hooked, the Ravensburger Cozy Retreat is a winter must-have. This 500-piece set reveals a snowy cabin scene complete with fairy lights and fireside glow. Ravensburger’s softclick technology gives each piece a satisfying fit, and the thick, linen-finished pieces are built to last (and easy on the eyes).
Original price: $59.99
Build your own secret stash box with this clever DIY kit. (Amazon)
Explore 3D puzzling with this 263-piece kit steampunk-style Book of Secrets. Complete with moving gears and hidden compartments, the wooden pieces fit together without glue. The kit includes wax and sandpaper to keep the mechanics smooth, and while it takes about seven hours to build, the numbered parts and clear instructions make it approachable even for first timers.
Keep your table tidy (and mobile) with a puzzle table. (Wayfair)
Take your puzzle hobby anywhere with this foldable wooden jigsaw table. It supports up to 1,500 pieces and has built-in drawers to keep everything organized. When you’re done, fold the legs and slide it under a bed or sofa. A clear cover keeps your puzzle protected from dust, pets and spills.
Original price: $59.99
Roll up your work in progress with ease. (Amazon)
Big puzzles can take over your table, but this roll-up mat keeps them contained. Designed for 300- to 1,500-piece puzzles, it includes foam rollers with hook-and-loop fasteners, a drawstring storage bag and color-coded sorting trays. It’s an easy way to pause your puzzle without losing progress or your dining space.
Track your puzzle progress with a log book. (Amazon)
Keep track of the puzzles you’ve conquered with this puzzle log book. You can rate the experience, set goals and even include a photo of your completed masterpiece.
Prop up your puzzle box and posters for easy reference with this stand. (Amazon)
Make puzzling more comfortable with this simple box top stand. It props your puzzle lid upright, so you can reference the image without taking up extra space. It fits most box sizes and keeps your workspace tidy.
Birding
All you need to start birding is to step outside and start observing. With a few smart tools, you can level up your skills and get better at spotting, identifying, and recording what you see.
Original price: $24.99
Consider this guide a birding essential. (Amazon)
This book is a must-have for any budding birder — it’s known as one of the best guides for beginners. Inside, you’ll find clear illustrations, detailed range maps and helpful, engaging descriptions that are perfect for quick reference or brushing up before your next birding walk.
Record what you see in this waterproof journal. (Amazon)
Track every bird you spot with this waterproof birder’s journal. The fill-in-the-blank pages help you log sightings, sketch or add photos. You can literally write your notes in the rain, thanks to the all-weather paper that shrugs off water, sweat and mud.
Original price: $59.99
See birds up close with these comfortable binoculars. (Amazon)
Because the naked eye can only catch so much, these beginner-friendly binoculars level up your bird-watching. Waterproof, shockproof and built for all weather, they offer 8x magnification and crisp edge-to-edge clarity. Lightweight and easy to use one-handed (so you can jot notes with the other), they come with eye cups, a cleaning cloth and a carry bag.
Engage with the birds in your yard from your phone. (Amazon)
Get a closer look at your backyard visitors with the Birdfy smart feeder. This model is perfect for new birders and comes with HD video, AI bird ID and full-color night vision. The Birdfy app even lets you replay moments in slow motion, from hovering hummingbirds to the flick of a wing. It’s easy to set up, fun to watch and a smart way to build your bird knowledge.
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A bird bath might attract more birds to your garden. (Amazon)
Attract more birds to your yard with a birdbath. This antique-style pedestal birdbath is a safe, shallow spot for birds to drink and bathe. A lift-off basin makes it easy to clean, and the built-in bird figurines add extra charm.
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