Hobbies bring joy to life. They can be simple or elaborate, inexpensive or costly — it’s all up to you. The hardest part? Knowing where to start. Here are 18 hobbies you might try and fall in love with.
Craft-based Hobbies
Creativity is a Christlike attribute we should all strive to develop. After all, under the direction of His Father, Jesus Christ did create the earth. One beautiful aspect of craft-based hobbies is that your creations can become meaningful gifts. Here are some ideas that could spark your creative side.
Sewing
Sewing is a hobby you can begin at any skill level and continue improving over time. Although handsewing is an option, if you’re itching to start, I would suggest investing in a sewing machine. Some easy places to start for your sewing hobby include scrunchies, drool bibs for babies, baby blankets, burp rags, or a t-shirt blanket.
Knitting or Crocheting
A sibling to sewing, crocheting and knitting are fun hobbies to start. They have recently become popular, and for great reason. I’ve been so impressed by things my sister-in-laws have crocheted, without having any prior knowledge or instruction. YouTube is a best friend when learning this new craft.
If you’re looking for some inspiration for knitting, Shalea offers great beginner knit patterns and ideas. You can follow her on instagram @idaho.stitched.
Cross-stitching or Embroidery
One of my favorite gifts I received for Christmas was a sweater from my sister that she had cross-stitched on. I was deeply touched, and although some may not consider it perfect (she just began cross-stitching) it really meant a lot to me.
Cross-stitching is very beginner friendly. You can find an endless assortment of beginner kits and patterns to start with. Again, Pinterest or YouTube can be very helpful with this hobby.
Homemade Magnets
Stepping away from materials and threads, homemade magnets are such a fun way to meet your creative side. Homemade magnets can be personal — we’ve had fun making some with our kids’ faces — or more abstract like simple designs or places. They’re so fun to see around your home, or the homes of people you’ve gifted them to.
Scrapbooking
What better way to preserve memories while starting a new hobby than scrapbooking? Scrapbooking can be as simple as gathering pictures and compiling them into a book, or as elaborate as pictures with markers, stickers, and pop ups.
Painting
Little paintings from all the family members have begun lining my parents’ kitchen windowsill in their kitchen, and everyone loves it! Skill level or talent varies, but the joy of creating something remains for all. If you’re uncomfortable starting from scratch, paint-by-number and similar things are a great way to see something amazing unfold under your own hands.
Lettering
The art of writing beautifully can be both fun and useful. This is similar to learning calligraphy, but a little more modern. A friend told me she was so glad she learned this. She loves using it almost every day.
Ornament Making
Great for the holiday season, ornament making is fun for all ages. The clear plastic balls are some of my favorites to work with, especially with kids. You can make your own ornament with paint, glitter, or some pictures printed off.
Mindful Hobbies
Expanding our minds and capacities are another important aspect of life. Below are a few hobbies to help stretch your mind.
Reading
If you think you don’t have time for books, you are mistaken. Audiobooks make it easier than ever for those of us who don’t have much time to sit and read. This hobby can be extended further; for example, rather than just reading for yourself, start or join a book club! Books become so much more when you get to discuss them with others.
If you’re interested in reading some classics, here’s my post about starting classic Russian literature: 3 Essential Tips Before You Dive Into Russian Literature.
Family History
Genealogy may seem “old school,” but it is actually such a great thing to become a part of. What better way to “turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers” (Malachi 4:6) than by learning about our ancestors?! Both FamilySearch and Ancestry are great ways to get started, and both offer free account options to help you get started.
Puzzling
Puzzling — the simple act of completing jigsaw puzzles — can be surprisingly satisfying. The word may not normally be used in that way, but doing puzzles really can be so fun! And it’s good for our brains. I know some who like to glue and frame their puzzles, and it really does add such a fun aesthetic to a home.
Language Learning
This has actually become a popular pastime in some homes of my family members. My parents and some of my sisters love Duolingo. As someone who learned a second language after graduating high school, I am in full support of this hobby! It not only expands and deepens our minds, but it can also open the door to meaningful new relationships.
Meditation
You may not have thought of meditation as a hobby, but it totally can be! One beautiful thing about meditation is that it can be done anytime, anywhere. It has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and memory retention, and boost overall wellness.
Physical Hobbies
Both our minds and our bodies need to be healthy for our overall wellness. So, picking up a hobby in the physical realm is a great idea for boosting the joy we feel in our lives.
Running
This is not just a hobby, but an escape for many people. It can be fun to track progress, or simply explore new places. Running can be done indoors, in the city, in the countryside, or on trails. Invite a friend to make it double the fun.
Pickleball
There are pickleball groups almost everywhere. You can find a group in your area, or get a group of friends and start this new hobby together. This can be a great exercise and hobby for people of all ages.
Yoga
Yoga beautifully combines mindfulness with physical exercise. A mat may be recommended, however it is not needed to begin. Start this hobby in your front room or out on some grass.
Park Exploration
This is a favorite daytime hobby for my boys and me. We love going and finding a new park to play at. Google Maps is a great tool for finding a new place. With satellite mode activated, there are so many parks waiting to be found!
Cooking or Baking
It may not be physical exercise, but it takes physical movement. The beautiful thing about cooking or baking is it can be shared, or enjoyed alone. This is a creative process that we get to experience and enjoy with all of our senses. Try something new, or revisit an old family favorite. Let your creative side burst forth with food! Check out my food page for some ideas of where to start.
What will you do?
This list could go on and on, but I’ll stop here. Hopefully something stood out to you. So tell me — what will you try first?
