These Indoor Hobbies Will Keep You Busy This Winter

Winter’s here, and it comes bearing shorter days and a bite in the air. On a brighter note, the snowflake season encourages us to be cozy, slow down, and bathe in the comfort of simply being at home. In place of doom-scrolling or binging Netflix, why not keep your hands (and your mind!) occupied with a shiny new hobby? When it’s dreary outside, there’s no better time to add a new string or two to your bow. Whether you’re tempted to master the art of calligraphy, cake decorating, or candle-making, we’ve handpicked the best indoor hobby kits for you to get stuck in.

_{Prices are accurate as of December 6, 2024. Subject to change.}

Complete Fermentation Kit

Probiotic foods like kimchi and sauerkraut work wonders for our gut health and immunity — this is especially important over the sniffle-ridden winter months. With this fermentation kit, you can whip up your own superfood ferments at home, helping you save money, stay healthy, and learn a new on-trend culinary skill. This nine-piece kit comes with pickle-pipe jar lids, an acacia vegetable tamper, a helpful recipe book, plus all the other bits and bobs you need.

Candle-Making Kit

If you’re anything like me, you’ll burn through a small fortune on scented candles during winter. After all, they’re part and parcel of a cozy evening on the couch. This candle-making kit taps into your inner artisan, opening the door to a hands-on hobby that ticks the mindfulness box, too — working with hot wax requires undivided attention. Including a wax heater, soy wax, wicks, wax dye, and all other requisite accessories, this nifty kit will have you pouring candles like a pro. I love the eight essential oils, too. Use them on their own, or create your own divine blends to add a personalized touch.

Calligraphy Starter Kit

Whoever said calligraphy is dead is lying. Sure, you can open Word and select Edwardian Script, but where’s the fun in that? Become a virtuoso of this ancient art form with the Wildflower Art Studio Calligraphy Starter Kit and elevate your birthday cards, thank you notes, and old-school letters to far-flung friends. Practice makes perfect, and even the shakiest of hands will steady after a few dedicated sessions with this calligraphy set.

Cake Decorating Kit

Time to put a Do Not Disturb sign on your kitchen door. The Kootek Cake Decorating Kit is geared to uplift your cakes and bakes. Equipped with a mighty 180 decorating accessories — including a trusty turntable — you’ll be itching to apply for the Great British Bake Off before you know it. With 42(!) piping nozzles, three icing scrapers for cute textured effects, and smoothing spatulas for flawless buttercream toppings, this cake-decorating kit has it all. Just don’t blame us when the birthday cake requests come rolling in.

Easy Macrame Kit

If your interior tastes veer on boho-chic, this macrame kit is your ultimate winter hobby. Craft your own wall hangings, plant hangers, and even keychains. Who knows, you could be primed to open an Etsy store when you get the knack of it. And no fear. Even if the only knots you’ve ever tied are your shoelaces, this kit comes with an easy-to-read instruction booklet to hold your hand along the way.

Vintage Aesthetic Scrapbook Kit

For a cheap and cheerful way to get creative this winter, this vintage-inspired scrapbook kit is a must-have. Including a pocket-sized A6 scrapbook plus the most adorable vintage-themed stickers — expect sheet music clippings, ink butterflies, and retro train tickets — this scrapbooking set is a wonderful way to craft a unique keepsake for yourself, a friend, or your other half. It comes with a cute box that you can re-wrap, too. Great news if you plan on gifting it for holidays or special occasions.

Crochet Kit

Crochet is having a revival, and I’m here for it. This granny-core art form is incredibly satisfying, especially when you get to rock a chic scarf or purse at the end. This kit is totally beginner-friendly, and comes packed into a handy tote bag to keep everything neat and tidy. I love that it’s super portable, too; either settle down on the couch for a wholesome crochet hour or bring it with you on the train to pass the time. You won’t need to shell out for any extras, either. There’s a tape measure, thimble, ruler, and scissors included, along with your yarns, hooks, and needles.

Featured Image Credit: Irina Zatonenko/ Shutterstock