How To Put Your Fun First

Do I have any hobbies? What even counts as a hobby? Answers: Yes you do, and any activity you want. Hobbies can look like just about anything, as long as you’re carving out time to do something you love. Bonus points if it doesn’t come with any self-imposed expectations. Seriously, the definitions say “for pleasure” and “for relaxation.”

So whether you’re recommitting to knitting or this is the year you finally learn how to play the guitar (or whatever else you’re into, we don’t hobby-shame), we rounded up our top recs to help you have a little more fun.

• Get yourself a grown-up starter kit.

Getting started — or back into — a hobby can mean buying a whole host of new supplies. But decision paralysis is real. And if hand-picking each tool and committing to bulk quantities causes you more stress than excitement, we’ve got you covered.

This brand makes boxes that come with hobby-specific materials to get you up and running, with no trips to the craft store. Browse by category to get a kit full of everything you need (we’re talking cocktail sets, painting supplies, or embroidery sets).

Or, entering your bookworm era? These genre-specific book boxes can also help get you exploring a new category. Getting into collaging? This app can help you create digital collages from images, animations, and effects, no additional supplies needed.

• Find some fitting inspo.

If TikTok’s taught us anything it’s that there’s a whole (social media) world full of pros and amateurs making some pretty cool stuff. And one of the best ways to get inspired is by bookmarking work that resonates with you.

Pick your favorite platform and follow five creators with a hobby you admire. Then watch your feed fill up with curated content that encourages you to do more of what you love. You’d be amazed by the power a homemade pasta tutorial or room DIY can have to take you from watching to doing.

• Keep the pressure off.

Look, we love a side hustle, but if hobbies were meant to be work they’d be called “jobbies.” Not everything needs to be productive or have a return on investment. And it’s worth saying again: By definition, hobbies are meant to be a fun, relaxing activity.  

So this year, whether you’re revisiting an old fave, picking up a new hobby, or just making more time to get creative, be kind to yourself. Avoid adding unnecessary pressure or expectations as you get started, and maybe lean into a little bit of silliness. PS: If it starts to feel like a chore, it might be time to try something new.

PS: Got more goals for 2024? Get more recs, tips, and tricks that fit your lifestyle here.