A hobby like creating puzzles can keep you engaged and thriving. (iStock)
January is National Hobby Month, which means it’s a great time to try new hobbies or return to an old one. Finding a hobby you enjoy can be a rewarding experience. It’s not only a great way to build new skills, but also a way to gain community, reduce stress, and give you a sense of purpose and satisfaction in your free time. It enriches your life with different experiences beyond your daily routine.
Find a new hobby that fits your lifestyle. For example, if you’re less into physical activity, a hobby like a puzzle can be rewarding and keep you engaged. Puzzles can be enjoyable for people of all ages and are a great pastime to get you away from screens.
If you’re looking for a hobby that gets you outdoors, you can try bird watching. Birds are everywhere, so you won’t need to go far to start, but it’s also a hobby that can take you to new destinations. To get started, you can use binoculars, a telescope, or other devices to improve your vision. You can also use smart bird feeder cameras or view public cameras online.
Gardening is quite active and also keeps you outside. It can transform your living space into a source of beauty and tranquility. Start by choosing plants that thrive in your local climate and available space. Local gardening stores and books can be great resources for beginners.
Here’s a list to get you started on a new hobby:
the puzzle
Bird watching
The gardener
Release your inner detective with this 500-piece mystery puzzle. You start by reading the incident history. Then, you follow the narrative to piece together the puzzle. The finished image provides all the data you need to crack the case and uncover the whodunit. You can buy this puzzle on Amazon for $18.95 and start an exciting and fun puzzle solving journey.
Keep your area tidy and mobile with a puzzle table. (Wayfair)
Stay mobile with your new hobby with the help of this jigsaw table from Wayfair. The table is large enough to hold a 1500 piece puzzle and has folding legs for easy movement and storage. This puzzle table at Macy’s is $109.99 and has drawers to help you keep the pieces organized. This makes your freaking experience easier and more fun.
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This flip mat is a convenient way to store puzzles. (Walmart)
This puzzle mat from Walmart has a cushioned surface to keep your puzzle pieces in their original place. Simply rotate it with a puzzle inside to transfer it to another location. It can also be used as a platform to fix and complete your puzzles. This rolling mat, $54.97 at Amazon , is thicker and has three sorting trays.
Keep track of what you’re working on with this log. (Amazon)
Keep track of the puzzles you’ve completed, rate the experience, and create a to-do list using this puzzle logbook from Amazon. This log from Alibris costs $26 and has space to rate the jigsaw, track start and finish dates, and note any missing pieces.
This top box holder comes in handy. (Springbok)
A box stand will help you hold the lid of the puzzle box in place while you work with it. This minimalist wooden box stand from Springbok is sturdy and a great choice. You can also try this one, $46 at UncommonGoods, for a handcrafted design made from beautiful walnut wood.
This guide is essential for birds. (Walmart)
Definitely find a free birding app that features birds and their calls, but you should also invest in a good book like Kaufman’s Field Guide to North American Birds to study your new hobby. This field guide is considered the best for young birders. It is compact and has a straightforward layout, clear illustrations, detailed maps and engaging text. The guide is on sale on Amazon for $12.99.
Record what you see in the waterproof bird journal. (Amazon)
Keep a record of the different birds you identify with this waterproof rite in Rain Birder’s Magazine on Amazon. This paper will survive wet conditions, so you can make sure your notes are always safe. This beautiful journal, $65 from GiGi New York, is bound in leather, adding a touch of elegance to your birding experience and helping you stay organized and committed to your new hobby.
Get close to your subject with these binoculars. (Photo Video B and H)
Binoculars are great for getting a closer look at birds, but they can be expensive. These Nikon Monarch M5 8×42 binoculars from B and H Photo Video offer excellent value at a competitive price. Or try these affordable compact binoculars, on sale for $24.95 on Amazon, that boast 10 zooms.
Original price: $169.99
Watch the birds in your garden with this camera. (Walmart)
Keep track of bird activity in your backyard with the Birdfy Smart Bird Feeder with Camera, available at Walmart. This innovative feeder includes a built-in camera for viewing birds in real time on their phone, no matter where they are. They will receive instant alerts of bird activity in the backyard that they can share with many family members and friends. The FeatherSnap Feeder, $179 at Amazon , is integrated with a solar panel and includes a Bird ID feature in the app to help you identify all the types of birds you encounter through your feeder.
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Original price: $149.99
A birdbath will attract more birds to your garden. (Amazon)
Add a bird bath to your yard because it is a vital source for birds to drink and bathe and will attract a wider variety of bird species to your garden. This ceramic pedestal bird bath is from Amazon. The bath is beautifully designed and the basin can be lifted from the pedestal, making it easy to dump the old water and clean the bowl before refilling it. You can buy this birdbath at Walmart for $94.04.
Start with essential gardening tools. (Walmart)
Start with essential hand tools like a trowel, shovel, a can of water and a kneeling pad. This seven-piece tool set from Walmart comes with a sturdy yet lightweight bench. The tools are made of stainless steel with wooden handles and storage holes. This 10-piece tool set, $36.99 from Amazon, has everything you need to work in your garden.
Original price: $499
Grow your garden indoors with this gadget. (my garden)
Do you miss the outdoors but still want to try your green thumb? Try this Gardyn Studio Kit, which comes with everything you need to grow 16 plants in this hydroponic system. This system can produce over 100 different types of plants, including herbs, flowers, tomatoes, peppers and berries. Just plug it in and add water to start this hydroponic system, which sells for $59.99 on Amazon. Grow vegetables and flowers with this system.
Original price: $30
The Complete Gardener’s Guide is a great place to start for gardening ideas. (Amazon)
The Complete Gardener’s Guide is a great place to start for ideas and tips for creating a spectacular and thriving garden. This guide covers everything from growing in containers to planting a garden from scratch.
Test your soil before planting. (Home Depot)
Get accurate information about your soil so you know what you need to help your garden grow. This test kit, available at Home Depot, gives you a complete and accurate nutrient and pH analysis with recommendations tailored to your soil and plant needs. Simply send your soil to a lab and you’ll get your results in six to eight days. You can also buy the kit on Amazon.
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Original price: $19.80
These Handlady Rose pruning gloves are made of durable leather. (Amazon)
These Handlady Rose pruning gloves are made of durable leather. Palms and fingertips are double padded for extra protection. Long sleeves keep your arms safe from cuts, scrapes and insect bites. They are available for purchase at Walmart.
