Latest news with #Bookshop
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bookshop.org mocks Jeff Bezos wedding invite in anti-Prime Day promo
The independent online bookseller took a swipe at Amazon to celebrate the start of Prime Day, Amazon's annual sale (which, despite its name, is actually four days this year). Like many other retailers, holds a sale to coincide with Amazon's big event — it's a way to lure away consumers who may be tempted by Amazon's deals, but could be convinced to spend a few extra dollars to support an independent business. These anti-Prime sales probably don't make a huge dent in Amazon's bottom line (sigh), but twisted the knife where it hurts: the graphic design of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos' recent wedding invitations. Bezos' three-day wedding to Lauren Sánchez is estimated to have cost around $50 million — not to mention, it took place in Venice, Italy, where overtourism is pushing out residents, and impacts from climate change threaten flooding. Hundreds of people in Venice took part in protests against the wedding, which was attended by business moguls like Microsoft founder Bill Gates and OpenAI's Sam Altman, as well as celebrities like the Kardashians. And yet, it seems that whoever designed a portion of the wedding invite, obtained by ABC News, could not even shell out for a Canva subscription. The image made the rounds across social media, with users speculating whether or not its lo-fi, childish design could have come from Microsoft Word clip art. And so, behold: oddly specific dig at Amazon on the dawn of Prime Day. 'Enjoy free shipping and the knowledge that your money will go toward supporting independent bookstores, not billionaires,' it reads. This embedded content is not available in your region. Sign in to access your portfolio
TechCrunch
08-07-2025
- Business
- TechCrunch
Bookshop.org mocks Jeff Bezos wedding invite in anti-Prime Day promo
The independent online bookseller took a swipe at Amazon to celebrate the start of Prime Day, Amazon's annual sale (which, despite its name, is actually four days this year). Like many other retailers, holds a sale to coincide with Amazon's big event — it's a way to lure away consumers who may be tempted by Amazon's deals, but could be convinced to spend a few extra dollars to support an independent business. These anti-Prime sales probably don't make a huge dent in Amazon's bottom line (sigh), but twisted the knife where it hurts: the graphic design of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos' recent wedding invitations. Image Credits:Left: ABC News / Right: Bezos' three-day wedding to Lauren Sánchez is estimated to have cost around $50 million — not to mention, it took place in Venice, Italy, where overtourism is pushing out residents, and impacts from climate change threaten flooding. Hundreds of people in Venice took part in protests against the wedding, which was attended by business moguls like Microsoft founder Bill Gates and OpenAI's Sam Altman, as well as celebrities like the Kardashians. And yet, it seems that whoever designed a portion of the wedding invite, obtained by ABC News, could not even shell out for a Canva subscription. The image made the rounds across social media, with users speculating whether or not its lo-fi, childish design could have come from Microsoft Word clip art. And so, behold: oddly specific dig at Amazon on the dawn of Prime Day. 'Enjoy free shipping and the knowledge that your money will go toward supporting independent bookstores, not billionaires,' it reads.
Buzz Feed
29-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
30 Products For Anyone Who Wants A Cheap, Low Commitment Hobby
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Shopping · Skip the expensive pottery class and get this big ole $11 tub of air dry clay instead. 1. A copy of The Book of Myself: A Do-It-Yourself Autobiography in 201 Questions to give you just enough structure so you're actually motivated to sit down and write in a journal. This is an excellent way to preserve memories for yourself and loved ones! This book is a kind of DIY memoir — it goes through three phases of "Early," "Middle," and "Later" years, and has 201 different prompts based on your memories, experiences, and views on the world. Prompts include things like what you would have switched careers to midway through if given the chance, or a present you got from your parents that sticks in your memory, or who you think the funniest person in your family is. This also makes for a lovely gift for family members, so you can all preserve each other's memories! Get it from Amazon for $15.84 or from Bookshop (to support local bookstores) for $18.60. 2. A mushroom growing kit that grows right there in the packaging, so you can add some sweet, sweet umami flavors to all your favorite dishes by sautéing, roasting, or air frying them up. Back To The Roots is a California-based small business founded by two college friends that specializes in indoor gardening kits with a mission to reconnect families to food. Check out a TikTok of the mushroom kit in action. Promising review:"This product has been so much fun to watch! I followed the directions, exactly as written, and the mushrooms began growing within 3–4 days. I will say that I did soak them for close to 10 hours before putting them back in the box to grow and I believe this helped a ton. I also kept the box inside by a window with the blinds closed in order for them to get indirect sunlight. The mushrooms grew tremendously for almost a week before they started to shrink so I clipped them to cook with and they were DELICIOUS! This was such a fun product and process to watch." — Steph A Get it from Amazon for $9.09+ (available in mini and oyster varieties). 3. A 5-pound bucket of Crayola Air Dry Clay to let you finally follow your inner pottery dreams without all the mess and effort of taking classes. After you pull the clay out to shape it, it'll harden on its own — no oven or any effort required! From there you can leave it as is or paint over it for a fun vibe. Psst — a lot of reviewers use silicone or plastic molds to get specific shapes! Promising review: "It's honestly just a really nice material to work with! If you want to create things with clay, this is definitely a good choice! It's definitely not for professional use, but I feel like that's a given? I mean, it is Crayola. But all in all, great for those who want to use it for fun!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $10.96 (available in three clay colors). 4. A beginner's guide to calligraphy that is far more thorough and specific about technique and ink types than other versions, and will have you writing inspirational messages to your friends and drafting fancy invitations to your dog's birthday party in NO time. Paper Peony Press is a Texas-based boutique publishing company that specializes in purpose-driven books. Promising review:"I've tried several instructional books on hand lettering. This book is the best by far. I won't say the names of the other books, but suffice it to say they are all at the top of the list when you search for hand lettering. It is the only book that gives practice for the base strokes and also discusses posture and how to hold the pen, and at what angle to the paper. It is also a lovely book to work with; nice art work/illustrations. I recommend this book to other beginners out there!" — Karen Rorick Get it from Amazon for $7. 5. A beginner's embroidery kit for adults, so you can have something soothing to do with your hands while you marathong yet another podcast full of murder, murder, and a side murder. (At least now your stitching will be tighter than the main suspect's alibi!) Each kit comes with a simple design, a cotton cloth, a bamboo embroidery hoop, a little scissor, colored threads, embroidery needles, and instructions, so you should be raring to go when it arrives! Promising review:"I've never done anything like this before ... but I like to try new things, and I've just recently moved and wanted to decorate my house with some handmade decor. This kit is a great value for the price! It came with the hoop, more than enough thread, and two needles! The printed pattern is very clear and easy to follow, and the little sheet of instructions on what stitch to use and how to do it is clear enough (and anything I don't understand, I just watch a tutorial on YouTube). I'm about three hours into the project already, and I didn't want to put it down last night." — Abby 6. A "Through The Seasons" Reverse Coloring Book, which is a newer edition of the original Reverse Coloring Book that took the internet by storm — reviewers swear by this easy, calming artistic outlet to help ease their anxiety, relieve stress, and unleash their inner creativity without taking up too much brainpower. For those new to the concept — Instead of adding the color to these, you add the lines to create images within the colors. Sort of like a Rorschach test, but make it whimsical. Check out a TikTok of the reverse coloring book in action. Promising review: "Kendra Norton's beautiful art books, Reverse Coloring books, have changed my world! My whole life, I thought I was not creative and therefore, had zero artistic ability. Now, this has become my favorite form of artistic expression. I turn on music and/or an audiobook and allow myself to go for an adventure outside of my mind, beyond my mind, if you will. T his has become my favorite way to process through difficult emotions and experiences I'm working through." — K. DeWitt Get it from Amazon for $8.29. (Psst — check out these cult-fave black fine point pens for $8.99 on Amazon for a good doodling option!) 7. And a stress relief flower coloring book for adults so instead of trying to outrun your problems, you can out- color them, and have a bunch of darling pieces of art to show for it. Psst — you can pick up a cult-fave colored pencil set on Amazon for $11.98! Promising review:"Great stress reliever. Stimulates my creativity. I have taken pictures of what I colored and have made it my wall paper for my cellphone. Very glad I made this purchase." — Dawn62 Get it from Amazon for $7.39. 8. Wreck This Journal, a full color journal with prompts for you to write, paint, shred, and, in the words of Taylor Swift, "have a marvelous time ruining everything." Some of the prompts include one to close the journal and scribble on the edges; another to cut out colors from a magazine and tape them all over the page; another is a "Stain Log," which you can use to classify stains in your life, from red wine to nail polishes to food dyes. Basically, if you turn the page in this journal, odds are it's going to look *nothing* like it originally did by the time you're through. Get it from Amazon for $9.59 or Bookshop for $14.88. 9. A compact, beginner-friendly watercolor palette that comes with everything you need to start creating your own masterpieces, including 100 (!!) colors to choose from. Next stop, the Louvre. Each set comes with a 100-color palette, a sketch pencil, a sponge, a swatch sheet, and three water brush pens. Promising review:"Love collecting watercolor sets, and this one is amazing — so many exquisite colors to paint with. Creativity is everything, and imagination with all these colors is unlimited. Pure happiness!" — pve Get it from Amazon for $25.49. 10. Or a gorgeous pastel paint-by-number you can get in all kinds of intricate, deeply satisfying patterns for anyone who is looking for an activity that pairs perfectly with a screen-free night in. Each set comes with a detailed numbered outline, four brushes, and a set of numbered acrylic paints with extra to spare. Promising review: "Colorful and fun! This is the third paint-by-number I've done, and by far the most challenging. Lots of fine point detail, and the paint brushes included were adequate, unlike other PBN sets I've bought." — Emily cox Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in 12 styles). 11. Small Batch Bakes, tailor made for folks who live alone *or* for people who want to broaden their baking horizons, but don't want to deal with the mess of big batches (or the leftovers!). This book takes you through a bunch of delicious recipes for one to six people using minimal equipment, so you can have hassle-free treats and live your most delicious life. Kyle Books Helpfully, this book measures in grams *and* tablespoons, so you can bake however you prefer. Get it from Amazon for $14.54 or Bookshop (to support local bookstores) for $23.24. 12. A sturdy, minimalist reading journal with such a comprehensive, satisfying design that you'll never bother with another again — this features space for 52 thorough book reviews, along with challenges and lists for Books I've Read, Finished, Favorites, Did Not Finish, Lent, and Borrowed. Kunitsa Co. is a small business that specializes in reading, exercise, and food journals. Promising review:"Very cute and fun way to track reading. I feel like it also motivates me to read because I have a written goal. I like being able to keep track of what books I read and when so I can remember to reread or recommend my favorites." — Jenna Borden Get it from Amazon for $22.95+ (available in six colors). 13. A compact, travel-friendly microwave flower press kit so you can preserve the beauty of the flowers you find on your adventures no matter where you roam, and keep them in a little flower press journal to admire. This is unique from other methods because the microwave makes it a minutes-long process instead of days, and helps preserve the vibrant colors! Microfleur is a small business that specializes in unique flower-pressing products. Promising review: "Such a unique and easy-to-use product. I preserve dried flowers in resin, and this has been such a time saver. In literally minutes, you have a perfectly preserved flower. I've never had any burned or overcooked flowers doing it this way and it definitely beats pressing them in a book. I can't wait to buy these as gifts for a few other plant lovers in my life." — Jessie Get it from Amazon for $36.99. 14. A teensy DIY cheese kit with everything you need to learn to make four batches of farmer's cheese and live your most delicious life in a half hour. Urban Cheesecraft/Etsy UrbanCheesecraft is an Oregon-based Etsy shop established in 2009 that specializes in make-your-own cheese kits in a variety of cheeses, including vegan options. Each kit comes with a cheesecloth, citric acid, flake salt, instructions, and "email support for life" — all you need is milk (and a mouth to consume it all). Promising review:"These kits are great gifts for the cheese lover and the person 'who's already got it all.' The packaging looks nice and gift-worthy and it's a perfect price range. I love that the recipient gets an experience as well as a tangible product and I can personally attest that the actual process is easy." — amyleannbohner 15. A paint-by-sticker set made up of vintage travel posters you can hang up on your walls when you're finished, essentially letting you travel the world without getting up from ye olde couch. Workman Publishing Each comes with 12 posters and the stickers to complete them, including iconic travel posters from gondolas in Venice to the pyramids in Cairo. Get it from Amazon for $11.23 or Bookshop (to support local bookstores) for $15.80. 16. A beginner-friendly diamond painting coaster set perfect for anyone who has ever thought to themselves, "You know what the only thing better than cat coasters would be? Glittery cat coasters." The universe has delivered. Promising review:"The designs and colors are the same as shown on Amazon. Finished coasters sparkle, and the vibrant colors create eight very cute cats. There were plenty of beads to complete the project, and adhesion was excellent. Letters and numbers were sharp and easy to follow. I am delighted with these coasters." — PackLeaderJ Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in five styles). 17. And a DIY glass mosaic tile coaster kit to let you mix and match beautiful colors that go with your home's ~aesthetic~, plus unlock a cool new skill that will make you a VERY popular gift-giver on birthdays and holidays. Each set comes with enough materials to make four coasters. Promising review:"This is a very fun hobby to do at home both by yourself or with friends or family. It's fun and pretty simple to make. Just need to be very steady with your hands and take time. I received many compliments when I showed them to everyone. I might buy more later and do it again. I totally recommend it if you want a little hobby to do." — Lilylove75 Get it from Amazon for $22.99. 18. A Gaiam starter set for yoga complete with all the basics, including a yoga mat, a yoga block, and a stretching strap, so you can tune into free yoga classes you gain access to with the set. Achieving mindfulness and flow in a chaotic world? Bring it om. Promising review:"I am not very limber and I have chronic spine issues, so having a block and strap was essential for me to do yoga. Before using this, I always ended up hurting myself or feeling bad about myself because I couldn't complete the stretches and would just give up. This kit made everything go so smoothly; I can adjust the block or the strap to help me stretch without hurting myself (or falling over). And I highly recommend the sitting techniques in the DVD as well as the meditation." — blightheavy Get it from Amazon for $29.98. 19. A set of Shrinky Dinks sheets to transport you so immediately to your childhood pastime of Making Everything Very Small that you'll be gifting every single person you know a kitschy keychain against their will. Amazon If you are unfamiliar with this glorious witchcraft, Shrinky Dink paper lets you color designs on it that you can then cut out and bake to shrink them down, giving them a stained glass effect that makes them great for keychains, suncatchers, and little trinkets. Promising review: "Fun for ALL ages! Recently remembered how fun these were. I have a smaller daughter, so it gave me an excuse to buy these. They're secretly for me — half kidding. These are so simple to use and create great crafts. These will keep your little one's imagination going, occupied and helps practice fine motor skills. I would definitely recommend to ANYONE, not just little humans." — Alex Soper Get a 25-sheet set from Amazon for $13.47. 20. A unicorn slime making kit, because truly the most universal human experience is that deep down inside we all just want to stretch out a big ole glop of bright pink glittery slime. Amazon, Each kit comes with clear written instructions and access to video tutorials to make over 100 different kinds of slime, from unicorn slime to glitter slime to fluffy cloud slime to floam putty. You can personalize the colors, textures, add-ins, *and* the smell — the box comes with beads, scents, glitter, ink, foam balls, the ingredients needed to make the slime, and containers to keep it in. Promising review:"Purchased for daughter's birthday. She loves it. I was very apprehensive about letting her use slime but it has everything a parent could dream of to keep it all in one place and organized without the mess!" — Jay Get it from Amazon for $21.24 (available in two colors/styles). 21. A beginner's sushi-making kit to let you take the fate of your rolls into your own hands by working with whatever ingredients you have on hand, so you can have hours of delicious sushi experimentation. I'm definitely going to sushi jail for this, but I've started putting peanut butter in my avocado rolls (and sometimes adding this beloved truffle powder you can get on Amazon, it's so good I don't know what I HAVEN'T put it on!!!). Don't knock it until you try it. Anyway, each kit comes with two sushi rolling mats, five pairs of chopsticks, a paddle, a spreader, and a PDF of instructions, including recipes for six popular rolls. Promising review:"The entire Bamboo Sushi Kit is absolutely well made, easy to use, easy to clean, high-end restaurant quality, and durable. it was very nicely packaged, and instructions clear, in-depth and very easy to follow. No one (myself included) in my household has ever made sushi before but (thanks to the enclosed instructions), there were no issues making it. My daughter did an awesome job utilizing these products to make 'FISH-FREE SUSHI' with Pickled Ginger on top, was delectable! Loooooove it!" — Liza Get it from Amazon for $8.49. 22. A delightfully wacky spin and paint art set that yes, is designed for kids, but will *absolutely* thrill any adult looking to make 2025 their unrepentant colorful chaos era. I'm not NOT saying your kitchen deserves to be revamped in bright rainbow neon splatter colors after you frame these gems .... Promising review: "I'm an adult artist. I got this on a lark to have some fun with it. I think a child would have a lot of fun with it. I've discovered you can use any tempera or acrylic paint (just put some in small squeeze bottles). I'm actually having fun experimenting it." — Lynn Get it from Amazon for $27.40. 23. A friendship bracelet making kit so you can live your best Babysitter's Club life and start sending them in personalized colors to everyone you know. Choose Friendship is a small business that specializes in friendship bracelet makers. Each set comes with the holder mount and 20 pre-cut threads in 10 colors as well as access to an online instruction manual for all kinds of different designs. Promising review:"I bought this for my daughter for a craft night. I made friendship bracelets when I was a kid but could not remember how to make them. This helped so much! I had to buy another one for me so we could work on them at the same time. Love this product!" — hollyhock Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in five styles). 24. Cocktail Codex: Fundamentals, Formulas, Evolutions, a bartender-beloved book for beginner- to intermediate-level cocktail enthusiasts that breaks down six iconic "root" cocktails — the old-fashioned, martini, daiquiri, sidecar, whisky highball, and flip — to show you how to improvise and riff your own creations based on what combos work with the ingredients you have. Amazon Check out a TikTok of the cocktail book in action. Promising review:"This book has easily become one of my favorites. Great base knowledge and would recommend to anyone seeking to further educate themselves on spirits and cocktails. Even the first few pages is full of useful information. Purchase this for yourself or even as a gift. I cannot say enough good things about this book." — Adriana Get it from Amazon for $19.12. 25. A succulent monster needle felting kit that beginners especially love because there's no "wrong" way to make one of these little gremlins. Which is good, because you're about to be dealing with four or more of them, if you buy this kit. Amazon Woolbuddy is a small business that specializes in felting kits. Promising review:"I was really excited when I got this kit. It comes with all the tools you need, including a variety of colors, and it inspires such fun creature ideas! It also includes a QR code that takes you to several (short) tutorials for different shapes, and teaches you the basics of needle felting! I thought it was going to be much harder than it was. (You don't even need to watch the whole tutorial to pick it up.) I actually bought the same kit for a friend, who loved it also!" — David Get it from Amazon for $28.99 (available in five other kits). 26. A beginner's wood carving kit to get you started on an oh-so-satisfying, soothing hobby, so you can start gifting your loved ones with carved bluejays and cardinals in no time. Each kit includes two wood carving blocks (one cherry and one basswood), a carving knife, sharpening supplies, a template, and three types of sandpaper. Promising review:"The company is very supportive and their kit is great. It has everything you need to start working with wood. Additionally, I have really appreciated the professionalism and customer service received from them." — Sam Get it from Amazon for $27.99. 27. A crochet starter kit with clear, easy instructional videos to make two new tiny friends, because you can never have too many "coworkers" on your desk cheering you on. Promising review: "Great for beginners. I loved the YouTube step-by-step. I wouldn't have done it without that. Such a fun result. Super easy to figure out because of the videos." — Rachel Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available as elephants or leopards). 28. An origami starter kit so easy to use that it's perfect for kids *and* adults, guiding you through 38 different fun projects with clear, straightforward instructions and images. It even comes with high-quality origami paper to get you started! Amazon, Promising review: "This is everything you could want for an introduction to the art of origami! It has clear instructions, a variety of options and paper too! This has been an entertainment piece for the family for a few nights, as the kids want to try new projects each time. Fun for all!" — Bookbum Get it from Amazon for $12.71. 29. A light-up tracing pad for kids and adults alike — this lets you easily recreate illustrations so you can either practice to find your own style, or color them in to make your own *custom* versions. Some reviewers even use this as an easy way to practice calligraphy! Promising review:"I am a 30-year-old calligrapher and was in need of a light box. I needed a light box that fit into my budget and I didn't want to spend too much on one because I wasn't sure how much I would use it. This is by far one of the best purchases to add to my calligraphy arsenal!" — Placeholder Get it from Amazon for $27.29+ (available in two colors). 30. A DIY purse-making kit so the next time someone stops you on the street to ask where you got your bag, you can be like, "Oh this lil' thing? I made it myself.😊"
Buzz Feed
25-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
32 Fun Things To Buy If You're Feeling Creative
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Shopping · Just think about how many fun trinkets you can make with the air-dry clay that's all over TikTok right now. 1. The Reverse Coloring Book, a fun way to stretch your mind because instead of coloring in the lines like a traditional coloring book, you add the lines to decide the vibe of the piece. Reviewers love how relaxing this is and say it's quite satisfying to see the end result! Amazon, Each book includes 50 pages of watercolor art for you to add lines, along with suggestions for what to add if you want a jumping off point. B onus: the pages are perforated so you can easily tear them out and frame them! Promising review:"Changed my life. So I get anxious doing the adult coloring books. This was so much fun and made me really think outside of the box. I'm not the best at drawing but I felt like I was when I was a kid doodling in my textbooks in school." — Carley C. Get it from Amazon for $13.49. (Psst — check out these cult-fave black fine point pens for $8.99 on Amazon for a good doodling option!) 2. A copy of The Book of Myself: A Do-It-Yourself Autobiography in 201 Questions if you've been thinking, "I should write a book," but have no clue where to start. This gives you fun prompts to write and reflect and it's a great activity for a screen-free night. This book is a kind of DIY memoir — it goes through three phases of "Early," "Middle," and "Later" years, and has 201 different prompts based on your memories, experiences, and views on the world. Prompts include things like what you would have switched careers to midway through if given the chance, or a present you got from your parents that sticks in your memory, or who you think the funniest person in your family is. This also makes for a lovely gift for family members, so you can all preserve each other's memories! Get it from Amazon for $16.50 or from Bookshop (to support local bookstores) for $18.60 (originally $20). 3. A set of Shrinky Dinks sheets since seeing your little drawings do their lil' shrinky dance in the oven is just soooo satisfying. You can turn them into jewelry, magnets, and keychains — the possibilities are endless! If you are unfamiliar with this, Shrinky Dink paper lets you color designs on it that you can then cut out and bake to shrink them down. Promising review: "Fun for ALL ages! Recently remembered how fun these were. I have a smaller daughter, so it gave me an excuse to buy these. They're secretly for me — half kidding. These are so simple to use and create great crafts. These will keep your little one's imagination going, occupied and helps practice fine motor skills. I would definitely recommend to ANYONE, not just little humans." — Alex Soper Get a 25-sheet set from Amazon for $13.49. 4. A "Book Club" reading journal so you can fully reflect, review, and rave about every book that you knocked off your "to be read" list. This has enough room for 80 entries and even includes pages like a reading tracker and a reading list! Amazon Lamare is a Florida-based small business that specializes in planners and journals. Promising review:"I love love LOVE this book journal! I've been looking for one since like last year and this one caught my eye in the beginning of 2023. I finally decided to bite the bullet and buy it and I am so glad I did! I would buy this book journal a million times over, I love it!" — Maddie Get it from Amazon for $19.95 (available in two styles). 5. A gorgeous pastel paint-by-number that'll make it feel like you're a modern-day Van Gogh without having to actually know how to paint that well. Once you finish your piece, you'll immediately want to order another! Amazon, Each set comes with a detailed numbered outline, four brushes, and a set of numbered acrylic paints with extra to spare. Promising review: "Colorful and fun! This is the third paint-by-number I've done, and by far the most challenging. Lots of fine point detail, and the paint brushes included were adequate, unlike other PBN sets I've bought." — Emily cox Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in 12 styles). 6. "The Secret Soup" — just another version of the viral Magic Puzzle series that has gone viral on TikTok for its stunning illustrations and the fun, magical twist that reveals itself once the puzzle is complete. There are over 50 Easter eggs in it, and each miniature scene will make you feel like you're going on many adventures as you solve this unique puzzle. Check out a TikTok of the magic puzzle in action. Promising review:"This puzzle was delightful from start to finish. The oddly shaped pieces, the story being told within it, the surprise ending puzzle, the checklist hunt, the mobility of the sections, and the characters and design all gave it — and me! — such life. Regular puzzles tend to bore or frustrate me but each time I worked on this I was full of joy." — Brittany Get it from Amazon for $22.99, and check out the rest of the Magic Puzzle lineup for more options!. 7. A copy of Burn After Writing, which includes some imaginative and thoughtful writing prompts for a fun way to relieve stress and reflect on your past, present, and future. Promising review: "I first saw this book on TikTok and decided to look more into it. I purchased four total because I know some people holding onto things that are difficult to let go of. It's a great way to look at things from a different perspective and truly hold yourself accountable to different things in your life. I love what it stands for and I look forward to when I burn mine after I'm done. Self love, self care, and meditation for a better state of mind tomorrow is always the goal. I definitely recommend it to those susceptible to change and the willingness to try things different." — Brent Helm Get it from Amazon for $7.32. 8. A set of eye-popping fine-point pens that come in so many colors you'll be inspired to draw violet-colored tigers, orange and magenta forests, and all the other colorful creations your doodling heart desires. Plus, these are great for journals or planners since they won't bleed through the paper! Promising review:"I love how this pen feels to hold and it writes beautifully! I am very picky about how the ink looks from the pens I use and I don't remember having one that writes so smoothly and beautifully! I will buy these whenever I need more. I actually just purchased another package of all black!" — Kate Get a set of 18 from Amazon for $7.99. 9. A beginner-friendly diamond painting coaster set sure to make your guests go "ooh" and "ahh" because of how beautifully they shimmer. Cheers to fun coasters and no watermarks on your mom's wood table! This is kind of like paint by numbers, but instead of paint, you have these beautiful tiny crystals that you stick on to the corresponding sections! Promising review:"The designs and colors are the same as shown on Amazon. Finished coasters sparkle, and the vibrant colors create eight very cute cats. There were plenty of beads to complete the project and adhesion was excellent. Letters and numbers were sharp and easy to follow. I am delighted with these coasters." — PackLeaderJ Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (available in five styles). 10. And a family-friendly punch needle coaster set to give the kids *and* adults something fun to do other than watch yet another episode of Bluey. You can use them as coasters orrrr attach magnets to use them as cute fridge decor! Amazon, This set comes with six patterns, 11 colored yarns, adhesive felt backings, an embroidery hoop, and a punch needle. Promising review:"This was my first time doing punch needling and this kit is perfect for beginner's. It came with plenty of yarn as well. 100 percent would recommend buying this. Was fun to do and entertaining and relaxing." — Sara smith Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in three themed sets). 11. A delightfully wacky spin and paint art set if you don't wanna do a full-on tie-dye project but still want to create some groovy-looking wall art for your home. The splash guard makes for an easy cleanup, and you'll be singing 🎶 you spin me right round, baby, right round 🎶 in no time. This set includes the Spin Art Machine, a splatter guard, five bottles of paints, four white crayons, and 20 pieces of paper. Promising review: "I'm an adult artist. I got this on a lark to have some fun with it. I think a child would have a lot of fun with it. I've discovered you can use any tempera or acrylic paint (just put some in small squeeze bottles). I'm actually having fun experimenting it." — Lynn Get it from Amazon for $19.97+ (available in two versions). 12. A set of cat-themed tarot cards that comes with a guidebook, making it a perfect beginner-fuurriendly way to dip your toe into tarot. I'm getting a sense that these need to be added to your cart immediately! Promising review:"I'm new to tarot, so I grabbed some cute looking cards that promised a guidebook. I love the artwork that the artist has done and I like their take on some of the cards. Helps the meaning stick a bit more (at least in my semi cat obsessed mind). All the cards have a lot of detail to them. I've shown three major arcana and four minor arcana cards that have come up in my readings and the cards made it easy to 'get it' when I read the meanings and have studied the card meanings outside of this guide book. Would definitely recommend for the artwork alone and as a good starter deck for anyone interested in learning tarot." — Averey Get it from Amazon for $17.45. 13. A beginner's guide to calligraphy to give you a ~helping hand~ on your hand lettering skills. You'll love this so much that you'll want to label every single item in your house and write handwritten letters to all your friends! Paper Peony Press is a Texas-based boutique publishing company that specializes in purpose-driven books. Promising review:"I've tried several instructional books on hand lettering. This book is the best by far. I won't say the names of the other books but suffice it to say they are all at the top of the list when you search for hand lettering. It is the only book that gives practice for the base strokes and also discusses posture and how to hold the pen and at what angle to the paper. It is also a lovely book to work with; nice artwork/illustrations. I recommend this book to other beginners out there!" — Karen Rorick Get it from Amazon for $20.58. 14. A wine coloring book that combines your love of cabernet and coloring for a perfect Friday night in. This has 32 pages of funny wine-related sayings and illustrations, so now you have 32 excuses for why you can't go out. Amazon Bonus: it comes with colored pencils included! Promising review:"Very cute, sayings were accurate and funny. Pictures provided a lot of variety from simple to more complex, and provide plenty of stress relief while watching a movie and coloring and drinking wine of course." — Tegyn Dustin Get it from Amazon for $11.95. 15. A teensy DIY cheese kit so you can make four batches of ricotta and farmers' cheese. Pair this with some wine and crackers, and BAM, you've got some yummy homemade cheese that only took you a half hour to make. Urban Cheesecraft is an Oregon-based Etsy shop established in 2009 that specializes in make-your-own cheese kits in a variety of cheeses, including vegan options. Each kit comes with a cheesecloth, citric acid, flake salt, instructions, and "email support for life" — all you need is milk (and a mouth to consume it all). Promising review:"These kits are great gifts for the cheese lover and the person 'who's already got it all.' The packaging looks nice and gift-worthy and it's a perfect price range. I love that the recipient gets an experience as well as a tangible product and I can personally attest that the actual process is easy." — amyleannbohner Get it from Urban Cheesecraft on Etsy for $16.50 (originally $22). 16. Or Small Batch Bakes, perfect for those who just want a sweet treat without the hassle of converting those "serves 24–36" recipes into smaller batch sizes. You can flip through these delicious recipes meant for one to six people and satisfy your sweet tooth. Kyle Books This has recipes for sweet *and* savory items like: everything bagel morning buns, a singular chocolate chip cookie, English muffins, and Snickerdoodle cheesecake bars! Helpfully, this book measures in grams *and* tablespoons, so you can bake however you prefer. Get it from Amazon for $15.33 or Bookshop (to support local bookstores) for $23.24. 17. Wreck This Journal — it'll be a canvas for your imaginative and creative mind. This has space for you to write, paint, and "destroy" the pages making you feel the true inner workings of an artist. Some of the prompts include one to close the journal and scribble on the edges; another to cut out colors from a magazine and tape them all over the page; another is a "Stain Log," which you can use to classify stains in your life, from red wine to nail polishes to food dyes. Basically, if you turn the page in this journal, odds are it's going to look *nothing* like it originally did by the time you're through. Get it from Amazon for $9.19 or Bookshop (to support local bookstores) for $14.88. 18. A beginner's embroidery kit for adults because it gives you something fun to do with your hands other than eat junk food as Netflix asks you for the third time, "Are you still watching?" Amazon Each kit comes with a simple design, a cotton cloth, a bamboo embroidery hoop, a little scissor, colored threads, embroidery needles, and instructions, so you should be raring to go when it arrives! Promising review:"I've never done anything like this before ... but I like to try new things, and I've just recently moved and wanted to decorate my house with some handmade decor. This kit is a great value for the price! It came with the hoop, more than enough thread, and two needles! The printed pattern is very clear and easy to follow, and the little sheet of instructions on what stitch to use and how to do it is clear enough (and anything I don't understand I just watch a tutorial on YouTube). I'm about three hours into the project already and I didn't want to put it down last night." — Abby Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in 17 different patterns). 19. A pack of mini rainbow scratch art notes that you used to love as a kid, and you'll be sure to love as an adult because that's nostalgia babyyyy. And yes, you should still use one of these to scratch off the ENTIRE black stuff to reveal the whole rainbow background. Promising review:"I love this little scratch art pad. Sometimes I just need a break and a little distraction to let my brain breathe so I pull this out and make all sorts of designs. You do get a little of a mess by scratching the black off but I usually have a big mess cause I end up scratching the whole thing off. Can't help it. Kid at heart, I guess." — Jane Get a pack of 125 notes from Amazon for $11.69 (available in two styles). 20. A beginner's sushi-making kit because those DoorDash delivery fees are starting to make you think, "What if I just do it myself?" This will make sushi date night way more interactive, and you'll be able to customize your roll just the way you like! Each kit comes with two sushi rolling mats, five pairs of chopsticks, a paddle, a spreader, and a PDF of instructions, including recipes for six popular rolls. Promising review:"The entire Bamboo Sushi Kit is absolutely well made, easy to use, easy to clean, high-end restaurant quality, and durable. it was very nicely packaged, and instructions clear, in-depth and very easy to follow. No one (myself included) in my household has ever made sushi before but (thanks to the enclosed instructions), there were no issues making it. My daughter did an awesome job utilizing these products to make 'FISH-FREE SUSHI' with Pickled Ginger on top, was delectable! Loooooove it!" — Liza Get it from Amazon for $9.99. 21. A game of "Bards Against Profanity," — RIP Shakespeare, he would've loved this game. For thou art a fool if this be not added to thy cart. Amazon You basically play the same way you'd play Apples To Apples or Cards Against Humanity — someone puts down a prompt scenario card, and players complete with the insult cards to fill the prompts to see whose is the funniest. Whoever wins the most scenarios wins the game. Four or more players are required. Promising review:"THIS GAME IS IMPOSSIBLE NOT TO ENJOY, whether you know anything about Shakespeare or not — it makes no difference. I had no idea how much wit, and how much 'inappropriate' language, is in his plays. It's extremely easy to learn so you aren't wasting time reading instructions. In fact, the very brief instructions say to just play until you get bored ;-) Nothing serious about this game." — Long Beach Native Get it from Amazon for $31.95. 22. A beeswax candle kit so your friends can ~wax poetic~ when they find out that you made the candles yourself instead of buying them at Bath and Body Works. Each set comes with materials to make eight candles, including a melting pot, six bags of beeswax, eight containers with lids, six scents, 10 cotton wicks, eight dye blocks, glue dots, labels, stirring sticks, wick clippers, a storage bag, a thermometer, and a user manual. Promising review:"I purchased this kit because I always wanted to make my own candles. This candle making kit looked like it had everything I needed and it definitely does. I am so pleased with it that I will be buying more scented oils and wax so that I can make candles as gifts this holiday season. It's a very nice kit." — Tracie Craig Get it from Amazon for $49.99. 23. A beginner's butter churner that'll let you create whatever type of butter your heart desires. We're talking apple butter, garlic butter... even cinnamon butter! In as little as 10 minutes, you can make deeeelicious homemade butter right at home. Promising review:"I am delighted with this product. The accompanying instructions were very helpful. I made my first hand-churned butter, which I consider being a homage to my grandparents, who were dairy farmers. The process is really surprising when the butter seizes up — I think it was very important to me to see and experience that moment. Subtle, but crucial... At any rate, I used it, cleaned it, so have experienced both. I don't think you'll be disappointed with this little yet sophisticated butter churn." — Nanci Hamilton Get it from Amazon for $45. 24. An unofficial Disney Parks cookbook since a trip to Disney isn't really in the budget every time you're craving a Mickey beignet or the Mickey raspberry macaron (iykyk). Promising review:"Beautiful hardcover cookbook with so many yummy Disney recipes from the parks! There is lots of Disney foodie history in it, plus recipes that look easy to follow with high quality ingredients. There are fun maps of each of the parks inside where the food is located from, which makes it fun. As an avid Disney fan I have never seen a cookbook like this." — Nicole Get it from Amazon for $14.77. 25. A 5-pound bucket of Crayola Air Dry Clay because those pottery videos have got a chokehold on you but you don't trust yourself on the wheel. This is great for hand-building and will dry out, so you can paint it after. The world is your clayground, so go and get creating! Btw, a lot of reviewers use silicone or plastic molds to get specific shapes! Promising review: "It's honestly just a really nice material to work with! If you want to create things with clay, this is definitely a good choice! It's definitely not for professional use, but i feel like that's a given? I mean, it is Crayola. But all in all, great for those who want to use it for fun!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $10.62. 26. A paint-by-sticker set where you can recreate vintage travel posters and display them for everyone to see. Who knows, out of all the hobbies that you try... this one might just be the one that sticks! Workman Publishing Each comes with 12 posters and the stickers to complete them, including iconic travel posters from gondolas in Venice to the pyramids in Cairo. Get it from Amazon for $11.23 or Bookshop (to support local bookstores) for $15.80. 27. A set of miniature moon and star crystals that'll give you a reason to prioritize mindfulness in your life. The set comes with explanation cards for each stone and how you can utilize each one in its own unique way. Promising review: "This product was a gift to my tween daughter who asked for 'crystals' on her X-mas list. Since she's a beginner in crystals, I decided to get her a NICE but simple set of GENUINE STONES. Which this set IS, and the price is amazingly low for this product! This set is a VERY good value for the money, a lovely starter crystal set, and a pretty gift set for anyone interested in having colorful random pretties in their home or office space." — A.J. Get a set of 14 from Amazon for $10.99. 28. A friendship bracelet-making kit to bring you back to the good ol' days when you used to go to summer camp. This bad boy is sure to be your new BFF because you'll wanna make so many bracelets now. Each set comes with the holder mount and 20 pre-cut threads in 10 colors as well as access to an online instruction manual for all kinds of different designs. Promising review:"I bought this for my daughter for a craft night. I made friendship bracelets when I was a kid but could not remember how to make them. This helped so much! I had to buy another one for me so we can work on them at the same time. Love this product!" — hollyhock Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in six colors). 29. Cocktail Codex: Fundamentals, Formulas, Evolutions so you can ~mix~ things up a bit and learn how to be your own at-home bartender. This teaches you how to make the six classic cocktails (the old-fashioned, martini, daiquiri, sidecar, whisky highball, and flip), and it shows you how you can add fun twists with the ingredients you have. Amazon Check out a TikTok of the cocktail book in action. Promising review:"This book has easily become one of my favorites. Great base knowledge and would recommend to anyone seeking to further educate themselves on spirits and cocktails. Even the first few pages is full of useful information. Purchase this for yourself or even as a gift. I cannot say enough good things about this book." — Adriana Get it from Amazon for $19.12. 30. Plus, a shaker of edible cocktail glitter because life is too short not to have a sparkly glass of rosé (or lemonade if you're in your sober curious era). Reviewers love having this when they are throwing a party, and say a little goes a long way! Bakel is a small business established in 2016 that specializes in edible glitters for food and drink. Promising review:"Don't think any further and just buy it. This was so cool and everyone loved it! I got the clear one because it will go with any drink. I will be the one to put this in all my friends drinks. Also had no taste so it was just the look. Sooooooo cool!" — gigi Get it from Amazon for $8.94+ (available in 13 colors). 31. A string art kit since scrolling through Pinterest has sparked a new sense of creativity for you (and your home decor). This kit comes with everything you need, and the finished product will add some texture to your collection of bedroom wall art. Amazon The kit comes with a crafting board, small hammer, a holder, nails, glue, screws, cotton string, a frame, a pattern, and a detailed instruction manual, so there's no need to buy other supplies. Promising review:"These instructions are easy to follow — I finished it in two hours. This was so much fun and I love my finished results! It looks so beautiful. It was a gift for my friend. I would buy it again and recommend it to others." — yuyantan Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in eight styles). 32. A starter's weaving kit because you're in your grandma crafting era and you aren't mad about it. This has everything you need to make a cozy little tapestry for your room and comes in so many color variations so one is sure to match your aesthetic. Wool Couture Company Wool Couture Company is a UK-based Etsy shop established in 2014 that specializes in knitting, crochet, weaving, and macrame craft kits. The Quintessential Kit comes with: a loom, two weaving needles, merino wool for weaving, instructions, a mounting bar for hanging, and a cotton ball of warp to hold your work. Promising review:"It's simple to use, the wool I received in the set is of a high quality and the service was smooth and communicative. Can not recommend this highly enough from a first-time weaver." — DivineDerbyshire Get it from Wool Couture Company on Etsy for $64.53 (available in eight styles). Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Buzz Feed
22-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
30 Products For Anyone Who Wants A Hobby That Won't Break Their Budget
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Shopping · You'll be making a family of little crocheted critters with this starter kit in no time. 1. A copy of The Book of Myself: A Do-It-Yourself Autobiography in 201 Questions to give you just enough structure so you're actually motivated to sit down and write in a journal. This is an excellent way to preserve memories for yourself and loved ones! This book is a kind of DIY memoir — it goes through three phases of "Early," "Middle," and "Later" years, and has 201 different prompts based on your memories, experiences, and views on the world. Prompts include things like what you would have switched careers to midway through if given the chance, or a present you got from your parents that sticks in your memory, or who you think the funniest person in your family is. This also makes for a lovely gift for family members, so you can all preserve each other's memories! Get it from Amazon for $16.50 or from Bookshop (to support local bookstores) for $18.60. 2. A mushroom growing kit that grows right there in the packaging, so you can add some sweet, sweet umami flavors to all your favorite winter dishes by sautéing, roasting, or air frying them up. Back To The Roots is a California-based small business founded by two college friends that specializes in indoor gardening kits with a mission to reconnect families to food. Check out a TikTok of the mushroom kit in action. Promising review:"This product has been so much fun to watch! I followed the directions, exactly as written, and the mushrooms began growing within 3–4 days. I will say that I did soak them for close to 10 hours before putting them back in the box to grow and I believe this helped a ton. I also kept the box inside by a window with the blinds closed in order for them to get indirect sunlight. The mushrooms grew tremendously for almost a week before they started to shrink so I clipped them to cook with and they were DELICIOUS! This was such a fun product and process to watch." — Steph A Get it from Amazon for $19.99. 3. A 5-pound bucket of Crayola Air Dry Clay to let you finally follow your inner pottery dreams without all the mess and effort of taking classes. After you pull the clay out to shape it, it'll harden on its own — no oven or any effort required! From there you can leave it as is or paint over it for a fun vibe. Psst — a lot of reviewers use silicone or plastic molds to get specific shapes! Promising review: "It's honestly just a really nice material to work with! If you want to create things with clay, this is definitely a good choice! It's definitely not for professional use, but I feel like that's a given? I mean, it is Crayola. But all in all, great for those who want to use it for fun!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $10.62. 4. A beginner's guide to calligraphy that is far more thorough and specific about technique and ink types than other versions, and will have you writing inspirational messages to your friends and drafting fancy invitations to your dog's birthday party in NO time. Paper Peony Press is a Texas-based boutique publishing company that specializes in purpose-driven books. Promising review:"I've tried several instructional books on hand lettering. This book is the best by far. I won't say the names of the other books, but suffice it to say they are all at the top of the list when you search for hand lettering. It is the only book that gives practice for the base strokes and also discusses posture and how to hold the pen, and at what angle to the paper. It is also a lovely book to work with; nice art work/illustrations. I recommend this book to other beginners out there!" — Karen Rorick Get it from Amazon for $19.99. 5. A beginner's embroidery kit for adults, so you can have something soothing to do with your hands while you marathong yet another podcast full of murder, murder, and a side murder. (At least now your stitching will be tighter than the main suspect's alibi!) Each kit comes with a simple design, a cotton cloth, a bamboo embroidery hoop, a little scissor, colored threads, embroidery needles, and instructions, so you should be raring to go when it arrives! Promising review:"I've never done anything like this before ... but I like to try new things, and I've just recently moved and wanted to decorate my house with some handmade decor. This kit is a great value for the price! It came with the hoop, more than enough thread, and two needles! The printed pattern is very clear and easy to follow, and the little sheet of instructions on what stitch to use and how to do it is clear enough (and anything I don't understand, I just watch a tutorial on YouTube). I'm about three hours into the project already, and I didn't want to put it down last night." — Abby 6. A "Through The Seasons" Reverse Coloring Book, which is a newer edition of the original Reverse Coloring Book that took the internet by storm — reviewers swear by this easy, calming artistic outlet to help ease their anxiety, relieve stress, and unleash their inner creativity without taking up too much brainpower. For those new to the concept — Instead of adding the color to these, you add the lines to create images within the colors. Sort of like a Rorschach test, but make it whimsical. Check out a TikTok of the reverse coloring book in action. Promising review: "Kendra Norton's beautiful art books, Reverse Coloring books, have changed my world! My whole life, I thought I was not creative and therefore, had zero artistic ability. Now, this has become my favorite form of artistic expression. I turn on music and/or an audiobook and allow myself to go for an adventure outside of my mind, beyond my mind, if you will. T his has become my favorite way to process through difficult emotions and experiences I'm working through." — K. DeWitt Get it from Amazon for $8.29. (Psst — check out these cult-fave black fine point pens for $8.99 on Amazon for a good doodling option!) 7. And a stress relief flower coloring book for adults so instead of trying to outrun your problems, you can out- color them, and have a bunch of darling pieces of art to show for it. Psst — you can pick up a cult-fave colored pencil set on Amazon for $11.98! Promising review:"Great stress reliever. Stimulates my creativity. I have taken pictures of what I colored and have made it my wall paper for my cellphone. Very glad I made this purchase." — Dawn62 Get it from Amazon for $7.39. 8. Wreck This Journal, a full color journal with prompts for you to write, paint, shred, and, in the words of Taylor Swift, "have a marvelous time ruining everything." Some of the prompts include one to close the journal and scribble on the edges; another to cut out colors from a magazine and tape them all over the page; another is a "Stain Log," which you can use to classify stains in your life, from red wine to nail polishes to food dyes. Basically, if you turn the page in this journal, odds are it's going to look *nothing* like it originally did by the time you're through. Get it from Amazon for $9.19 or Bookshop for $14.88. 9. A compact, beginner-friendly watercolor palette that comes with everything you need to start creating your own masterpieces, including 100 (!!) colors to choose from. Next stop, the Louvre. Each set comes with a 100-color palette, a sketch pencil, a sponge, a swatch sheet, and three water brush pens. Promising review:"Love collecting watercolor sets, and this one is amazing — so many exquisite colors to paint with. Creativity is everything, and imagination with all these colors is unlimited. Pure happiness!" — pve Get it from Amazon for $39.99. 10. Or a gorgeous pastel paint-by-number you can get in all kinds of intricate, deeply satisfying patterns for anyone who is looking for an activity that pairs perfectly with a screen-free night in. Each set comes with a detailed numbered outline, four brushes, and a set of numbered acrylic paints with extra to spare. Promising review: "Colorful and fun! This is the third paint-by-number I've done, and by far the most challenging. Lots of fine point detail, and the paint brushes included were adequate, unlike other PBN sets I've bought." — Emily cox Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in 12 styles). 11. Small Batch Bakes, tailor made for folks who live alone *or* for people who want to broaden their baking horizons, but don't want to deal with the mess of big batches (or the leftovers!). This book takes you through a bunch of delicious recipes for one to six people using minimal equipment, so you can have hassle-free treats and live your most delicious life. Helpfully, this book measures in grams *and* tablespoons, so you can bake however you prefer. Get it from Amazon for $16.19 or Bookshop (to support local bookstores) for $23.24. 12. A sturdy, minimalist reading journal with such a comprehensive, satisfying design that you'll never bother with another again — this features space for 52 thorough book reviews, along with challenges and lists for Books I've Read, Finished, Favorites, Did Not Finish, Lent, and Borrowed. Kunitsa Co. is a small business that specializes in reading, exercise, and food journals. Promising review:"Very cute and fun way to track reading. I feel like it also motivates me to read because I have a written goal. I like being able to keep track of what books I read and when so I can remember to reread or recommend my favorites." — Jenna Borden Get it from Amazon for $22.95+ (available in six colors). 13. A compact, travel-friendly microwave flower press kit so you can preserve the beauty of the flowers you find on your adventures no matter where you roam, and keep them in a little flower press journal to admire. This is unique from other methods because the microwave makes it a minutes-long process instead of days, and helps preserve the vibrant colors! Microfleur is a small business that specializes in unique flower-pressing products. Promising review: "Such a unique and easy-to-use product. I preserve dried flowers in resin, and this has been such a time saver. In literally minutes, you have a perfectly preserved flower. I've never had any burned or overcooked flowers doing it this way and it definitely beats pressing them in a book. I can't wait to buy these as gifts for a few other plant lovers in my life." — Jessie Get it from Amazon for $36.99. 14. A teensy DIY cheese kit with everything you need to learn to make four batches of farmer's cheese and live your most delicious life in a half hour. UrbanCheesecraft is an Oregon-based Etsy shop established in 2009 that specializes in make-your-own cheese kits in a variety of cheeses, including vegan options. Each kit comes with a cheesecloth, citric acid, flake salt, instructions, and "email support for life" — all you need is milk (and a mouth to consume it all). Promising review:"These kits are great gifts for the cheese lover and the person 'who's already got it all.' The packaging looks nice and gift-worthy and it's a perfect price range. I love that the recipient gets an experience as well as a tangible product and I can personally attest that the actual process is easy." — amyleannbohner 15. A paint-by-sticker set made up of vintage travel posters you can hang up on your walls when you're finished, essentially letting you travel the world without getting up from ye olde couch. Workman Publishing Each comes with 12 posters and the stickers to complete them, including iconic travel posters from gondolas in Venice to the pyramids in Cairo. Get it from Amazon for $11.89 or Bookshop (to support local bookstores) for $15.80. 16. A beginner-friendly diamond painting coaster set perfect for anyone who has ever thought to themselves, "You know what the only thing better than cat coasters would be? Glittery cat coasters." The universe has delivered. Promising review:"The designs and colors are the same as shown on Amazon. Finished coasters sparkle, and the vibrant colors create eight very cute cats. There were plenty of beads to complete the project, and adhesion was excellent. Letters and numbers were sharp and easy to follow. I am delighted with these coasters." — PackLeaderJ Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in five styles). 17. And a DIY glass mosaic tile coaster kit to let you mix and match beautiful colors that go with your home's ~aesthetic~, plus unlock a cool new skill that will make you a VERY popular gift-giver on birthdays and holidays. Each set comes with enough materials to make four coasters. Promising review:"This is a very fun hobby to do at home both by yourself or with friends or family. It's fun and pretty simple to make. Just need to be very steady with your hands and take time. I received many compliments when I showed them to everyone. I might buy more later and do it again. I totally recommend it if you want a little hobby to do." — Lilylove75 Get it from Amazon for $22.99. 18. A Gaiam starter set for yoga complete with all the basics, including a yoga mat, a yoga block, and a stretching strap, so you can tune into free yoga classes you gain access to with the set. Achieving mindfulness and flow in a chaotic world? Bring it om. Promising review:"I am not very limber and I have chronic spine issues, so having a block and strap was essential for me to do yoga. Before using this, I always ended up hurting myself or feeling bad about myself because I couldn't complete the stretches and would just give up. This kit made everything go so smoothly; I can adjust the block or the strap to help me stretch without hurting myself (or falling over). And I highly recommend the sitting techniques in the DVD as well as the meditation." — blightheavy Get it from Amazon for $29.98. 19. A set of Shrinky Dinks sheets to transport you so immediately to your childhood pastime of Making Everything Very Small that you'll be gifting every single person you know a kitschy keychain against their will. Amazon If you are unfamiliar with this glorious witchcraft, Shrinky Dink paper lets you color designs on it that you can then cut out and bake to shrink them down, giving them a stained glass effect that makes them great for keychains, suncatchers, and little trinkets. Promising review: "Fun for ALL ages! Recently remembered how fun these were. I have a smaller daughter, so it gave me an excuse to buy these. They're secretly for me — half kidding. These are so simple to use and create great crafts. These will keep your little one's imagination going, occupied and helps practice fine motor skills. I would definitely recommend to ANYONE, not just little humans." — Alex Soper Get a 25-sheet set from Amazon for $17.98. 20. A unicorn slime making kit, because truly the most universal human experience is that deep down inside we all just want to stretch out a big ole glop of bright pink glittery slime. Each kit comes with clear written instructions and access to video tutorials to make over 100 different kinds of slime, from unicorn slime to glitter slime to fluffy cloud slime to floam putty. You can personalize the colors, textures, add-ins, *and* the smell — the box comes with beads, scents, glitter, ink, foam balls, the ingredients needed to make the slime, and containers to keep it in. Promising review:"Purchased for daughter's birthday. She loves it. I was very apprehensive about letting her use slime but it has everything a parent could dream of to keep it all in one place and organized without the mess!" — Jay Get it from Amazon for $28.99. 21. A beginner's sushi-making kit to let you take the fate of your rolls into your own hands by working with whatever ingredients you have on hand, so you can have hours of delicious sushi experimentation. I'm definitely going to sushi jail for this, but I've started putting peanut butter in my avocado rolls (and sometimes adding this beloved truffle powder you can get on Amazon, it's so good I don't know what I HAVEN'T put it on!!!). Don't knock it until you try it. Anyway, each kit comes with two sushi rolling mats, five pairs of chopsticks, a paddle, a spreader, and a PDF of instructions, including recipes for six popular rolls. Promising review:"The entire Bamboo Sushi Kit is absolutely well made, easy to use, easy to clean, high-end restaurant quality, and durable. it was very nicely packaged, and instructions clear, in-depth and very easy to follow. No one (myself included) in my household has ever made sushi before but (thanks to the enclosed instructions), there were no issues making it. My daughter did an awesome job utilizing these products to make 'FISH-FREE SUSHI' with Pickled Ginger on top, was delectable! Loooooove it!" — Liza Get it from Amazon for $9.99. 22. A delightfully wacky spin and paint art set that yes, is designed for kids, but will *absolutely* thrill any adult looking to make 2025 their unrepentant colorful chaos era. I'm not NOT saying your kitchen deserves to be revamped in bright rainbow neon splatter colors after you frame these gems .... Promising review: "I'm an adult artist. I got this on a lark to have some fun with it. I think a child would have a lot of fun with it. I've discovered you can use any tempera or acrylic paint (just put some in small squeeze bottles). I'm actually having fun experimenting it." — Lynn 23. A friendship bracelet making kit so you can live your best Babysitter's Club life and start sending them in personalized colors to everyone you know. Choose Friendship is a small business that specializes in friendship bracelet makers. Each set comes with the holder mount and 20 pre-cut threads in 10 colors as well as access to an online instruction manual for all kinds of different designs. Promising review:"I bought this for my daughter for a craft night. I made friendship bracelets when I was a kid but could not remember how to make them. This helped so much! I had to buy another one for me so we could work on them at the same time. Love this product!" — hollyhock Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in five styles). 24. Cocktail Codex: Fundamentals, Formulas, Evolutions, a bartender-beloved book for beginner- to intermediate-level cocktail enthusiasts that breaks down six iconic "root" cocktails — the old-fashioned, martini, daiquiri, sidecar, whisky highball, and flip — to show you how to improvise and riff your own creations based on what combos work with the ingredients you have. Amazon Check out a TikTok of the cocktail book in action. Promising review:"This book has easily become one of my favorites. Great base knowledge and would recommend to anyone seeking to further educate themselves on spirits and cocktails. Even the first few pages is full of useful information. Purchase this for yourself or even as a gift. I cannot say enough good things about this book." — Adriana Get it from Amazon for $19.12. 25. A succulent monster needle felting kit that beginners especially love because there's no "wrong" way to make one of these little gremlins. Which is good, because you're about to be dealing with four or more of them, if you buy this kit. Woolbuddy is a small business that specializes in felting kits. Promising review:"I was really excited when I got this kit. It comes with all the tools you need, including a variety of colors, and it inspires such fun creature ideas! It also includes a QR code that takes you to several (short) tutorials for different shapes, and teaches you the basics of needle felting! I thought it was going to be much harder than it was. (You don't even need to watch the whole tutorial to pick it up.) I actually bought the same kit for a friend, who loved it also!" — David Get it from Amazon for $24.99. 26. A beginner's wood carving kit to get you started on an oh-so-satisfying, soothing hobby, so you can start gifting your loved ones with carved bluejays and cardinals in no time. Each kit includes two wood carving blocks (one cherry and one basswood), a carving knife, sharpening supplies, a template, and three types of sandpaper. Promising review:"The company is very supportive and their kit is great. It has everything you need to start working with wood. Additionally, I have really appreciated the professionalism and customer service received from them." — Sam Get it from Amazon for $38.93. 27. A crochet starter kit with clear, easy instructional videos to make two new tiny friends, because you can never have too many "coworkers" on your desk cheering you on. Promising review: "Great for beginners. I loved the YouTube step-by-step. I wouldn't have done it without that. Such a fun result. Super easy to figure out because of the videos." — Rachel Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available as elephants or leopards). 28. An origami starter kit so easy to use that it's perfect for kids *and* adults, guiding you through 38 different fun projects with clear, straightforward instructions and images. It even comes with high-quality origami paper to get you started! Amazon, Promising review: "This is everything you could want for an introduction to the art of origami! It has clear instructions, a variety of options and paper too! This has been an entertainment piece for the family for a few nights, as the kids want to try new projects each time. Fun for all!" — Bookbum Get it from Amazon for $12.49. 29. A light-up tracing pad for kids and adults alike — this lets you easily recreate illustrations so you can either practice to find your own style, or color them in to make your own *custom* versions. Some reviewers even use this as an easy way to practice calligraphy! Promising review:"I am a 30-year-old calligrapher and was in need of a light box. I needed a light box that fit into my budget and I didn't want to spend too much on one because I wasn't sure how much I would use it. This is by far one of the best purchases to add to my calligraphy arsenal!" — Placeholder Get it from Amazon for $25.99. 30. A DIY purse-making kit so the next time someone stops you on the street to ask where you got your bag, you can be like, "Oh this lil' thing? I made it myself.😊" Beablinger is a small business that specializes in DIY projects. Promising review: "I loved putting this purse together! It was so much fun! The final product looks exactly like the picture. As a beginner, the instruction video on YouTube was very easy for me to follow. I would buy this again in a heartbeat!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $19.88 (available in seven colors). Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
