2026 is the year of hobbies and side quests. Here are the hobbies I’m trying/improving upon.
Sections
9
air dry clay
birding
collage art
cooking
crochet
hiking
air dry clay
A must-have.
Crayola Air Dry Clay 5lbs Natural White
Comes with every color you’ll need!
Crayola® Model Magic® Deluxe Variety Pack
Perfect for entry-level and getting used to the medium!
Ooly Creatibles Air Dry Clay Kit
Perfect intro to making clay models.
Air Dry Clay Kit for Kids 3-12 - 48 Blocks
All in one kit for making air dry pottery!
Sculpd Original Pottery Kit - Air Dry Clay
All the tools you’ll need.
ReArt Paper Clay 17.6oz Air Dry White
Perfect for painting your creations.
16 Color Matte Acrylic Paint Value Pack by Craft Smart®
For painting or maybe adding texture!
Hello Hobby Assorted Craft Paint Brush Set, 25pcs
For the paint
Royal & Langnickel Essentials™ Oval 10-Well Paint Palette | Artist Mixing Palette
To seal your art! Comes in gloss or matte.
50ml Air Dry Clay Varnish Sealant Gloss
A book full of inspiration and how-tos.
Crafting Cute: Polymer Clay Kawaii Way
A comprehensive guide.
The Polymer Clay Techniques Book
birding
To learn all the birds!
Sibley Backyard Birding Flashcards: 100 Birds
You will need a good high quality pair of binoculars and these are perfect to start with.
Occer 12x25 Compact Waterproof Binoculars
This book is a compact field guide to
150 North American bird species, featuring essential information, expert advice, and full-color photos to help readers identify and learn about these fascinating creatures.
North American Bird Watching for Beginners
Throw it on a keychain and bring it everywhere!
Audubon Bird Call - Red
collage art
Use it as a glue or use it as a sealant!
Mod Podge® Matte
To give your collages a fun edge.
Fiskars® Contemporary 6 Piece Paper Edger Scissors Set
For when scissors just won’t cut it.
X-ACTO® #1 Precision Knife
These are so helpful for measuring and cutting at the same time.
Elan A4 Pink & Purple Self Healing Mat
Plenty of collage-able things to get you started.
Extraordinary Things to Cut Out and Collage
cooking
This will make you feel like a chef. Love the adjustable neck!
Ada - Heavyweight Cotton Apron in Maroon
This half apron is sooo cute.
Millau - Midweight Cotton Waist Apron in Tan
I feel like getting cut in the kitchen is inevitable but at least you can delay that inevitability with these!
Cuisinart Classic Triple Rivet Stainless Steel 3 Piece Knife Block Set with Blade Guards
Pretty and functional. Use them for chopping AND charcuterie.
Astercook 4-Pieces Wood Cutting Board, Bamboo Chopping Board for Kitchen with Holder, Cutting Boards Set with Juice Groove and Handles, Charcuterie Board for Chopping Meat, Vegetables and Fruits
You’re going to be using knives a lot so you want to make sure they’re sharp.
CUTLUXE Professional Whetstone Sharpening Kit– Artisan Series
Worth every penny. Gets the most accurate temp instantly.
ThermoPop® 2
Something you think you don’t need but you do—I promise.
White Marble Mortar and Pestle
Yum!
World Market® Whole Szechuan Peppercorn Spice Bag
Penzey’s is a must!
Penzeys Seasoned Salt
You can never have enough spices.
Taste of Italy Seasoning Tower Gift
Oh, you’re going to be putting this on EVERYTHING.
Maldon Organic Sea Salt Flakes Tub
Changes the game.
Grass Fed Wagyu Tallow
One for finishing and one for cooking!
Graza The Duo Drizzle and Sizzle Olive Oil Gift Set 2 Pack
The perfect cookbook for people like me that don’t love to follow recipes.
The New York Times Cooking No-Recipe Recipes: [A Cookbook]
The perfect cookbook for learning all the basics!
Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking (Hardcover)
For the ones that love Matty Matheson as much as I do.
Matty Matheson: Soups, Salads, Sandwiches
crochet
Looks like this beginner kit has everything you’ll need to start out.
Aeelike 59pcs Crochet Kit for Beginners
An extremely beginner friendly crochet project!
WaldyWop Crochet Kit - 8 Flower Bookmarks
The perfect starter hook set.
MECHEER 12 Sizes Crochet Hook Set, 51 Pack
Everything you need to know all in one place.
Crochet Techniques & Tips: 20+ Stitches & Edging
A helpful tool to make it easier.
Juszok Adjustable Crochet Tension Rings 3Pcs
Every color you could need to start out.
20 Acrylic Yarn Skeins - 438 Yards Multicolor
hiking
Always good to be prepared!
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter for Hiking & Travel
