A hobby like 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 pick up an old one. Finding a hobby you love can be a rewarding experience. Not only is it a great way to gain new skills, but also a way to gain community, reduce stress, and give you a sense of purpose and fun during your downtime. It enriches your life with various experiences that go beyond your daily routine.
Find a new hobby that fits your lifestyle. For example, if you are less physically active, a hobby like a jigsaw puzzle can be rewarding and keep you engaged. Puzzles can be fun for people of all ages and are a great pastime to get away from the screens.
If you’re looking for a hobby that takes you outdoors, you can try bird watching. Birds are everywhere, so you don’t have to travel far to get started, but it’s also a hobby that can take you to new destinations. You can start by using binoculars, a telescope or other visual enhancement devices. You can also use smart bird feeder cameras or view public webcams.
Gardening is mildly 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 garden stores and books can be great resources for beginners.
Here’s a list to get you started with a new hobby:
Puzzles
Bird watching
Gardening
Release your inner detective with this Murder mystery puzzle of 500 pieces. You start by reading the story of the incident. Then you follow the story to put the puzzle together. The finished image provides all the clues you need to solve the case and figure out the whodunit. That’s possible buy this puzzle from Amazon for $18.95and embark on an exciting and entertaining puzzle-solving journey.
Keep your environment tidy and mobile with a puzzle table. (Wayfair)
Stay mobile with your new hobby with this help wooden puzzle table from Wayfair. The table is large enough for a 1,500-piece puzzle and has folding legs for easy moving and storage. This puzzle table at Macy’s costs $109.99 and has drawers to help you keep things organized. This makes your puzzle experience easier and more fun.
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This roll-up mat is a handy way to store puzzles. (Walmart)
This puzzle mat from walmart has a soft surface to keep your puzzle pieces in their original place. Just roll it up with a puzzle inside and take it to another place. It can also be used as a platform to organize and complete your puzzles. This roll-up mat, $54.97 on Amazonis thicker and has three sorting trays.
Keep track of what you are working on with this log. (Amazon)
Keep track of the puzzles you’ve completed, rate the experience and create a to-do list puzzle log from amazon. This log from Alibris costs $26 and has space to grade the puzzle, track start and end dates, and note any missing pieces.
This box top holder is handy. (Springbok)
A stand on the box helps keep the puzzle box lid in place while you work on it. This minimalist wooden box stop standard from Springbok is sturdy and a good choice. You can also try this one, $46 at UncommonGoodsfor a handmade design made from beautiful walnut wood.
This guide is indispensable when birding. (Walmart)
Definitely look for a free bird app with birds and their calls, but you should also invest in a good book such as The Kaufman Field Guide to Birds of North America to study your new hobby. This field guide is considered the best for new birders. It is compact and has a clear layout, clear illustrations, detailed maps and engaging text. The guide is available for purchase from Amazon for $12.99.
Record what you see in this rainproof bird diary. (Amazon)
Keep a record of the various birds you identify with this waterproof bird Rite in the Rain Birder’s Journal on Amazon. This paper can withstand wet conditions, so you can be sure your notes are always safe. This beautiful diary $65 from GiGi New Yorkis bound in leather, adding a touch of elegance to your birding experience and helping you stay organized and engaged in your new hobby.
Get close to the subject with these binoculars. (B and H photo video)
Binoculars are great for getting a closer look at birds, but they can get pricey. This Nikon Monarch M5 8×42 binoculars from B and H Photo Video offer excellent value at a competitive price. Or try this one cheaply compact binoculars, on sale for $24.95 on Amazonwhich have 10 magnifications.
Original price: $169.99
View the birds in your garden with this camera. (Walmart)
Keep an eye on bird activity in your backyard with the Birdfy Smart Bird Feeder with Cameraavailable at Walmart. This innovative feeder has a built-in camera that allows you to observe birds in real time on their phone, wherever they are. They receive instant notifications about bird activity in the backyard, which they can share with many family members and friends. The FeatherSnap feeder, $179 on Amazonis integrated with a solar panel and includes a Bird ID feature in the app that allows you to identify all bird species encountered through your feeder.
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Original price: $149.99
A birdbath will attract more birds to your garden. (Amazon)
Add a birdbath to your garden as it is an essential resource for birds to drink and bathe in and it will attract a wider variety of bird species to your garden. This ceramic pedestal birdbath is from Amazon. The bath is beautifully designed and the sink can be lifted off the pedestal, making it easy to dump out the old water and scrub the basin before refilling it. That’s possible buy this birdbath at walmart for $94.04.
Start with essential gardening tools. (Walmart)
Start with essential hand tools such as trowels, rakes, shovels, a watering can and a kneeling pad. This seven piece tool set from walmart Comes with a sturdy yet lightweight stool. The tool is made of stainless steel with wooden handles and storage holes. This 10-piece tool set, $36.99 from Amazonhas everything you need to work in your garden.
Original price: $499
Grow your garden indoors with this gadget. (My Gardyn)
Do you lack outdoor space, but still want to try out your green fingers? Try this Gardyn Studio gadget, which comes with everything you need to grow 16 plants on this hydroponic system. This system can produce more than 100 different types of plants, including herbs, flowers, tomatoes, peppers and berries. Just plug in and add water to get this hydroponic system, which sells for $59.99 on Amazonstarted. Grow vegetables and flowers with this system.
Original price: $30
The Complete Gardener’s Guide is a great place to start with gardening ideas. (Amazon)
The Complete gardener’s guide is a great place to start for ideas and advice on creating a spectacular, blooming garden. This guide covers everything from growing in containers to creating a garden from scratch.
Test your soil before planting. (Home Depot)
Get accurate information about your soil so you know what you need to grow your garden. This test kit, available at Home Depotgives you a complete and accurate nutrient and pH analysis with recommendations tailored to the needs of your soil and plant. Just send your soil to a lab and you’ll get your results in six to eight days. That’s possible 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)
This Handlady Rose pruning gloves are made of durable leather. The palms and fingertips are double lined for extra protection. The long gloves protect your arms against cuts, scratches and insect bites. She can be purchased at Walmart.