Do you ever want to learn something new but don’t know where to start? Do you want a hobby to keep you busy? Well, this list of hobbies to try is here to inspire you to try new things and grow in this new year.
Everyone needs a hobby, young or old. Hobbies contribute to joy, knowledge, and overall well-being.
I have never been one with many hobbies, however that is about to change. It is part of my 2024 vision to grow my knowledge and skills.
That’s sufficient for the intro; let’s get to the fun bit! Here is my list of hobbies to try this new year!
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The 5 Hobby Rule
I came across this theory during my research. It is incredibly insightful.
The five-hobby rule breaks all hobbies down into five categories. You should have one hobby from each category to maintain a well-balanced life. You can choose 5 from this list of hobbies to try, as they cover all categories. These categories include:
- One to make money
- A hobby to keep you active
- Hobbies to evolve your mindset
- One to keep you creative
- A hobby to build your knowledge
I suggest you build up to five hobbies. Don’t try too many things at once. Trust me, I have burnt my fingers multiple times.
40+ Hobbies To Try In The New Year
1. Knitting
Knitting has changed into a very popular hobby. The cliche of “only old people knit” has long passed. Knitting is a creative and relaxing activity. You can even get a knitting starter kit on Amazon!
2. Crochet
Similarly to knitting, the popularity of crocheting skyrocketed. Especially, since homemade local products became easily accessible with sites like Etsy. And they are CUTE!
3. Cross-stitching
Cross-stiching gives me a cottagecore vibe! If you want your house to look like a fairy cottage, I will 100% recommend this.
4. Candle Making
Candles are a prevalent decorating item. I cannot walk past candles without browsing and smelling the different scents! Not only is this a creative outlet, but it is also a small business idea.
5. Potpourri
Imagine your house always smelling incredible all the time! This will be the perfect hobby to try when fall comes around. Check out this fun fall bucket list with a free printable!
6. Soap Making
I don’t know a lot about this, but I imagine it to be fun! I would love to put this on my hobbies to try list.
7. Jewelry Making
There is no limit to this hobby! You can make jewelry from anything. There are so many styles to select from. I want to use this opportunity to tell you about this special piece of jewelry I came across on my holiday. They make jewelry from old animal snares to bring awareness to animal poaching. Check them out here!
8. Pottery
Ah, I want to learn this! I imagine mine being very crooked, though… I am not the most creative person out there. But it looks nice to form something with your hands from nothing. Find a pottery starter kit here.
9. Mosaic craft
My sister made me a coffee table with a mosaic top and it looks amazing! Use Pinterest for inspiration. You can use furniture or pots in your house to mosaic to spice them up.
10. Scrapbooking
Take all the photos buried away in your closet and put them to use. Buy a scrapbook and some material and get creative!
11. Origami
Origami is a Japanese art style of folding papers into decorative and creative shapes. Teach yourself from online sources. You can even make decorations for next Christmas.
12. Furniture Restoration
Oh, who doesn’t love a good renovation? It is so satisfying! Restore some of your old furniture by chalk painting, wood staining, decoupaging, etc.
13. Start a New Collection
I am all for a good collection! In my case, it is coffee mugs (of course). My father collects caps from all our holiday destinations and my one aunt has a whole vase filled with different layers of soil from all the places she visited.
14. Birding
I adore bird-watching! It is one of my favorite activities, especially when on holiday in the bush. My mother has a bird book that works with a special “pen”. When you press the pen to the picture, it plays the sound of that particular bird. I will link it here to check it out!
15. Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is my favorite way to exercise, especially since I loathe exercising. To be surrounded by nature with fresh air is the best kind of workout.
16. Hiking
Hiking is another hobby to try if you are a nature enthusiast. You can combine this one with birding. Two birds with one stone, pun intended.
17. Fishkeeping
There are many extravagant home aquariums out there! Why not make your own? It can be salt or freshwater fish. Not to mention, it is a focus point when you get guests.
18. Cooking
Learn new recipes or culinary techniques. You can even try different countries’ quisiness. For some South African flare, you can try “bobotie”. You won’t regret it.
19. Baking
I burn everything I attempt to bake *lol*. I am sure baking could be fun for a lot of people. If you are one of them, make this one of your hobbies to try!
20. Photography
I always loved photography and consider it a hobby. However, I haven’t taken it seriously. 2024 is the year when I aim to learn all the settings on my camera (this is the camera I use). Here are some of my favorite photos! I just need to share them.
21. Videography
Similarly to photography, this also tickles my interest. You can start with your phone and save up for a camera as you go. Youtube is a great way to learn a lot of skills, videography included. A lot of this list of hobbies to try is free to learn.
22. Editing
Video or photo editing is a fun skill to have. Broaden your knowledge with Lightroom, Premier Pro (the two editing software I use), or an app on your phone. Learn about the curves and all the other tools.
23. Graphic Designing
Graphic designing is an interesting hobby to have. I learned a lot about it with my blog. A few ideas include creating logos, wedding invitations, etc. Canva is a free platform you can use to learn. I used Canva to design my 2024 vision board, and you can too! Just click here.
24. Gaming
Although, people think gaming is a waste of time. I believe it to be relaxing if you can manage your time and not get addicted. I play Sims, and trust me I barely get to it. There is this saying I live by, “duty before pleasure”.
25. Gardening
Gardening is a great stress reliever. There are many different ways to go about gardening:
- Vegetable patch
- Herb garden
- Flowers
- Or something more creative like a fairy garden
26. Flower Arrangement
Flower arrangement is yet another hobby to try where you can monetize. Learn how to match different flowers or even wild grasses and seeds to make bouquets, etc.
27. Composting
If you are looking to become more green, this one is for you. It will save the environment from chemical solutions and your garden will love it! It is definitely on my bingo card to live more green.
28. Painting
Pick up the paintbrush and get creative. You can take classes or teach yourself with YouTube. Find an art style that suits you and decorate your house with it. Or use it as a Christmas present for the family.
29. Instruments
You are never too old to learn an instrument. Choose from a guitar, piano, violin, drums, etc, and just start. You can either take classes or teach yourself.
30. Makeup
Makeup is a fantastic creative and expressive outlet. It is a hobby that will keep you busy for hours. Try different styles like glass skin, feather brows, fox eyes, etc.
31. Manicure and Pedicures
We might as well mention more beauty-related skills while we are at it. You can save a lot of money if you learn to do your nails, whether it is acrylic or gel.
32. Coffee Making
There is no way I can’t mention this one! Coffee making has a variety of hobbies including:
- Latte art
- Coffee brewing techniques
- Roasting
- Etc
33. Beer Brewing
Brewing beer includes a lot of steps and will definitely expand your knowledge. Start brewing your beer and get your friends and family to taste-test it.
34. Reading
Reading is a very general hobby, but that doesn’t make it less valuable. Read different books until you find the genre you truly enjoy.
35. Writing
I am more of a writer than a reader. I don’t even know if that makes sense. You can write short stories or poems. Heck, why not write a whole novel?
36. Crossword Puzzles
My mother and I enjoy crossword puzzles immensely. We always do it together. It is a great way to work your brain and stay sharp.
37. Learn a New Language
Duolingo is ideal if this is your New Year hobby! It rewards you with badges and it is satisfying when you get long streaks. I tried learning Dutch for a while and it was a great app. What language do you want to learn?
38. Jigsaw Puzzles
My husband does 3D puzzles and I do the normal 2D jigsaws. It helps me relax, works my brain, and afterward puts it up in the house for decoration.
39. Archery
I regret never picking up archery. However, it is never too late! Summon your inner Katniss Everdeen and get yourself a bow. Just remember, always be safe and get the protection gear recommended to avoid injuries.
40. Exercise
I wanted to break this down into individual bullet points, but with my lack of knowledge on this subject, it is dangerous. So here is a summarized list:
- Dancing
- Zumba
- Pilates
- Crossfit
- Cycling
- Swimming
- Etc
41. Stargazing
Have you ever seen the night sky out of the city lights? If not, please make an effort to. It is breathtaking! My husband and I have a special star cluster. We looked at it when we got engaged.
Conclusion
This list just made me realize how many opportunities there are to monetize in today’s day and age with hobbies. Don’t let this opportunity go to waste.
I hope this list of hobbies to try was helpful. Be sure to let me know which one (or more) spiked your interest! I know I will look back at this list.
Have a lovely day/night wherever you are in the world and thank you for your continued support! You are helping me make my dreams come true and I appreciate you guys!
Love, Steph
