Have you ever had that experience when you've met a new person, you're hitting it off, and then they pose that dreaded question to you: "What do you like to do in your free time?" Um, Netflix binges? Stalking my middle school ex? Are these socially acceptable responses? Unfortunately, dear reader, they are not, and it's moments like these when it's the most helpful to have a casual hobby.

Yes, a hobby. No, it doesn’t have to be coin collecting or building tiny little boats in glass bottles (but no shade if that's your thing!). Lucky for you, I’ve searched far and wide for hobbies that will have a first date, Insta story stalker, or college admissions specialist thinking, "Wow, they're so interesting and well-rounded." The result?

Whether you’re looking for fun things to do with friends or simply looking for ways to fill your time while flying solo, scroll through this list of 40 hobbies for adults that are actually fun, easy, and affordable.

1. Pizza making

Oh, how I adore this activity! Grab a bag of pizza dough from your local grocery store (we love the herb and garlic dough from Trader Joe's), roll it out, and slap your favorite toppings on to create your ideal pie. Once you start getting the hang of it, you can start investing in some tools, like a pizza oven you can attach to your grill, or a pizza stone that keeps the crust perfectly crispy every time.

2. Calligraphy

Whether you’re looking to up your stationery game or elevate your note-taking, learning calligraphy will undoubtedly add a lot to your life. Getting the skill down is totally free (there are tons of great resources online) but, beware, the pens may make your credit card a little sad.

3. Gaming

From Animal Crossing to Myst, there’s absolutely something for you in the gaming world. Just be sure to do it right and splurge on a gorgeous gaming setup!

4. Gardening

Okay, this one may sound overwhelming, but you can ease into it! Whether you want to start with some small indoor house plants that are on the low-maintenance side or you have the space to get down and dirty, gardening is a great way to keep yourself busy (and your space really cute).

5. Throwing themed dinner parties

This is a great way to be chic and debrief with your loved ones. As far as theme ideas go, might we suggest 1997 Romeo and Juliet, Studio 54, or La Dolce Vita? Just some starter thoughts!

6. Learning to cook

Don’t feel bad, Kendall Jenner is still navigating the kitchen, too! If you’re looking for ways to make the learning process super fun, I suggest picking a workbook to cook through from top to bottom, or choosing something random to try from this list of yummy TikTok recipes every night.

7. Nature photography

Seeing life through a lens can make you appreciate it even more, and that’s exactly why I love getting outside and photographing nature. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a DSLR— I'm all about that iPhone camera life!

8. Self-defense

It’s a wild, wild world out there, and knowing how to take someone out at the knees isn't a bad skill to have in your back pocket. There are several self-defense classes you can take online for free (our favorite is this one from the SEPS Women’s Self-Defense Program) or you can do a quick Google search to see if there are any classes offered near you.

9. Make your own milk alternative

Is this a weird suggestion? Yes. But I promise this hobby will make you an extra unique dinner party guest. Instead of buying your almond and oat milk from the grocery store (which I know is enticingly easy), try making it yourself. Just look up some recipes online (like this one), grab your nut milk bag, and get started. Your lattes will thank you! And if you want to be even more adorable, you can start bottling it and gifting it to friends.

10. Puzzling

If you’ve ever placed that final piece into a puzzle, you know that’s a feeling worth repeating regularly. Plus, if you really love one once you’re done, you can frame it for a rustic artwork moment.

11. Learn to read tarot cards

If you’re a big believer in tarot predictions, it could be very worthwhile to delve into the specifics and learn to do it yourself. Lucky for you, we have a comprehensive guide on how to read tarot cards.

    12. Pickling

    Did you know that you can pickle pretty much any fruit or vegetable? If you pick up a handy fermentation kit—or get some Mason jars, vinegar, salt, sugar, and spices to go completely DIY—you can easily transform your produce into the perfect snack or garnish.

    13. Candle making

    Candles can be expensive as hell. But not if you make them yourself! DIYing them also means you can make your home smell exactly how you want it to, which is kind of amazing.

    14. Cake decorating

    You reserve the right to make your art and eat it too! Get creative with fondant, icing, candy, sprinkles, and whatever else your hungry heart can dream of, then get decorating! There are plenty of YouTube channels that will teach you the basics (one of our faves is Cake Cake), or you can simply have at it and learn as you go. If you end up finding that you have a knack for it, I’ve got good news: a well-decorated cake can go for $$$. Hello, side hustle!

    15. Poetry

    Hello Tumblr kid, we know you’re in there! Let your thoughts flow and speak your truth through poetry. Whether you choose to rhyme or prefer spitting pure prose, the more you write, the better you’ll get—and the better you’ll feel. Promise!

    16. Scrapbooking

    Good memories deserve documentation! And scrapbooking is the cutest way to do it. You can design pages with photos, ticket stubs, stickers, playbills, and more. Not only will they be great to look back at when you’re feeling blue, but they’ll also prove to your hypothetical future kids how hot their parent was back in the day.

    17. Crocheting

    From crop tops to cardigans to blankets and bags, the world is your oyster when you learn to crochet. After you grab your needles and your favorite colors of yarn, you can find tons of (free) easy-to-follow patterns on Love Crafts to get you started.

    18. Painting

    Painting is not only amazingly therapeutic but a cost-effective way to spruce up your space with a personal touch. If you want to skip the experimental phase and follow the greats, you can watch some Bob Ross reruns on Hulu or browse the plethora of how-tos on YouTube.

    19. Punch needling

    Adorable, handmade rugs are the perfect home decor addition, and I believe in your ability to make some yourself! You can find all the tools you’ll need in this beginner kit and, after a few attempts, I’m sure you’ll be pumping out 8” x 10” area rugs in no time.

        20. Making playlists

        Whether you organize them based on mood, activity, or even location, making playlists can be an awesome, low-stress hobby. Hell, even Obama does it yearly.

        21. Songwriting

        I mean, Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo write record-breaking hits in their downtime, so who's to say you can’t become the world's biggest pop star, too? Just whip out a notebook (and resurface any and all heartbreak) and see what comes of it. Who knows? You could surprise yourself.

        22. Learning a new language

        If the only thing you can say in another language is "Voulez-vous coucher avec moi," it’s about time to make some changes, friend. Download a language learning app like Duolingo or Babbel on your phone, take on a tried-and-true Rosetta Stone course, or sign up for an immersive class somewhere near you. Whichever you choose, you’ll be better for it.

        23. Wine tasting

        At the risk of sounding like a greeting card, we will take any excuse to drink wine, especially if it’s under the guise of learning. Sip enough vino—and accompany it with a wine-appreciation course or book—and soon you’ll actually be reading the wine list at a restaurant instead of simply looking for the cheapest bottle.

        24. Meditation

        Find your inner peace (yes, it’s in there somewhere) by learning how to meditate. If you have a Netflix subscription or your ex still hasn’t logged you out of their account, we recommend taking the Headspace Guide to Meditation course available for free on the platform, which is perfect for beginners.

        25. Pilates

        If you’re looking for a more active hobby, here you go! All of our favorite celebs have made it clear that Pilates is the workout-du-jour, so definitely try it out if you’re looking to do something other than running on the treadmill. Check out Move With Nicole on YouTube for some free at-home routines.

        26. Mixology

        Start by learning the classics, like a perfect cosmopolitan (😉) or an old-fashioned. Then, go off and explore with whatever’s in your pantry. Check out our list of favorite cocktail recipes, too.

        27. Manicuring

        Okay, this is a skill that could save you some money. We’re definitely having a nail art renaissance, and learning to do it yourself would be HUGE. If you can get your left hand done without it looking like your right hand’s awkward sister, I’ll be thoroughly impressed.

        28. Starting a book club

        Reading is fun, kids! But reading with friends is even more fun. Pick a hot new read for you and your friends to check out each month and discuss over wine and cheese. Whether you guys choose a steamy romance or a gripping celeb memoir, it’ll be a quality way to spend your time.

        29. Learning a new instrument

        Have you ever been at a party, seen someone go ham on a guitar or keyboard, and gained ten times more respect for them? Well, that someone could be you! Besides the public praise that your new musical talent will earn you, it’ll also be so satisfying to master your first track. Secure your instrument of choice, and then check out one of the countless free tutorials online!

        30. Joining a sports league

        You’d be truly shocked at the amount of organized sports networks that likely exist in your area. Peruse through Facebook and/or Yelp for groups that are looking for new players to join their bowling, soccer, basketball, or even pickleball league.

        31. Taking nature walks

        Is there any practice greater than spending a few quiet moments in the great outdoors? Explore your local woodland trails, or just pop your headphones in and wander around your local park. It’s a great way to reset and clear your mind (plus it’s a super healthy habit).

        32. Becoming a movie buff

        This doesn’t even require a fancy film degree. Just make an account on the movie review app Letterboxd, then try to start regularly watching all of the classic old movies that you’ve never gotten around to (here are our suggestions). Afterwards, you can post your official review on the app and check out what others thought about the movie too. Motion pictures baby! They’re a hoot.

        33. Launching a special-interest IG account

        The weirder it is, the better! (Might I remind you of Lorde’s old finsta dedicated to ranking onion rings around the world?) We're all knowledgeable about a super niche topic whether we like it or not—share your expertise on the World Wide Web for your dear friends to follow along!

        34. Soap making

        The prairie girl lifestyle is so therapeutic. After you spend one afternoon mixing coconut oil and lye together to make your homemade soap, you’ll surely agree. Need some guidance on how to get into the soap game? Here’s a great starter guide.

        35. Joining a run club

        Before you start throwing tomatoes, this experience can actually be fun, even if you’re no Sha'Carri Richardson. You can always find people within larger running groups that are down to match your pace, and it’s a great way to make new friends. Win-win! Just make sure to have some comfy running shoes handy.

        36. Thrifting

        Turns out that sifting through people’s old stuff can be quite the adventure! Start visiting your nearby secondhand stores for bargain clothing and home decor finds. It’ll be so exciting to tell people how little you copped them for.

        37. Podcasting

        Okay yes, I know, it feels like we’re experiencing a bit of a podcast overflow right now, but that shouldn’t stop you! You wouldn’t hurt anyone by investing in some equipment and yapping about a topic that matters to you. Who knows, you could even be the next Alex Cooper.

        38. Needlepoint

        "Grandma hobbies" are all the rage right now, and nothing says I'm wise beyond my years like a good ol' needlepoint. This is something you can do while watching a show or listening to a podcast, and it's an easy and cheap way to offer gifts to your loved ones. Win, win!

        39. Make cold-pressed juice at home

        Similar to making your own milk alternative, making your own juice will have you sounding so interesting, health-forward, and chic. Making cold-pressed within the comfort of your home can get expensive since you need a good juicer (my fave is this one in Kale from Hurom!), but so does buying 16 oz. bottles from Whole Foods every week! You can find some many fun recipes and you'll feel so accomplished afterwards.

        40. Foraging

        Do you like exploring the forests for nuts and berries? Well, if the idea of that even sounds appealing then foraging might be for you. Hit a local trail or woods or even a park and get down and dirty searching for the natural wonders of the land, aka fruits, fungi, and more! Be sure to do some research before you start this hobby, since there are lots of foods in the wild that you should avoid. Alexis Nikole, more famously known as @blackforager on Instagram, is a great person to follow to get started on your foraging journey!