Try these budget-friendly indoor hobbies to keep you going this winter

Got cabin fever? Try a new hobby to push winter boredom out the door. We’ve curated a list of indoor hobbies that can help you learn a skill, create something or just relax.

Practical skills that are useful hobbies

When the cold afternoons are long, you could spend it doomscrolling or binge-watching — or you could create something to be proud of.

Sewing

Nearly everyone took a sewing class in junior high school, so you probably know the basics — how to thread the needle and load the bobbin. Pull out mom’s old sewing machine and revive your skills.

Remember learning to sew in school? Put those skills to use again.

Start with simple projects such as a baby’s blanket or a hot pad — they require just four straight lines of stitching. If you need a refresher course, or you’re just starting out, YouTube has hundreds of video tutorials to take you through easy projects.

Supplies needed for a blanket:

• 1-2 yards of fabric

• Matching thread

• Scissors

• Pins

Search sewing machines on KSL Classifieds

Baking

Making the perfect loaf of bread. Rolling out the flakiest pie crust. Cooking the softest batch of cookies. Baking is an ideal winter activity because it keeps you occupied and feeds your soul. It’s also a great hobby on a budget because you probably already have most of the supplies. Find yourself a good cookbook or trustworthy website and get started on your home culinary studies. 

Supplies needed:

• Pantry basics: flour, sugar, vanilla, baking soda, baking powder, eggs, salt, oil

• Baking pans: cookie sheet, bread pan, 8-by-8-inch pan, pie dish

• Rolling pin, biscuit cutter, cookie cutters

• Mixing bowl

• Handheld or stand mixer

 Shop baking supplies on KSL Classifieds

Fun creative arts to do this winter

Bring more beauty into your life as you learn some creative indoor hobbies.

Bring back the art of calligraphy and impress your friends with your handwriting.

Calligraphy

The art of fine writing has fallen by the wayside in recent years, as more people rely on technology for nearly all their communication. But there’s no substitute for the beautiful, swirling lines that make up calligraphy. It’s a craft you can use to elevate all of your handwriting, from addressing letters, gift tags and holiday cards. Few supplies are required, so calligraphy is a cheap hobby to try.

Supplies needed:

• Paper

• Calligraphy pen — for beginners, preferably one that uses refillable ink cartridges

Find calligraphy materials on KSL

Photography

Anyone can take average pictures, but you can learn to take superb ones. Instead of relying on editing to correct images, spend some time learning about:

• Composition: Properly framing the image, avoiding negative space, avoiding distracting elements.

• Lighting: Recognizing where light falls on your subject and using light to create a mood.

• Exposure control: Understanding how shutter speed, ISO and aperture affect the image, such as depth of field.

Once you’ve learned basic techniques using your smartphone, you may want to try different types of cameras. A digital camera allows you to control all the settings and usually offers greater zoom ranges. An instant camera inspires more playful, quirkier photos.

Supplies needed:

• Camera

• Models — enlist your family, friends and pets

• Interesting still-life arrangements

Search all cameras on KSL Classifieds

Improve your brain as you learn to play an instrument this winter.

Mental challenges to keep your brain sharp

Kick your brain into gear by choosing an indoor hobby that teaches you a new skill or gives you a challenge to work out.

Learn to play an instrument

Wake your brain up from its long winter’s nap by learning to play a musical instrument — or refreshing your long-lost skills. Experts say playing improves your brain function, boosts coordination and helps strengthen your muscles.

If you’re a first-timer, you may want to try a basic keyboard or guitar — or even a harmonica. Sign up for lessons or find some beginner books to get started.

Supplies needed:

• Instrument

• Beginner music books

• Teacher (optional)

Search all musical instruments on KSL

Work on puzzles

You know that feeling of elation/relief/happiness when you put that final piece in a jigsaw puzzle? That’s your brain saying “Yippee!” because you just made it stronger. This winter hobby is not only satisfying, it also improves your mood, mental speed and short-term memory.

If young kids are helping, you may want to choose smaller sizes initially — 250 pieces or so — so they don’t become discouraged. Make sure you have a table large enough to hold the finished puzzle.

Supplies needed:

• Puzzle

• Table

• Patience

Find brain building puzzles on KSL Classifieds

The entire family can bond while working on a puzzle together.

Relaxing hobbies that don’t cost much

When the work is done, it’s time to play. Consider indoor hobbies that help you relax.

Gaming

Knock out winter boredom and build stronger family bonds with regular game time. Playing card and board games helps improve communication skills and teaches resilience — you win some, you lose some. They’re also great for boosting your memory and problem-solving skills. Best of all, playing games together reduces the stress from everyday life.

Supplies needed:

• Game table

• Games

• Players

• Snacks

Find popular and unique board and card games on KSL

Reading

Reading is a cheap hobby that provides multiple benefits, no matter your age. Reading keeps your mind active, giving it a workout each time you crack open a book. Just because you’re sitting still doesn’t mean you aren’t doing something productive.

Supplies needed:

• Book

• Comfortable chair

• Good lighting

• Mug of hot cocoa (optional)

Build your library with books from KSL Classifieds

Why try indoor hobbies this winter

Avoid the dreaded “I’m bored” this winter. Keep yourself and your family growing, learning and connecting with some new hobbies.

You won’t need to spend a lot of money to get started. Find deals on indoor hobby supplies on KSL Classifieds so you can try several new activities without a big investment.

Find deals on hobby supplies on KSL Classifieds