Pick Up One of These 12 Craft Kits to Learn a New Hobby

We're all doing our part to socially distance; that means hunkering down at home and finding new ways to keep our minds occupied. And while it's tempting to binge-watch Netflix all day, there are more stimulating activities available to us. Crafting can be a great anxiety-reliever, and studies have shown a link between crafting and reducing stress. We are in stressful times as we all work to help slow the spread of COVID-19, which means it's more important than ever to take stock of our mental health.

Taking up a new hobby is one of the best ways to pass the time while also ensuring we feel productive. Have you always wanted to take up knitting but just never got around to it? Or have you admired your best friend's beautiful penmanship and thought you could master the art of hand lettering, if only you had a little more free time? There's truly never been a better time than right now to stop putting things off and learn a new craft.

Crafting also gives us a sense of accomplishment after we've created something with our own hands. You can display your DIY projects at home and cheer up your living space (where you're spending a lot more time recently). Or you can also gift your creations to a friend, which is a great way to stay connected when you can't physically be together. We've pulled together a list of all different kinds of craft kits for every kind of personality out there. Here, the best craft kits to help you jumpstart your own creativity.

Knitting can be very soothing and beneficial to our mental health. If you've always wanted to pick up a pair of needles and create a warm blanket or cozy scarf, now is the time. Start with a beginner's level kit like this one from We Are Knitters. When you're done, snuggle up on the couch with a hot mug of tea and the blanket you stitched together yourself.

Shop Now: We Are Knitters Dragonfly Blanket, in Yellow, $119, weareknitters.com.

With just a few basic stitches, embroidery is actually a perfect hobby for beginners. Like knitting, it's a great way to keep your hands busy and self-soothe. Turn on some relaxing music and try an embroidery design kit for beginners.

Shop Now: Namaste Embroidery, $28.15, etsy.com.

These friendship bracelets are much chicer than the ones you made at summer camp. It comes stocked with beads, tassels, and charms (including authentic freshwater pearls). Make one for yourself and one to send to a best friend who lives far away.

Shop Now: Madewell Do It Yourself Friendship Bracelet Kit, $20, madewell.com.

Aside from knitting, this technique empowers you to make your own crochet afghans, blankets, throws, and more. Stitch your way to your new it-bag with this beginners kit that includes raffia-like eco-friendly yarn.

Shop Now: Wool and the Gang "Money Honey" Crochet Clutch Bag Kit, $36, woolandthegang.com.

This kit comes with the tools you need to make every kind of pom-pom under the sun: color blocked, polka dot, or an all-over sprinkled design. String your pom-poms together for a DIY garland and add extra cheer to your home.

Shop Now: Purl Soho Pom-Pom Kit, $87, purlsoho.com.

No need to step foot in the garden. Livia Cetti, a stylist known for her fabulously artful tissue and crepe-paper blooms, offers you the ability to craft a bouquet of your own at home. Her kit comes with crepe paper, stamen filaments, floral tape, and more for these hibiscus beauties.

Shop Now: The Green Vase Hibiscus Flower Kit, $14, thegreenvase.com.

Hand lettering is creative and expressive, and it's a skill that will come in handy more than you realize. This kit includes everything you need to practice the beautiful art of hand lettering.

Shop Now: Wildflower Art Studio Hand Lettering Kit, $49.50, wildflowerartstudio.net.

If you've always wanted to try this soft-to-the-touch technique, opt for this kit that comes with everything you need to make an adorable felt succulent plant, lamb, rooster, or whale. When you're done, display it in your living room or gift it to a friend. 

Shop Now: Petitfelts DIY Felted Animal & Plant Kit, $32, food52.com.

Indulging in beauty routines—with soap, bath bombs, balms, and other treatments—is a great way to pass the time and give yourself some extra TLC. Even better, consider making them yourself. This kit comes with powdered mixtures, grapeseed oil, molds, and everything else you need to make 15 beautiful bombs.

Shop Now: Urban Kangaroo DIY Luxe Bath Bomb Making Kit, $30, etsy.com.

Give everything you own—clothes, linens, and more—a makeover awash with color. This kit includes everything you need to dye in rich colors and patterns, plus a plain cotton gauze bandana for your first try.

Shop Now: Graham Keegan Indigo & Shibori Natural Dyeing Kit, $46, grahamkeegan.com.

Remember this easy activity as a kid? They were hours of fun, but they also make paint by numbers kits for adults, too! You don't have to be a master artist to enjoy the relaxing benefits of painting.

Shop Now: Bling Painting "Eiffel Tower" Paint by Numbers Kit with Wood Frame, $29, blingpainting.com.

Here's one you can do with the whole family: These darling dollhouse kits are similar to making a ship in a bottle, only much cuter. Assembling some of the teeny-tiny pieces—the mint green sofa, a house plant, even accessories atop the desk—may require patience and concentration.

Shop Now: Rolife SOHO Time DIY Wooden Miniature Dollhouse Kit, $27, store.robotime.com.