
If You're Committed To Scrolling Less, Here Are 31 Screen-Free Activities That'll Capture Your Attention
Murdle, Volume 1 — a compilation of murder mystery–themed logic puzzles from the creator of Murdle, which is a daily puzzle site similar to Wordle but with a heaping side of murder mystery fun! You'll use your deductive (and detective) skills to solve the puzzle with the provided clues and nab the perp. It has four levels of difficulty to keep you on your toes.
A buildable Lego succulent set if you'd love to add some pops of plant-like color to your space *without* the responsibility of caring for a live one. There are nine plants in the set that you can display together or solo, so you can place the finished products all around the house if you wish!
A copy of Burn After Writing when your ideal night is spent curled up at home in a cozy robe with a thought-provoking activity in hand — no scrolling required. You'll go through a series of questions and experiments to help explore your feelings in a meaningful way.
OR The Book of Myself: A Do-It-Yourself Autobiography in 201 Questions to help commemorate your fave experiences so you can look back on 'em later. If you want, you could even share these with future generations of the family! I can just picture you in your rocking chair holding this book and saying, "Back in my day..."
A beginner's sushi-making kit both newbies and seasoned sushi lovers will appreciate. Now you'll have the basic tools they need to meld your go-to ingredients and enjoy a scrumptious spicy tuna roll whenever the craving hits — yes, even at midnight!
The cutest beginner's crochet kit your hobby-loving self will appreciate, especially if you like to start small so you don't get overwhelmed. It has everything you need to see it through *and* step-by-step tutorials to guide you along the way.
A mini Bob Ross paint-by-numbers kit so tiny and precious, you'll probably have to buy one for everyone you know. It includes three different numbered canvas designs, a mini brush, seven paint bots, and an easel to display your completed masterpiece with pride!
Small Batch Bakes because you can absolutely pick up a new cooking hobby without feeling like you're drowning in leftovers by the end of it. This is perf for anyone who lives alone or simply prefers small-batch cooking with a LOT less mess. It contains a variety of sweet (and some savory!) recipes that serve between one and six people with minimal equipment needed.
A complete candle-making kit, which may result in you wanting to start a small business because of how fun and fulfilling it is. Rather than scrolling to find a *single* candle to spend your hard-earned money on, you could create SEVEN of your own! It even comes with dried flowers to elevate the ~aesthetic~ of your candle.
A beginner's embroidery kit for adults for a fun new activity to keep your hands busy while engaging your mind. You could even do it while listening to a true crime podcast and claim that you were *actually* productive.
OR! A transparent embroidery kit using see-through mesh that'll look so elegant hanging in your bedroom, bathroom, or anywhere that needs a touch of floral fun. A screen-free activity that ends in a pretty piece of home decor? Yes, please!
A 5-pound bucket of Crayola Air Dry Clay if you've always wanted to try pottery but you'd prefer to start small so you don't get intimidated. This is perf for making a trinket tray as a gift or some candle holders just in time for a dinner party. Once you pull the clay outta the bucket to shape it, it'll air dry and harden on its own. No oven needed OR waiting days to see your masterpiece!
OR a beginner-friendly mini pottery wheel kit so you can channel Demi Moore in Ghost and really dive right into the pottery world at home. You'll have everything you need to begin crafting some lovely pieces with your bare hands. Whether you make a jewelry dish or a coffee mug, you'll proudly shout, "I made that" whenever you see it.
A paint-by-sticker set, which consists of 12 vintage-style poster paintings that come to life when you peel and place the stickers on the page. You'll basically take a quick trip around the world from the comfort of your humble abode. Bonus: The pages are perforated so you can display your stunning posters on the wall when you're done.
Or a customized pet paint-by-number — maybe you don't wanna waste your time on an activity that doesn't somehow include your fave four-legged creature! You can even frame your artwork and proudly display it in your home as a reminder to everyone who the real head of household is.
An efficient and visually appealing reading journal you'll wonder how you ever existed without, especially if you're an avid reader. It has space for 52 in-depth book reviews and offers various challenges and lists for Books I've Read, Finished, Favorites, Did Not Finish, Lent, Borrowed, and more!
A mushroom growing kit, aka a match made in heaven for anyone who prefers to grow and cook their own food. Once they're ready to eat, simply roast, sauté, or air fry 'em right up so you can add that mouthwatering umami flavor to all your fave meals.
A SUPER bright Lite Brite: Disney edition, a blast from the past that'll teleport you right back to childhood. You'll keep your hands *and* mind busy without scrolling. Plus, it's designed with a new snap-on grid that places the template underneath so your art really shines through. It comes in other cute options, like a Pokémon edition and a Hello Kitty edition!
A tiger face punch-needle kit when you're feeling feisty and would love to make a piece of art that'll have you going "RAWR!" as soon as you finish it. This is a fun, relaxing activity that'll be super rewarding when you see the final result!
Hues and Cues that may just be the perfect board game for the color-obsessed person seeking a challenging new activity. You'll use one- and two-word clues for players to try and guess the hue from 480 colors. The closer the guess is to the target hue, the more points you get!
A succulent monster needle-felting kit even total novices will appreciate because any gremlin is a cute gremlin, am I right? It'll be hard to mess these lil' dudes up, and if you do, you have at least four opportunities to get it right! You'll be so busy perfectin' your very own monster (a plant you can't kill, by the way!) that you'll totally forget about screens for a bit.
A teeny-tiny DIY cheese kit packed with the essentials so you can learn to make FOUR batches of delectable ricotta and farmer's cheeses! And it'll only take 30 minutes, which makes it an excellent hobby for those with a short attention span.
Or this delicious DYI mochi ice cream kit that can make up to 32 pieces of your favorite sweet treat, which will probably become a repeat activity after you experience the tastiness firsthand. You'll be a mochi ice cream expert in no time and can keep using this kit to experiment with new flavor combos in the future!
A DIY terrarium kit — what better way to keep yourself occupied than forming your very own lil' ecosystem from the ground up? You'll probably feel more connected to the earth, and you don't even have to leave the couch to do it! The kit comes with everything you need to get started, including an adorable glass bubble vase to proudly display your terrarium in.
An easy-to-use origami starter kit complete with everything you need to ~fold~ yourself into a new hobby — yes, even the authentic origami paper! Both kids and adults can enjoy this activity as it comes with detailed instructions for creating a variety of projects, like swans, pine trees, fox puppets, and more.
A Silk + Sonder subscription that'll encourage you to keep track of pretty much everything going on in your life *without* your phone! You'll get a brand spankin' new planner each month filled with guided prompts, dated calendars, and wellness trackers. Your stress levels (and screen time) are about to go wayyy down thanks to this thing.
A glass mosaic tile coaster kit because store-bought coasters simply do not compare to the DIY versions! Your coffee table will get soo many more compliments with these vibrant beauties on display. This will be a fun activity for artsy folks who are getting a tad bored with their typical outlets, like coloring books and crocheting.
A DIY macramé wall hanging kit if you're looking for an activity that will quickly escalate to one of your fave hobbies. And you get a gorgeous piece of wall art out of it! This is a great way to keep your hands busy for a hot minute so that scrolling is the last thing on your mind. You might even look up after a few hours and be like, "Umm, where's my phone?"
A beginner's wood carving kit, which is a wonderfully satisfying activity you've probably thought about trying at least once. It comes with two wooden blocks, a carving knife, and all the supplies you need to start. Glue the pattern to the wood, carve along the lines, sand it down, and add finish! Being able to show off the completed birdie will be more than worth it.
A pickling starter kit so you can be extra adventurous with your newfound fermenting obsession — you can get into delicious kimchi and sauerkraut or try your hand at the more traditional route with cucumbers and red onions. The possibilities are endless!

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New York Post
8 minutes ago
- New York Post
Angry mom blasts ‘wild' giant octopus attack on child at aquarium: ‘I'm about to become a menace'
Something's more than a little fishy at this aquarium. Britney Taryn took her 6-year-old son, Leo, who loves animals and sea life, to the San Antonio Aquarium, where the family members are regulars, last month. But after a giant Pacific octopus in a touch tank latched onto her child, she likely won't be back anytime soon. The octopus was stuck on the boy for five minutes, and according to Taryn, it took three employees to free him. After the ordeal, he was left with mini suction cup-shaped bruises up the entirety of his arm, reaching up to his shoulder. When she shared the experience — and the aquarium's alleged lack of communication with her after the fact — on her TikTok account, @britneytaryn, viewers were left shocked by the whole affair. @britneytaryn My son has visited the same octopus every week for 3 years. She always loved him until today, when she tried to pull him into the tank. It took 3 aquarium employees to get her off. Was it affection? Recognition? Or something more dangerous? We thought it was a sweet animal bond… until it left bruises. And when we walked back later, she changed color the second she saw him. 🎥 Watch til the end. 💬 Tell me: Was this love or a warning sign? 🧠 Octopus experts, weigh in. #Octopus #AquariumStory #AnimalBondGoneWrong #OctopusBehavior #SeaLife #AnimalInstinct #MarineBiology #ParentingTikTok ♬ original sound – Britney Taryn 'I'm about to become a menace,' she said in the video, referring to the aquarium's reportedly lackluster response in which an employee said the intense suction was just 'octopus kisses' — and clarified that although the species is venomous, they rarely bite. 'Why in the hell would [a giant pacific octopus] be in a touch tank?' wondered one commenter under Taryn's video. Taryn clarified that despite the 'wild' attack, she's not looking for a Harambe-level response, but she did say that she doesn't 'think it's safe for children, especially when unsupervised by staff' — and she was far from the only one. The employee says in the video that the cephalopods are so strong, they can move objects — or people, evidently — up to 700 pounds. Viewers said that she looked 'anxious' trying to get the animal off of her arm, and suggested that it would easily be able to pull a child into the tank, leading to potential injury or drowning. Britney Taryn shows the injuries suffered by her 6-year-old son, Leo, at the aquarium. tiktok/@britneytaryn Others pointed out that octopi are highly intelligent and likely recognized the child. 'Aren't they really smart? Maybe she remembers him and missed him? Doesn't seem like she was trying to harm him,' one user commented under another video. 'Shouldn't be in a touch tank, end of story. It's not an animal that should be allowed to be touched or allowed to touch anyone. It's a safety issue for the animal and people involved, especially a child,' one commenter agreed. Local viewers chimed in, adding that the aquarium is owned by Christy Covino, the wife of convicted wildlife trafficker Ammon Covino, who owned other controversial animal attractions. The octo-attack incident occurred at the same aquarium where thieves snatched a shark in broad daylight back in 2018. A San Antonio Aquarium worker interacts with an octopus in a tank. tiktok/@sanantonio_aquarium The bandits made off with the 1½-foot horn shark and smuggled it out of the venue by disguising it as a baby in a stroller — and staff didn't notice the little bundle of joy, named Ms. Helen, was missing until 45 minutes later. After several days, Ms. Helen was found alive and was later returned to the aquarium. 'Luckily, the thief was someone who knew what he was doing,' Leon Valley Police Chief Joseph Salvaggio told local news station KABB TV, and aquarium officials agreed that it was 'thriving' while living life in the outside world.


CNN
9 minutes ago
- CNN
Lego's annual summer wave is here with 107 new sets. These are the 5 kits I'm building
The largest wave of new Lego sets in 2025 has just landed for August. While summer may be winding down over the next few weeks, Lego is just getting started with the season by launching its annual summer collection complete with a fresh batch of Star Wars starfighters, life-like botanical builds, motorized trains and so much more. But as someone who owns hundreds of Lego sets herself, there are only so many of the product launches I can consider buying or recommending. And with 107 new kits to keep in mind for August 1, I'm diving in to break down what's new, what I've already purchased and what I think is worth building. To start off August, I got up and ran to the Lego store to pick up some of these new sets that just landed on store shelves. It should be no surprise to see the latest from Lego Star Wars make the cut, but I also am ready to build new flower kits and the latest Transformers model. Lego Star Wars Jango Fett's Starship It's not an exaggeration when I say that I've been waiting over a decade for this set to come out. Lego hasn't released this starfighter from "Attack of the Clones" since back when Episode II first hit theaters over 20 years ago. The wait was worth it, as this was the first set I started assembling today. Love the details and the three included minifigures that are new for 2025. Lego Botanicals Hibiscus There's a new flower landing in the Lego Botanicals collection today with the first-ever Hibiscus model. I instantly fell in love with the unique pieces and interesting building techniques that allow this kit to stack up to a gorgeous display piece. It stands over 14 inches tall and includes 660 bricks. Lego Arcade Machine Lego has been stealing headlines lately for its gaming-inspired builds, like the new Game Boy set it just announced. This month, there's a new arcade machine kit that's even more appealing in my eyes. It features 468 pieces that assemble into a an arcade cabinet build that splits open to reveal a detailed gamer's room inside. Lego Botanicals Mini Bonsai Trees The last time Lego released a buildable bonsai tree, I ran out to buy the set the day it came out. Lego must know these Botanicals kits are my weakness, because there's a new kit on sale for August that includes a trio of mini bonsais. There's a ginkgo bonsai tree with yellow leaves, a black pine bonsai tree with green needles and a wisteria bonsai tree with hanging lilac flowers — all of which include their own miniature planter. Lego Icons Transformers: Soundwave Lego has been partnering with Hasbro to release these brick-built Transformers for years, and I am still shocked by just how amazing they are. Past ones like Optimius Prime and Bumblebee have been able to actually morph between car and robot modes, and this new Soundwave kit improves the process with an all-new audio brick that brings the Decepticon and his cassette player mode to life. Alongside all the new kits that I've actually picked up today, there are quite a few others I'll be looking into getting later in the year. After all, Lego gifts are always on my mind going into the winter holidays. Below, I'm shining the spotlight on some new collaborations with TV shows like 'One Piece,' kits straight out of video games like Fortnite and even highly detailed historic castle models. Lego Batman Forever Batmobile After seeing "Superman" earlier this summer, I am sold on future DC projects. But before I get too ahead of myself, this Lego set is here to take a look back at the Batman Forever movie from the late 1990s. It assembles a retro version of the Batmobile complete with a unique version of Bruce Wayne based on his appearance in the film. Lego One Piece The Going Merry Pirate Ship I can't believe that Lego is finally making anime-inspired sets. But the August wave of summer sets are here and so is a whole lineup of kits from the live action "One Piece." The Straw Hats' iconic pirate ship, The Going Merry, is easily my favorite from the collection. The five entirely new minifigures, nearly 1,400 included bricks and overall size of the model make this one of 2025's best kits and a solid value for fans of the Netflix show and original anime alike. Lego City Explorers' Arctic Polar Express Train Most Lego fans can agree that the company doesn't release enough trains. So when new kits like this incredible Arctic Polar Express Train do hit store shelves, it's worth highlighting. The $210 price tag may seem high for a kit with only 1,517 pieces, but it does include the motorized locomotive, plenty of track pieces for a customizable layout and six minifigures. Lego Speed Champions Lamborghini Revuelto and Huracán STO Speed Champions is back with another garage of brick-built supercars this month, which come headlined by this pair of Lamborghinis. I can't decide if I like the orange Revuelto or the blue Huracán STO better, but either one includes immaculate details that car enthusiast and Lego fans will both appreciate. Lego Creator 3-in-1 Medieval Horse Knight Castle Whether you remember building the original knights sets as a kid or you're just a fan of all things medieval, Lego Castle fans can rejoice this month. This nearly 1,400-piece castle includes can be assembled into three different models including the titular fortress, a jousting arena and a medieval town. Regardless of which build you assemble, there are six minifigures and two horses in the kit. Lego Fortnite Mecha Team Leader I am such a sucker for Lego Mecha. I've gone on record before saying that if the company makes a buildable robot, I am likely going to end up buying it. Since I just picked up the Soundwave figure above, this one is going to have to wait. This Fortnite set has still caught my eye, and assembles one of the tallest mechs the company has ever dared to make at nearly 18 inches tall, and backs it with posable limbs and a colorful design inspired by Voltron. Lego Neuschwanstein Castle For older Lego builders, the company's Architecture theme makes some of its most enticing kits. This new Neuschwanstein Castle set certainly fits the bill, with over 3,400 bricks that assemble into a detailed recreation of the iconic Bavarian castle. Lego Technic Volvo EC500 Hybrid Excavator One of the most expensive Lego sets in all of 2025, this Volvo excavator backs up its steep price tag with over 2,300 pieces to assemble this detailed and technically impressive construction tool. Motorized features also help make the price seem better, as they can recreate the real vehicle's operating arm features. There's also opening cabin doors, moving tracks and a rotating excavator body. Lego Star Wars Battle of Felucia Separatist MTT The summer wave of Lego sets includes several Star Wars builds, like this MTT vehicle. I wish I had room in my collection to buy this one right away, but it's definitely one of the kits I'll be eyeing for later on in the year. I adore the Battle Droid rack that deploys from the front and the slick blue and grey color scheme. The $160 is on the higher end, but the moment this goes on sale for the first time, I know I won't be able to stop myself from picking it up. Lego Spider-Man vs. Doc Ock Subway Train Scene It's been ages since Lego has made any kits based around the original "Spider-Man" movies starring Tobey Maguire. This one recreates one of the trilogy's most iconic moments, as Peter Parker tries to stop a subway train from crashing off the tracks. Being a comic book fan in New York City makes this set even cooler for me and is one I'll have to add to my Lego city sooner than later. Lego may release new sets periodically throughout the year, but the January New Year's launches and August waves some the most exciting. Known as its summer collection, this month has the largest lineup of new kits in all of 2025 so far. Unfortunately for Lego fans like myself, there are more kits worth your cash than ever, so narrowing down the 107 new releases to just 15 recommendations is tough. But when you have a Lego collection as large as mine, you have to pick and choose which kits are worth not just your money but also the physical space to display. Here at CNN Underscored, we make it our job to stay up to date on all the latest products, but we don't just find them; we also rigorously test products from hundreds of brands to make sure every gift you give is a hit. In the case of this shopping guide for the new 2025 Lego sets, you're getting recommendations from a lifelong Lego fan. Senior deals editor Rikka Altland has been building Lego since before she could form full sentences. She has also been writing about Lego professionally for nearly a decade and has been collecting kits for almost twice as long. Altland is constantly buying new kits, so when she says she loves a kit and thinks it's worth buying, she's putting her money where her mouth is.


New York Post
38 minutes ago
- New York Post
Fugly ‘foot condom' toe shoes are back — with celebs, fashionistas stepping into the tacky tootsie trend: ‘Everyone laughs'
After toeing the line for years, the world's most controversial shoe has found its footing — and that's quite a feat. What was once considered the most reviled footwear on the planet is now strutting down runways and racking up waitlists. 4 The world's most controversial shoe has found its footing, Getty Images The Vibram FiveFingers shoe — a glove-like creation with individual slots for each toe — has been deemed the shoe of the summer, despite sparking visceral reactions ranging from laughter to full-blown disgust. Originally launched in 2006 by Italian sport and mountaineering brand Vibram for barefoot running purists, the FiveFingers were designed to mimic the natural movement of the foot. Enthusiasts claimed benefits like improved posture, stronger foot muscles, and better balance. They first gained traction with athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, and quickly became fashion's favorite punching bag. Celebs like Prince Harry, Kate Hudson, and Scarlett Johansson were seen in them over a decade ago. Described by critics as 'foot condoms' and 'the most embarrassing footwear ever made,' the shoes remained firmly outside the style mainstream — until now. This summer, the shoes are selling out worldwide, gracing Vogue spreads, TikTok and runways. 4 The Vibram FiveFingers shoe — a glove-like creation with individual slots for each toe — has been deemed the shoe of the summer, despite sparking visceral reactions ranging from laughter to full-blown disgust. Getty Images They've recently been spotted on fashion-forward celebrities like BLACKPINK's Jennie Kim, model Paloma Elsesser and rapper Doechii; the once-ridiculed shoes are suddenly a hot commodity. Influencers are desperate to find a pair, with some scouring resale sites for months. Several styles are now sold out globally, priced between $100 and $200. Also known as barefoot shoes, the style is now being sold by Margiela Tabis, Balenciaga Crocs, and JNCO jeans. 4 Originally launched in 2006 by Italian sport and mountaineering brand Vibram for barefoot running purists, the FiveFingers were designed to mimic the natural movement of the foot. @melinaft / TikTok According to secondhand platform Depop, searches for 'barefoot toe shoes' have risen 205% this year, with demand for Vibrams specifically spiking by 296% since April. On TikTok, the shoes have become a viral phenomenon. London-based fashion advisor Emma Hope posted a TikTok video of herself riding the Tube in her pair, captioned: 'POV: people on the Tube are laughing at your freaky toe shoes.' Fashion influencer Abby Walker shared a TikTok video of herself dancing around in her shoes — only to whine, 'everyone laughs at my shoes.' Although most people on the app seem to love the accessory, someone commented that they are 'actually the hottest shoes rn,' on a TikTok video of @daisypyo styling her pair. 'Idk what it is but these feel like the mostttt cutie feminine shoe, but they are always sold out,' someone else commented on a similar video of @melinaft styling her pink pair. But the FiveFingers aren't for the faint of heart. One commuter, who goes by @feriliketheboat on TikTok, recorded a fellow passenger wearing them on the London Underground, saying, 'No, this is not acceptable on public transport. Oh my God, they're your toes. Oh, I'm going to throw up. No, get them off.' 4 Described by critics as 'foot condoms' and 'the most embarrassing footwear ever made,' the shoes remained firmly outside the style mainstream — until now. @lucymarygrace / TikTok Another TikTok user, Georgia, complained about constantly having to explain her footwear: 'Every time I wear them, I have to talk to someone about them. It's like I have to give therapy to make people okay with my shoes.' Despite the backlash, support for the shoes is growing. Enthusiasts argue that toe shoes are simply ahead of their time — and maybe always were. Celebs like Prince Harry, Kate Hudson, and Scarlett Johansson were seen in them over a decade ago. Today, it seems the FiveFingers are finally having their moment as part of the broader 'footnaissance.' The resurgence of foot-forward fashion is undeniable — British Vogue even declared in 2023 that 'toes are the new legs.' The broader cultural shift toward unconventional footwear — from Maison Margiela's tabi boots to Nike's split-toe Air Rifts — has helped normalize previously taboo silhouettes. Ballet flats and flip-flops have also walked into the fashion world. So whether you find them fascinating or nauseating, toe shoes have officially stepped into the spotlight.