25-02-2025
32 Fun Things To Buy If You're Feeling Creative
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
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Just think about how many fun trinkets you can make with the air-dry clay that's all over TikTok right now.
1. The Reverse Coloring Book, a fun way to stretch your mind because instead of coloring in the lines like a traditional coloring book, you add the lines to decide the vibe of the piece. Reviewers love how relaxing this is and say it's quite satisfying to see the end result!
Amazon,
Each book includes 50 pages of watercolor art for you to add lines, along with suggestions for what to add if you want a jumping off point. B onus: the pages are perforated so you can easily tear them out and frame them!
Promising review:"Changed my life. So I get anxious doing the adult coloring books. This was so much fun and made me really think outside of the box. I'm not the best at drawing but I felt like I was when I was a kid doodling in my textbooks in school." — Carley C.
Get it from Amazon for $13.49.
(Psst — check out these cult-fave black fine point pens for $8.99 on Amazon for a good doodling option!)
2. A copy of The Book of Myself: A Do-It-Yourself Autobiography in 201 Questions if you've been thinking, "I should write a book," but have no clue where to start. This gives you fun prompts to write and reflect and it's a great activity for a screen-free night.
This book is a kind of DIY memoir — it goes through three phases of "Early," "Middle," and "Later" years, and has 201 different prompts based on your memories, experiences, and views on the world. Prompts include things like what you would have switched careers to midway through if given the chance, or a present you got from your parents that sticks in your memory, or who you think the funniest person in your family is. This also makes for a lovely gift for family members, so you can all preserve each other's memories!
Get it from Amazon for $16.50 or from Bookshop (to support local bookstores) for $18.60 (originally $20).
3. A set of Shrinky Dinks sheets since seeing your little drawings do their lil' shrinky dance in the oven is just soooo satisfying. You can turn them into jewelry, magnets, and keychains — the possibilities are endless!
If you are unfamiliar with this, Shrinky Dink paper lets you color designs on it that you can then cut out and bake to shrink them down.
Promising review: "Fun for ALL ages! Recently remembered how fun these were. I have a smaller daughter, so it gave me an excuse to buy these. They're secretly for me — half kidding. These are so simple to use and create great crafts. These will keep your little one's imagination going, occupied and helps practice fine motor skills. I would definitely recommend to ANYONE, not just little humans." — Alex Soper
Get a 25-sheet set from Amazon for $13.49.
4. A "Book Club" reading journal so you can fully reflect, review, and rave about every book that you knocked off your "to be read" list. This has enough room for 80 entries and even includes pages like a reading tracker and a reading list!
Amazon
Lamare is a Florida-based small business that specializes in planners and journals.
Promising review:"I love love LOVE this book journal! I've been looking for one since like last year and this one caught my eye in the beginning of 2023. I finally decided to bite the bullet and buy it and I am so glad I did! I would buy this book journal a million times over, I love it!" — Maddie
Get it from Amazon for $19.95 (available in two styles).
5. A gorgeous pastel paint-by-number that'll make it feel like you're a modern-day Van Gogh without having to actually know how to paint that well. Once you finish your piece, you'll immediately want to order another!
Amazon,
Each set comes with a detailed numbered outline, four brushes, and a set of numbered acrylic paints with extra to spare.
Promising review: "Colorful and fun! This is the third paint-by-number I've done, and by far the most challenging. Lots of fine point detail, and the paint brushes included were adequate, unlike other PBN sets I've bought." — Emily cox
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in 12 styles).
6. "The Secret Soup" — just another version of the viral Magic Puzzle series that has gone viral on TikTok for its stunning illustrations and the fun, magical twist that reveals itself once the puzzle is complete. There are over 50 Easter eggs in it, and each miniature scene will make you feel like you're going on many adventures as you solve this unique puzzle.
Check out a TikTok of the magic puzzle in action.
Promising review:"This puzzle was delightful from start to finish. The oddly shaped pieces, the story being told within it, the surprise ending puzzle, the checklist hunt, the mobility of the sections, and the characters and design all gave it — and me! — such life. Regular puzzles tend to bore or frustrate me but each time I worked on this I was full of joy." — Brittany
Get it from Amazon for $22.99, and check out the rest of the Magic Puzzle lineup for more options!.
7. A copy of Burn After Writing, which includes some imaginative and thoughtful writing prompts for a fun way to relieve stress and reflect on your past, present, and future.
Promising review: "I first saw this book on TikTok and decided to look more into it. I purchased four total because I know some people holding onto things that are difficult to let go of. It's a great way to look at things from a different perspective and truly hold yourself accountable to different things in your life. I love what it stands for and I look forward to when I burn mine after I'm done. Self love, self care, and meditation for a better state of mind tomorrow is always the goal. I definitely recommend it to those susceptible to change and the willingness to try things different." — Brent Helm
Get it from Amazon for $7.32.
8. A set of eye-popping fine-point pens that come in so many colors you'll be inspired to draw violet-colored tigers, orange and magenta forests, and all the other colorful creations your doodling heart desires. Plus, these are great for journals or planners since they won't bleed through the paper!
Promising review:"I love how this pen feels to hold and it writes beautifully! I am very picky about how the ink looks from the pens I use and I don't remember having one that writes so smoothly and beautifully! I will buy these whenever I need more. I actually just purchased another package of all black!" — Kate
Get a set of 18 from Amazon for $7.99.
9. A beginner-friendly diamond painting coaster set sure to make your guests go "ooh" and "ahh" because of how beautifully they shimmer. Cheers to fun coasters and no watermarks on your mom's wood table!
This is kind of like paint by numbers, but instead of paint, you have these beautiful tiny crystals that you stick on to the corresponding sections!
Promising review:"The designs and colors are the same as shown on Amazon. Finished coasters sparkle, and the vibrant colors create eight very cute cats. There were plenty of beads to complete the project and adhesion was excellent. Letters and numbers were sharp and easy to follow. I am delighted with these coasters." — PackLeaderJ
Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (available in five styles).
10. And a family-friendly punch needle coaster set to give the kids *and* adults something fun to do other than watch yet another episode of Bluey. You can use them as coasters orrrr attach magnets to use them as cute fridge decor!
Amazon,
This set comes with six patterns, 11 colored yarns, adhesive felt backings, an embroidery hoop, and a punch needle.
Promising review:"This was my first time doing punch needling and this kit is perfect for beginner's. It came with plenty of yarn as well. 100 percent would recommend buying this. Was fun to do and entertaining and relaxing." — Sara smith
Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in three themed sets).
11. A delightfully wacky spin and paint art set if you don't wanna do a full-on tie-dye project but still want to create some groovy-looking wall art for your home. The splash guard makes for an easy cleanup, and you'll be singing 🎶 you spin me right round, baby, right round 🎶 in no time.
This set includes the Spin Art Machine, a splatter guard, five bottles of paints, four white crayons, and 20 pieces of paper.
Promising review: "I'm an adult artist. I got this on a lark to have some fun with it. I think a child would have a lot of fun with it. I've discovered you can use any tempera or acrylic paint (just put some in small squeeze bottles). I'm actually having fun experimenting it." — Lynn
Get it from Amazon for $19.97+ (available in two versions).
12. A set of cat-themed tarot cards that comes with a guidebook, making it a perfect beginner-fuurriendly way to dip your toe into tarot. I'm getting a sense that these need to be added to your cart immediately!
Promising review:"I'm new to tarot, so I grabbed some cute looking cards that promised a guidebook. I love the artwork that the artist has done and I like their take on some of the cards. Helps the meaning stick a bit more (at least in my semi cat obsessed mind). All the cards have a lot of detail to them. I've shown three major arcana and four minor arcana cards that have come up in my readings and the cards made it easy to 'get it' when I read the meanings and have studied the card meanings outside of this guide book. Would definitely recommend for the artwork alone and as a good starter deck for anyone interested in learning tarot." — Averey
Get it from Amazon for $17.45.
13. A beginner's guide to calligraphy to give you a ~helping hand~ on your hand lettering skills. You'll love this so much that you'll want to label every single item in your house and write handwritten letters to all your friends!
Paper Peony Press is a Texas-based boutique publishing company that specializes in purpose-driven books.
Promising review:"I've tried several instructional books on hand lettering. This book is the best by far. I won't say the names of the other books but suffice it to say they are all at the top of the list when you search for hand lettering. It is the only book that gives practice for the base strokes and also discusses posture and how to hold the pen and at what angle to the paper. It is also a lovely book to work with; nice artwork/illustrations. I recommend this book to other beginners out there!" — Karen Rorick
Get it from Amazon for $20.58.
14. A wine coloring book that combines your love of cabernet and coloring for a perfect Friday night in. This has 32 pages of funny wine-related sayings and illustrations, so now you have 32 excuses for why you can't go out.
Amazon
Bonus: it comes with colored pencils included!
Promising review:"Very cute, sayings were accurate and funny. Pictures provided a lot of variety from simple to more complex, and provide plenty of stress relief while watching a movie and coloring and drinking wine of course." — Tegyn Dustin
Get it from Amazon for $11.95.
15. A teensy DIY cheese kit so you can make four batches of ricotta and farmers' cheese. Pair this with some wine and crackers, and BAM, you've got some yummy homemade cheese that only took you a half hour to make.
Urban Cheesecraft is an Oregon-based Etsy shop established in 2009 that specializes in make-your-own cheese kits in a variety of cheeses, including vegan options. Each kit comes with a cheesecloth, citric acid, flake salt, instructions, and "email support for life" — all you need is milk (and a mouth to consume it all).
Promising review:"These kits are great gifts for the cheese lover and the person 'who's already got it all.' The packaging looks nice and gift-worthy and it's a perfect price range. I love that the recipient gets an experience as well as a tangible product and I can personally attest that the actual process is easy." — amyleannbohner
Get it from Urban Cheesecraft on Etsy for $16.50 (originally $22).
16. Or Small Batch Bakes, perfect for those who just want a sweet treat without the hassle of converting those "serves 24–36" recipes into smaller batch sizes. You can flip through these delicious recipes meant for one to six people and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Kyle Books
This has recipes for sweet *and* savory items like: everything bagel morning buns, a singular chocolate chip cookie, English muffins, and Snickerdoodle cheesecake bars!
Helpfully, this book measures in grams *and* tablespoons, so you can bake however you prefer.
Get it from Amazon for $15.33 or Bookshop (to support local bookstores) for $23.24.
17. Wreck This Journal — it'll be a canvas for your imaginative and creative mind. This has space for you to write, paint, and "destroy" the pages making you feel the true inner workings of an artist.
Some of the prompts include one to close the journal and scribble on the edges; another to cut out colors from a magazine and tape them all over the page; another is a "Stain Log," which you can use to classify stains in your life, from red wine to nail polishes to food dyes. Basically, if you turn the page in this journal, odds are it's going to look *nothing* like it originally did by the time you're through.
Get it from Amazon for $9.19 or Bookshop (to support local bookstores) for $14.88.
18. A beginner's embroidery kit for adults because it gives you something fun to do with your hands other than eat junk food as Netflix asks you for the third time, "Are you still watching?"
Amazon
Each kit comes with a simple design, a cotton cloth, a bamboo embroidery hoop, a little scissor, colored threads, embroidery needles, and instructions, so you should be raring to go when it arrives!
Promising review:"I've never done anything like this before ... but I like to try new things, and I've just recently moved and wanted to decorate my house with some handmade decor. This kit is a great value for the price! It came with the hoop, more than enough thread, and two needles! The printed pattern is very clear and easy to follow, and the little sheet of instructions on what stitch to use and how to do it is clear enough (and anything I don't understand I just watch a tutorial on YouTube). I'm about three hours into the project already and I didn't want to put it down last night." — Abby
Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in 17 different patterns).
19. A pack of mini rainbow scratch art notes that you used to love as a kid, and you'll be sure to love as an adult because that's nostalgia babyyyy. And yes, you should still use one of these to scratch off the ENTIRE black stuff to reveal the whole rainbow background.
Promising review:"I love this little scratch art pad. Sometimes I just need a break and a little distraction to let my brain breathe so I pull this out and make all sorts of designs. You do get a little of a mess by scratching the black off but I usually have a big mess cause I end up scratching the whole thing off. Can't help it. Kid at heart, I guess." — Jane
Get a pack of 125 notes from Amazon for $11.69 (available in two styles).
20. A beginner's sushi-making kit because those DoorDash delivery fees are starting to make you think, "What if I just do it myself?" This will make sushi date night way more interactive, and you'll be able to customize your roll just the way you like!
Each kit comes with two sushi rolling mats, five pairs of chopsticks, a paddle, a spreader, and a PDF of instructions, including recipes for six popular rolls.
Promising review:"The entire Bamboo Sushi Kit is absolutely well made, easy to use, easy to clean, high-end restaurant quality, and durable. it was very nicely packaged, and instructions clear, in-depth and very easy to follow. No one (myself included) in my household has ever made sushi before but (thanks to the enclosed instructions), there were no issues making it. My daughter did an awesome job utilizing these products to make 'FISH-FREE SUSHI' with Pickled Ginger on top, was delectable! Loooooove it!" — Liza
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
21. A game of "Bards Against Profanity," — RIP Shakespeare, he would've loved this game. For thou art a fool if this be not added to thy cart.
Amazon
You basically play the same way you'd play Apples To Apples or Cards Against Humanity — someone puts down a prompt scenario card, and players complete with the insult cards to fill the prompts to see whose is the funniest. Whoever wins the most scenarios wins the game. Four or more players are required.
Promising review:"THIS GAME IS IMPOSSIBLE NOT TO ENJOY, whether you know anything about Shakespeare or not — it makes no difference. I had no idea how much wit, and how much 'inappropriate' language, is in his plays. It's extremely easy to learn so you aren't wasting time reading instructions. In fact, the very brief instructions say to just play until you get bored ;-) Nothing serious about this game." — Long Beach Native
Get it from Amazon for $31.95.
22. A beeswax candle kit so your friends can ~wax poetic~ when they find out that you made the candles yourself instead of buying them at Bath and Body Works.
Each set comes with materials to make eight candles, including a melting pot, six bags of beeswax, eight containers with lids, six scents, 10 cotton wicks, eight dye blocks, glue dots, labels, stirring sticks, wick clippers, a storage bag, a thermometer, and a user manual.
Promising review:"I purchased this kit because I always wanted to make my own candles. This candle making kit looked like it had everything I needed and it definitely does. I am so pleased with it that I will be buying more scented oils and wax so that I can make candles as gifts this holiday season. It's a very nice kit." — Tracie Craig
Get it from Amazon for $49.99.
23. A beginner's butter churner that'll let you create whatever type of butter your heart desires. We're talking apple butter, garlic butter... even cinnamon butter! In as little as 10 minutes, you can make deeeelicious homemade butter right at home.
Promising review:"I am delighted with this product. The accompanying instructions were very helpful. I made my first hand-churned butter, which I consider being a homage to my grandparents, who were dairy farmers. The process is really surprising when the butter seizes up — I think it was very important to me to see and experience that moment. Subtle, but crucial... At any rate, I used it, cleaned it, so have experienced both. I don't think you'll be disappointed with this little yet sophisticated butter churn." — Nanci Hamilton
Get it from Amazon for $45.
24. An unofficial Disney Parks cookbook since a trip to Disney isn't really in the budget every time you're craving a Mickey beignet or the Mickey raspberry macaron (iykyk).
Promising review:"Beautiful hardcover cookbook with so many yummy Disney recipes from the parks! There is lots of Disney foodie history in it, plus recipes that look easy to follow with high quality ingredients. There are fun maps of each of the parks inside where the food is located from, which makes it fun. As an avid Disney fan I have never seen a cookbook like this." — Nicole
Get it from Amazon for $14.77.
25. A 5-pound bucket of Crayola Air Dry Clay because those pottery videos have got a chokehold on you but you don't trust yourself on the wheel. This is great for hand-building and will dry out, so you can paint it after. The world is your clayground, so go and get creating!
Btw, a lot of reviewers use silicone or plastic molds to get specific shapes!
Promising review: "It's honestly just a really nice material to work with! If you want to create things with clay, this is definitely a good choice! It's definitely not for professional use, but i feel like that's a given? I mean, it is Crayola. But all in all, great for those who want to use it for fun!" — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $10.62.
26. A paint-by-sticker set where you can recreate vintage travel posters and display them for everyone to see. Who knows, out of all the hobbies that you try... this one might just be the one that sticks!
Workman Publishing
Each comes with 12 posters and the stickers to complete them, including iconic travel posters from gondolas in Venice to the pyramids in Cairo.
Get it from Amazon for $11.23 or Bookshop (to support local bookstores) for $15.80.
27. A set of miniature moon and star crystals that'll give you a reason to prioritize mindfulness in your life. The set comes with explanation cards for each stone and how you can utilize each one in its own unique way.
Promising review: "This product was a gift to my tween daughter who asked for 'crystals' on her X-mas list. Since she's a beginner in crystals, I decided to get her a NICE but simple set of GENUINE STONES. Which this set IS, and the price is amazingly low for this product! This set is a VERY good value for the money, a lovely starter crystal set, and a pretty gift set for anyone interested in having colorful random pretties in their home or office space." — A.J.
Get a set of 14 from Amazon for $10.99.
28. A friendship bracelet-making kit to bring you back to the good ol' days when you used to go to summer camp. This bad boy is sure to be your new BFF because you'll wanna make so many bracelets now.
Each set comes with the holder mount and 20 pre-cut threads in 10 colors as well as access to an online instruction manual for all kinds of different designs.
Promising review:"I bought this for my daughter for a craft night. I made friendship bracelets when I was a kid but could not remember how to make them. This helped so much! I had to buy another one for me so we can work on them at the same time. Love this product!" — hollyhock
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in six colors).
29. Cocktail Codex: Fundamentals, Formulas, Evolutions so you can ~mix~ things up a bit and learn how to be your own at-home bartender. This teaches you how to make the six classic cocktails (the old-fashioned, martini, daiquiri, sidecar, whisky highball, and flip), and it shows you how you can add fun twists with the ingredients you have.
Amazon
Check out a TikTok of the cocktail book in action.
Promising review:"This book has easily become one of my favorites. Great base knowledge and would recommend to anyone seeking to further educate themselves on spirits and cocktails. Even the first few pages is full of useful information. Purchase this for yourself or even as a gift. I cannot say enough good things about this book." — Adriana
Get it from Amazon for $19.12.
30. Plus, a shaker of edible cocktail glitter because life is too short not to have a sparkly glass of rosé (or lemonade if you're in your sober curious era). Reviewers love having this when they are throwing a party, and say a little goes a long way!
Bakel is a small business established in 2016 that specializes in edible glitters for food and drink.
Promising review:"Don't think any further and just buy it. This was so cool and everyone loved it! I got the clear one because it will go with any drink. I will be the one to put this in all my friends drinks. Also had no taste so it was just the look. Sooooooo cool!" — gigi
Get it from Amazon for $8.94+ (available in 13 colors).
31. A string art kit since scrolling through Pinterest has sparked a new sense of creativity for you (and your home decor). This kit comes with everything you need, and the finished product will add some texture to your collection of bedroom wall art.
Amazon
The kit comes with a crafting board, small hammer, a holder, nails, glue, screws, cotton string, a frame, a pattern, and a detailed instruction manual, so there's no need to buy other supplies.
Promising review:"These instructions are easy to follow — I finished it in two hours. This was so much fun and I love my finished results! It looks so beautiful. It was a gift for my friend. I would buy it again and recommend it to others." — yuyantan
Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in eight styles).
32. A starter's weaving kit because you're in your grandma crafting era and you aren't mad about it. This has everything you need to make a cozy little tapestry for your room and comes in so many color variations so one is sure to match your aesthetic.
Wool Couture Company
Wool Couture Company is a UK-based Etsy shop established in 2014 that specializes in knitting, crochet, weaving, and macrame craft kits.
The Quintessential Kit comes with: a loom, two weaving needles, merino wool for weaving, instructions, a mounting bar for hanging, and a cotton ball of warp to hold your work.
Promising review:"It's simple to use, the wool I received in the set is of a high quality and the service was smooth and communicative. Can not recommend this highly enough from a first-time weaver." — DivineDerbyshire
Get it from Wool Couture Company on Etsy for $64.53 (available in eight styles).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
