6 Cozy Hobbies to Try In the New Year

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It’s the new year, and every year I try to set goals to help me rekindle hobby sparks. This year, instead of making a long, drawn-out list that just gets shoved to the side in February, I’m going to attempt to focus on six cozy hobbies instead. To keep myself accountable, I’m sharing those hobbies here on the blog, and maybe they’ll inspire you.

1. Start A Recipe Book

I’ve lost track of the times I’ve craved a specific meal that I used to love, only to try to make it myself or go out looking for it and end up disappointed. There are so many recipes that just aren’t the same if they’re not made the way a loved one used to make them. This year, one of my goals is to start writing down recipes I make (especially my go-to recipes), so that I can pass them down to my kid, so they always have a way to have those special recipes saved.

2. Go Through Your Media Backlog

If you are guilty of having more than ten games, books, or any media you consume in your backlog, 2026 is the year to try to put a dent in those. Personally, I kept putting off starting some games like Horizon Forbidden West, because I wanted to stream them, but I have a hard time finding time to stream. So I’m not making that excuse anymore, and will be working my way through some of the games I’ve been procrastinating with.

3. Start A Gaming or Book Journal

Speaking of working through my backlog, another hobby I want to try is combining my love of journaling with gaming through game journaling. I’ve been really inspired by @gaminginyellow on Threads’ posts and like the idea of having a place to write down my unfiltered thoughts that don’t always make it into videos or reviews when I play games.

4. Walk or Hike Alone & With Others

Walking is a great way to get some light activity in your day-to-day routine. Social walking is also a great way to stay motivated, so try going on a short walk whenever you can, and see if it evolves into a permanent hobby.

5. Reading

Whether they’re trending on Booktok or random finds in the library, reading is something that can transport you to so many amazing worlds. Setting a monthly or yearly reading goal is a great way to stay accountable.

5.5. Read With Others

Adding to reading, sometimes reading with others is a great motivator to finish books you start. It can be reading with your spouse, reading to your kid, or joining a book club and reading with friends. Either way, it’s a way to share an old or new hobby with the people who are important to you.

6. Take Up Photography

You don’t need an expensive or professional camera (if you have one, that’s great) to get started in photography, especially if it’s just a hobby. Try using your phone camera, or if you can find one, a disposable camera to get started. Then, pick a subject, go to a favorite park, or simply take photos of your family and friends. You can then turn these photos into a scrapbook using a regular or mini-printer.

A purple Nintendo Switch on a purple background with the text "6 Cozy Hobbies to Try in 2026."