Your 20s are the perfect time to experiment, explore, and figure out what actually brings you joy. Between working, socializing, and attempting to act like an adult, it’s easy to fall into the habit of spending all your free time scrolling TikTok or rewatching New Girl for the fifth time. But what if you had a hobby that felt fulfilling, fun, and maybe even a little life-changing?
Whether you’re looking to romanticize your daily routine, tap into your creative side, or just find a way to de-stress after a long day, here are 20 hobbies to pick up in your 20s that are actually worth your time.
1. Jewelry Making
If you love accessorizing, why not make your own? Whether it’s beaded bracelets, clay earrings, or wire-wrapped rings, jewelry making is a fun (and surprisingly relaxing) way to craft unique pieces that fit your personal style. Plus, it could turn into a side hustle if you get really into it
2. Candle Making for the Cozy Vibes
Imagine filling your space with scents you create. Think warm vanilla, fresh eucalyptus, or even a custom “main character” fragrance. Candle making is super therapeutic and lets you control everything from the wax blend to the aesthetic of the jars.
3. Doing Your Own Nails (Save Money, Look Chic )
Salon visits add up fast, so why not become your own nail tech? Experiment with at-home gel kits, intricate nail art, or even press-ons that look like they came straight from Pinterest. It’s fun, creative, and oddly satisfying.
4. Taking Dance Classes
Dancing isn’t just a workout—it’s a whole mood booster. Whether you go for ballet, salsa, hip-hop, or even pole dancing, movement-based hobbies are great for confidence, coordination, and having a really fun night out.
5. Needlepoint
Embroidery, cross-stitching, and needlepoint aren’t just for your grandma anymore. It’s a soothing hobby that lets you create gorgeous designs on fabric, from delicate florals to sassy stitched phrases (because we all need a hoop that says It’s fine, I’m fine on the wall).
6. Rock Climbing for an Adrenaline Rush
Indoor bouldering gyms are popping up everywhere, and rock climbing is an incredibly fun way to build strength, problem-solve, and feel like an absolute badass when you make it to the top.
7. Watercolor Painting for Your Inner Artist
Watercolor is so much more forgiving than oil or acrylic painting, making it the perfect medium for beginners. Try painting dreamy landscapes, abstract color washes, or tiny floral illustrations, you might just surprise yourself.
8. Blogging (Because Your Thoughts Deserve a Platform)
If you’ve ever considered starting a blog, this is your sign. Whether it’s fashion, lifestyle, book reviews, or deep-dive essays on your favorite niche topic, blogging is an amazing creative outlet and a way to connect with like-minded people.
9. Mastering the Art of Floral Arranging
There’s something incredibly luxurious about fresh flowers in your space—so why not learn to arrange them like a pro? From classic bouquets to wild, organic designs, floristry is an art that makes every day feel a little more special.
10. Learning a New Language (Duolingo Owls, Unite!)
I have been learning Korean for with Preply for 2 years now and it feels amazing to say that I can understand a new language. Other apps like Dulingo and Babble are great ways to improve your langauge skills.
11. Gardening (Even If You Only Have a Tiny Balcony)
No backyard? No problem. You can start a mini herb garden, nurture some succulents, or try your hand at growing tomatoes on your balcony. There’s something so satisfying about watching something grow from your own care.
12. Scrapbooking to Romanticize Your Life
Printing out your favorite photos and creating aesthetic memory books is so much more fun than just scrolling through your camera roll. Get creative with washi tape, cute stickers, and handwritten notes to make it personal.
13. Journaling (For Your Main Character Moments)
Whether it’s bullet journaling, gratitude journaling, or simply brain-dumping your thoughts at the end of the day, writing things down can be life-changing. Plus, it’s the perfect way to track your growth and look back on all your 20-something adventures.
14. Joining a Silent Book Club (Introvert’s Dream, TBH)
If the idea of discussing books with a group stresses you out, silent book clubs are for you. Everyone brings their own book, reads together in a cozy space, and then maybe chats about it afterward. No pressure, just good vibes.
15. Taking Up Photography for the Aesthetic Feed
Photography is an amazing way to capture memories and romanticize the little moments. Whether it’s film photography, Polaroids, or just learning how to actually use your iPhone camera settings, this hobby will instantly upgrade your IG feed.
16. Becoming a Puzzle Enthusiast (It’s Not Just for Rainy Days)
Puzzles are so underrated. They’re a great way to unwind, keep your brain sharp, and give you that satisfying “I did that” feeling when you finish a 1,000-piece masterpiece.
17. Joining a Run Club (Because Running Alone is Boring)
If you struggle to stay motivated with fitness, a run club might be your secret weapon. The accountability (and social aspect) makes it way easier to stay consistent and some groups even end their runs at a coffee shop or brewery, which is definitely the kind of motivation we need.
18. Learning Calligraphy
From wedding invitations to journaling, learning calligraphy is a skill that always comes in handy. Plus, it’s oddly therapeutic and makes you feel incredibly fancy.
19. Learning to Code (Because Tech is the Future)
Even if you don’t plan on becoming a software engineer, coding is an amazing skill to have. Try building a simple website, designing an app, or even making your own blog from scratch, who knows where it might take you?
20. Learning an Instrument
Whether it’s guitar, piano, ukulele, or even the violin, playing an instrument is one of the most rewarding hobbies out there.
