New year, new me! You know what that means- new pastimes! Getting into new niches is an amazing way to destress and celebrate your hobbies. Here is VALLEY’s list of some new hobbies to try for 2026!
Clay Connoissuer
This year, tap into your creative side. Pottery, although messy, can be a whirlwind of fun. Make your piece, fire it in the kiln and paint it colors of your choosing. Run to your nearest Michael’s and pick up supplies now! Make a bowl, a vase or even a mug for the countless cups we’ll be having this year!
Here’s a little VALLEY tip: It’s best to use air-dry clay because it’s more convenient and easier to work with and if you want to paint your masterpiece, acrylic paint is the best choice for painting air-dry clay, as other paints may crack on the clay.
Trinket Collector
Collecting random trinkets is a hobby that isn’t the first to come to mind, but it can be a really fun way to let your quirky side shine. Sonny Angels, Mini Brands, pins, brooches, whatever your heart desires!
Places to find trinkets can be hard, but the best trinkets come from the most unconventional places. Try going to thrift stores, going through your mom’s old stuff or even taking a walk down the street.
Drink Expert
Another hobby to test out is drink expert. Ditch the hometown Starbucks or Dunkin’ and find your local Mom and Pop coffee shop! They tend to have the best drinks as they’re made with the most important ingredient, love!
More Plants
Becoming a plant parent can help with your health, mental and physical! Decorate your place with a touch of green and feel free to experiment! Having a lot of plants can be helpful for reducing your stress levels and studies even show it can help to improve your air-quality. When your greenhouse is full, feel free to sit back and admire your hard work.
Whatever niche hobby you decide to try this year, have fun with it. There are no parameters to having a hobby you can do whatever you want and it only has to make sense to you and you don’t have to explain it to anyone else.
What hobby are you trying this year? Let us know by tagging us @VALLEYmag on X!
