Games and hobbies
Games and puzzles
See all Games and puzzles reviewsThe Best Card Games
by James Austin
Card games may be the simplest kind of game, but that doesn’t mean they’re lacking fun or innovation. We’ve tested 28 card games to find the best of the best.
Board Games We Love for Kids and Families
by Courtney Schley and James Austin
These games can introduce kids to new genres, help them build skills, and offer provocative and age-appropriate challenges, engaging themes, and distinctive designs.
The 3 Best Speed Cubes (And Why the Rubik’s Cube Isn’t One)
by James Austin
Speed cubing turns the iconic fidget toy into a competitive challenge. We tested 14 cutting-edge cubes to find the best options for all skill levels.
Holiday and seasonal crafts
See all Holiday and seasonal crafts reviewsThe Best Tie-Dye Kits
by Taryn Mohrman
Make gorgeous, vibrant tie-dye shirts with our top pick, the Tulip One-Step Tie-Dye Kit.
You Don’t Actually Have to Hard-Boil Your Easter Eggs
by Taryn Mohrman
There’s no rule that says you have to boil your eggs before you dye them for Easter.
The Best Easter Egg Dyeing Kits
by Taryn Mohrman
We tested six Easter egg–dyeing kits, including those with natural Easter egg dyes, and found three that are easy to use and result in bold, vibrant colors.
Music
See all Music reviewsThe Best Budget Digital Piano for Beginners
by Brent Butterworth and John Higgins
The Roland FP-10 is our favorite budget digital piano for beginners because it offers the most realistic feel and sound among models in its price range.
The Best Record Player Setup for Beginners
by Adrienne Maxwell
Start your vinyl music journey here with our picks for turntable, receiver, speakers, and more.
How to Connect Your New Turntable to Any Audio System
by Brent Butterworth
No matter what kind of turntable and audio gear you have, it is possible to get them working together. Here’s how.
More Games and hobbies Posts
The Best Removable Wallpapers
by Katie Okamoto
After months of researching and testing removable wallpapers, we found the three best peel-and-stick papers with endless patterns to choose from.
The Best DNA Testing Kit
by Brishette Mendoza and Amadou Diallo
If you’re okay with the privacy risks that accompany a DNA testing service, AncestryDNA is best for exploring your ethnicity or finding contemporary relatives.
Jigsaw Puzzles We Love
by James Austin
Jigsaw puzzles are a great way to pass time on a rainy day, during a screen break, or at a family gathering. These are a few of our favorites.
How to Pick the Best Chess Set
by James Austin
Chess can be intimidating but buying a set doesn’t have to be. We talked to one of the last chess-shop owners in NYC to get tips on how to select one for you.
The Best Two-Player Board Games
by James Austin
To find the best one-on-one games, we talked with experts and play-tested 36 high-rated titles.
The Best Drones for Photos and Video
by James Austin and Signe Brewster
After testing 33 drones, we found the DJI Air 3 to be the best for most photographers and videographers.
The Best 3D Pen
by Signe Brewster and James Austin
3D pens can help you turn an idea into tactile reality with just a few gestures. After testing 14 pens, we’re sure the 3Doodler Flow is the one to get.
The Best 3D Printer
by Dave Gershgorn
The Bambu Lab A1 Mini is the fastest and easiest-to-use 3D printer we’ve found that is also compact enough to fit on a desk.
The Camp Snap Camera Is Great for Kids. There’s Just One Big Problem.
by Arriana Vasquez
The Camp Snap camera is cheap, rugged, and fun to use—especially for younger photographers. But a few significant flaws kept us from completely falling in love.
Automatic Settings Are Boring. Bring Mood to Your Photos With These Easy Color Adjustments.
by Phil Ryan
Adjusting color can make your photos pop in ways that automatic settings never could. Here’s how.
5 Offline Games We Love for Camping (That Are Also Great for the Backyard)
by James Austin
Camping has many joys—hiking, relaxing by a fire, appreciating trees—but sometimes nature’s inherent entertainment needs an assist. We have five great games to do just that.
The Best Gear for Cornhole, Bags, Sack Toss, or Whatever Y’all Call It Where You’re From
by James Austin
After surveying professionals and tossing their recommendations around ourselves, we chose the GameChanger Steady 2.0 Cornhole Bags for our own backyard games.
10 Apps to Add to Your Kid’s First Phone (That Aren’t Social Media)
by Ellen Lee
Learn an alien language. Identify local wildlife. Take care of a digital pet—and yourself. These apps can be fun and helpful additions to your kid’s phone.
The Best Disposable Cameras
by Phil Ryan
Fujifilm’s QuickSnap Flash 400 and Kodak’s FunSaver one-time-use cameras will give you reliably great color results at your next party or gathering.
The Best Fiber Craft Kits for Adults
by Kase Wickman
Looking for a fun project to keep your hands busy while binging the latest season of your favorite TV show? Try these cute, easy craft kits.
How to DIY Your Own Outdoor Movie Theater
by Geoffrey Morrison and Adrienne Maxwell
Skip the cinema this summer and enjoy a movie night in your backyard.
Skip House Cleaning. Play These Cleaning-Themed Video Games Instead.
by Haley Perry and Arthur Gies
Spring is almost over, but there’s never a bad time to clean or organize in a video game—and your back is less likely to ache when you’re finished.
The Best Telescopes for Beginners
by Signe Brewster and Colin Rosemont
We’ve tested 14 top-rated telescopes over the years, and we’re certain the Celestron NexStar 5SE provides the best functionality for a dedicated beginner.