10 New Hobbies to Try This Year

The ancient writing technique of calligraphy can hone more than just your penmanship—it also will strengthen your patience, discipline and attention to detail. After you cultivate your newfound hobby, go on and display it—to your family's and friends' amazement—on your holiday cards next year.

To buy: Calligraphy Starter Kit, $30

For those who can't quite justify a hobby due to time constraints, pick something that will broaden your horizons while also beefing up the skill section on your résumé. Coding is one example. And it doesn't necessarily have to be learned in a classroom setting. There are online programs that teach the fundamentals using "Star Wars" or "Minecraft" games, such as Code.org. And if you get stuck, you can probably ask your kids for help.

Sure, you could just go out and buy a six-pack. But wouldn't it be more fun—not to mention more impressive—to offer a guest one of your home-brewed beverages? To learn the basics, Naked Malt Brewing Company offers starter kits—from pale ales to apple ciders. Pick your fave and hop to it.

To buy: Spiced Cider Kit, $8

Since you have to cook during the week anyway, why not turn the chore into an enriching hobby? Take your cooking skills and recipes to a higher level with guidance from some of the world's most renowned chefs. For beginning and intermediate cooks, try "How to Cook Everything" by Mark Bittman or "How to Cook Without a Book" by Pam Anderson. For more advanced techniques, tryThomas Keller's "The French Laundry Cookbook" or "Ad Hoc at Home."

To buy: The Essential Thomas Keller, $59

This hobby is a must for anyone itching to get creative and organized at the same time. With the help of some stencils and etching cream (which you can find in any glass-etching starter kit), you can add frosted labels to drinking glasses, glass jars and containers while bringing some Pinterest-worthy order to your spice cabinet, pantry, fridge and laundry room.

To buy: Armour Etch Glass Kit, $19

This is the ideal hobby for any parent who's tired of getting pestered about getting a pet and who wouldn't mind earning some extra money on the side. Sign up to be a pet sitter with Rover.com or Petvacay.com, and watch another family's pet while they're away. Or, turn the hobby into a volunteering gig and become a foster home for a rescue organization (Petfinder offers guidance on the process). Just be sure to let the kiddos in on the hobby too as some "practice" for their future pet.

Fun fact: Sign language is the third-most-used language (after English and Spanish) in the U.S. Beyond that, becoming bilingual (whether through speech or sign) improves creative thinking, problem-solving and listening skills, according to Handspeak.com. And for parents with babies or toddlers, learning and teaching baby sign language can be a terrific tool in fostering early communication skills and boosting their cognitive development and IQ.

While it's tempting to pass off public speaking as an intrinsic skill, all it takes is practice. And, like coding, it could be a hobby that helps you professionally as well. Whether you want to gain more confidence when giving a presentation at work, give an impromptu toast at a family celebration or just be able to easily strike up a conversation with a new acquaintance, find a local Toast Masters group where you can polish your public speaking skills each week.

For crafty types, forgo the watercolor canvases and try your hand at marquetry. The art form involves laying pieces of wood veneer to create intricate designs or landscapes. And even if you've never gravitated toward an arts and crafts hobby before (especially woodwork), it could be worth trying, especially when you have a step-by-step online guide.

To buy: Craftsy's marquetry class, $20

Just think of how impressed your kids would be if you were able to point out a constellation other than the Big Dipper when you're gathered 'round a bonfire this summer. Besides becoming an educational hobby for you, it could also be a good one to share with your kids as you teach them how to spot the various stars. Check out the book "Find the Constellations," a helpful guide for beginning stargazers—adults and kids alike.