50 things to keep yourself entertained when you're stuck at home
— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.
Winter is coming—and with it, the reality that we'll probably be spending a lot more time at home (and more specifically, inside) this year amid the COVID-19 pandemic. While we were able to take advantage of backyards and outdoor spaces during the summer and early fall, when temperatures drop, many of us will be moving indoors—which means it's best to prepare sooner rather than later so you don't end up stuck inside 24/7 with nothing to do.
At Reviewed, we've spent most of 2020 keeping you up-to-date on all of the best things to buy (and where to buy them) during the pandemic. As we approach the colder months, we've rounded up 50 products that are for indoor entertainment, whether you're trying to maintain a social life, keep your kids entertained, or simply looking for ways to bust boredom. Below are our top picks, including our favorite streaming device, a sushi-making kit, and all of the arts and crafts you could want.
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1. For watching your favorite shows: This streaming device
Finally: A reason not to feel guilty when you tell Netflix for the 129387th time that yes, you're still watching (after all, you can't go anywhere!). For the best streaming experience, we love the Roku Ultra. It's compatible with all of the biggest streaming services (including Hulu, HBO, and Apple TV) and has an easy-to-use remote that you can control with your voice.
Get the Roku Ultra from Amazon for $79.99
2. For reading more books: The number one Kindle
You now have all the time in the world to read those books that have been on your list so a Kindle makes perfect sense. Of all the ones we've used, we like the latest Kindle Paperwhite the best. Not only does it have 24 different levels of illumination (perfect for reading anytime, anywhere!) but it's also waterproof and has the most storage of any model so you won't run out of room for all your books and podcasts.
Get the Kindle Paperwhite from Amazon for $149.99
3. For fast Wi-Fi so you can work, stream movies and TV, and socialize: This speedy router
Skype, Netflix, Facebook, oh my! Almost all of your favorite activities require solid Internet connectivity so you'll need a good Wi-Fi router. According to our experts, the number one router is this D-Link smart router because it's simple to set up and offers super fast Internet speeds at a surprisingly affordable price.
Get the D-Link WiFi Smart Router from Walmart for $119.99
4. For expressing your innermost thoughts: This hilarious journal
Maybe you've always wanted to write the great American novel. Or maybe you simply want to word-vomit exactly how anxious/bored/irritated/lonely you feel being stuck inside indefinitely. No matter your reason, keeping a journal is a great (and productive) way to pass the time. Not sure where to start? This one, which has over 10,000 reviews, provides both humorous and serious prompts to guide your writing.
Get the 'Zen as F*ck' Journal from Amazon for $8.99
5. For when you're tired of screens: A jigsaw puzzle
Yes, there are ways to entertain yourself that don't involve staring at a screen. Like a good old-fashioned jigsaw puzzle. One of the top ones on Amazon is this 1,000-piece one, which people say is high-quality (i.e. the pieces are cut to fit together flawlessly) and produces a stunning European panorama when it's all finished.
Get the Buffalo Games 1,000-Piece Cinque Terre Jigsaw Puzzle from Amazon for $10.97
6. For embracing your inner child: This adult coloring book
Remember how you used to spend hours coloring as a kid? Well, you still can, thanks to the rise in popularity of adult coloring books. One of the most highly-rated ones is this Secret Garden coloring book, which over 9,000 reviewers say is full of gorgeous, hand-drawn designs that require focus and creativity to color (i.e. perfect for forgetting how bored you are!).
Get the 'Secret Garden' Coloring Book from Amazon for $9.99
7. For taking selfies with your pup: This Shark Tank product
You know your dog is the cutest one out there—so it's high time you got around to making them their own Instagram page. And it all starts with some adorably candid selfies, which you can take with the Pooch Selfie. Pet parents like that it clips easily onto the top of your phone and that it holds your pup's attention long enough to snap the perfect pic.
Get the Pooch Selfie from Amazon for $9.99
8. For the ultimate movie-watching experience: This tiny but powerful projector
When all movie theaters are closed, you really have no choice but to make your own at home. And it's not as hard as it sounds if you have this portable projector. It's the best one we've ever used, with its incredible picture quality, easy-to-use platform, and long battery life.
Get the Anker Nebula Mars II from Amazon for $419.99
9. For challenging your brain: This book of puzzles
Rather than zoning out in front of the TV, opt for something a little more engaging—and something that actually requires a little brainpower. Like this popular puzzle book, which has 400 "brain games," including Sudokus, word searches, crosswords, and logic puzzles. Reviewers especially like that there are varying levels of difficulty to keep you entertained.
Get the USA Today Jumbo Puzzle Book for $11.69
10. For an impromptu karaoke session: This Bluetooth microphone
Shower singers, rejoice! Now you can belt out all your favorite tunes outside the four walls of your bathroom with this wireless microphone, which connects right to your phone. According to its 20,000+ reviews, its super easy (and fun!) to use and has surprisingly great sound quality.
Get the Bonoak Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone from Amazon for $31.99
11. For when you're feeling nostalgic: A stunning digital photo book
Between Instagram, Facebook, and your phone's camera roll, you have hundreds of photos just sitting there. Use your free time to compile them all into a pretty hardcover photo book via Artifact Uprising. The brand is well-known for its gorgeous, high-quality books, which you can completely customize and design as you please.
Get an Artifact Uprising Hardcover Photo Book starting at $69
12. For crafting: The popular We Are Knitters kit
Meet the grown-up version of the arts and crafts you used to love as a kid. One of our editors tested out the trendy We Are Knitters kits for herself—and within a week, she had knit her very first scarf! She loves that includes everything you need to get started and has detailed instructions that are easy enough for any beginner to follow.
13. For learning something new: A MasterClass subscription
What do Gordon Ramsay, Steph Curry, and Annie Leibowitz all have in common? They all teach courses on MasterClass, which our own editor-in-chief tried out for himself. He liked the variety of classes and topics available (from cooking to basketball to photography) and that you can go at your own pace. Plus, he says the classes (that he took, at least) were incredibly motivating and inspiring.
Get a MasterClass subscription for $15 per month
14. For curing cabin fever: This indoor gardening kit
You're likely seeing the sun a lot less now that you're indoors 24/7. To get your nature fix, test your own green thumb with this herb garden kit, which includes basil, cilantro, parsley, sage, and thyme. It has hundreds of positive reviews on Amazon because all of the herbs are 100 percent organic and easy to plant and care for.
Get the Spade to Fork Indoor Herb Garden Starter Kit from Amazon for $26.97
15. For being creative: This watercolor paint set
You may not be the next Van Gogh but you can still get your creative juices flowing by putting brush to canvas. People love this watercolor set from Amazon because it has everything a beginner would need, including a rainbow of paint colors, a sketchpad, and three brush pens. They also rave that the watercolors themselves are great quality and very pigmented (no cheap paints here!).
Get the Kassa Watercolor Paint Set from Amazon for $26.95
16. For making gifts for your friends: This jewelry kit
Crafts are great. Crafts that you can give (or sell) to other people are even better. This jewelry-making kit will help you do just that. With all the tools and materials for making earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, it has hundreds of reviews for being beginner-friendly and having long-lasting, quality materials.
Get the Paxcoo Jewelry Making Supplies Kit from Amazon for $19.99
17. For making coffee: This versatile coffee maker
Staying home includes staying home from work, school, and yes, even the coffee shop. If you can't live without your morning cup of joe, consider the Keurig K-Cafe. It's our experts' number one most versatile single-serve coffee maker because it makes an incredibly tasty brew and even has an attached milk frother for when you're feeling something fancier.
Get the Keurig K-Cafe from Amazon for $169.97
18. For cooking: This popular appliance that can do everything
Sure, you could buy 10 different appliances—or you could just buy the Instant Pot Ultra. We chose it as the best multi-cooker because it has 10 (!!) different cook settings, from slow cooking to pressure cooking to steaming. Not only that but it can cook a meal that usually takes an hour in just 20 minutes. We'll take it.
Get the Instant Pot Ultra from Amazon for $149.99
19. For cooking, but with someone else doing the planning: Our favorite meal kit
Grocery stores may be sold out and your favorite restaurants might be closed—but meal kits are still delivering (for now!) delicious dishes right to your door. Of all the ones we've tried, we like Home Chef because it has easy-to-follow recipes and some of the freshest, highest-quality ingredients.
Get Home Chef starting at $6.99 per meal
20. For freezer meals: These meal prep containers
Rather than let your massive grocery haul go to waste, it might be smart to cook up a bunch of meals that you can 1) have on hand for the week ahead or 2) freeze in case you're home longer than you thought. Our kitchen and cooking writer loves these glass Prep Naturals containers for storing food because they're super durable and stack neatly in your fridge or freezer.
Get Prep Naturals Glass Storage Containers (5-Pack) from Amazon for $28.99
21. For satisfying your sweet tooth: This chef-worthy baking sheet
You're craving something sweet—but you already demolished the last pack of emergency Oreos in your pantry. Fortunately, if you have the right kitchen tools, you can whip up your own sugary snacks (and avoid yet another trip to the store). We recommend this baking sheet for perfectly-baked cookies. It's lightweight yet durable and distributes heat evenly so you won't end up with the dreaded burnt bottoms.
Get the Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker's Half Sheet from Amazon for $17.05
22. For movie night snacks: This expert-approved popcorn maker
All your uninterrupted Netflix watching requires a side of buttery popcorn. While you could settle for the microwaveable bags, why not take things up a notch with your very own popcorn maker? Our favorite is the Cuisinart Pop and Serve—it consistently produced the crunchiest, perfectly popped popcorn during our testing and even doubles as a serving bowl.
Get the Cuisinart Pop and Serve from Amazon for $12.99
23. For mixing up adult beverages: This stainless steel bar set
Let's be honest: Times like this call for a nice, stiff drink. And you don't have to settle for the same old bottle of wine or your go-to can of beer (although those are great, too). Get fancy—and become a master mixologist—with this stainless steel cocktail shaker set, which even includes an illustrated drink-making guide. According to its 5,300+ reviews, it's great quality, easy to use, and versatile (it can make everything from margaritas to old-fashioneds!).
Get the Cresimo Cocktail Shaker Bar Set from Amazon for $19.95
24. For adventurous chefs: A new recipe book
Pinterest is great but there's something special—and nostalgic—about cracking open a recipe book. And there are so many great ones on the shelves right now. Some of our personal favorites (which also happen to be incredibly popular with Amazon shoppers) include the sequel to Chrissy Teigen's beloved 'Cravings,' this clean eating cookbook for the health-conscious among us, and Joanna Gaines' collection of comfort food recipes.
26. For when you're craving takeout: This sushi-making kit
Even if your favorite sushi spot is still delivering, you can also opt to make your own at home now that you have a little extra time. Learn how to do it with this sushi-making kit, which includes a dishwasher-safe sushi mat and roll cutter. Reviewers on Amazon love that it comes with everything you need to get started (minus the ingredients!) and is easy enough for any beginner to follow.
Get the SushiQuick Easy Making Kit from Amazon for $26.99
27. For lifting weights: This dumbbell set
No squat rack, no problem. If you're someone who loves weightlifting, you can create your own home gym with a set of dumbbells, which have been hard to find all year. This pair is one of the most popular ones on Amazon because the weights have a neoprene coating that's both comfortable and easy to grip.
Get the Fitness Republic Neoprene Dumbbell Set of 2 (5lbs) from Amazon for $56.99
28. For stretching your muscles: This top-of-the-line yoga mat
Binging on Netflix (and snacks) from the couch all day may be tempting but a little movement can benefit your body and your brain. An easy way to do that at home is by rolling out your yoga mat. We recommend this Lululemon one because it provides just the right amount of cushioning and support and has a non-slip surface that will prevent any painful downward-dog falls. On a budget? We also like this Amazon mat, which costs less than $20. There is currently
29. For taking your home workout to the next level: These resistance bands
One of the props that at-home exercisers are obsessed with? Resistance bands. They're an easy way to add a little more resistance to everything from squats to bicep curls. This set—which includes five bands in varying resistance—has over 7,000 reviews for being both versatile and durable (i.e. they won't rip or break easily).
Get the Limm Resistance Bands from Amazon for $9.98
30. For soothing sore muscles: This popular foam roller
Whether you're lounging on the couch for hours or getting in a tough dumbbell workout, you're likely going to have some sore muscles and stiff joints. Enter this foam roller, which reviewers rave is very effective at rolling out knots and aches and provides instant pain relief. Its compact size also makes it perfect for use anywhere on your body, from your hamstrings to your feet.
Get the 321 Strong Foam Roller from Amazon for $26.99
31. For when you're missing spin: An online class
We all know ClassPass for being your ticket to any group fitness class your heart desires—but it also gives you the option to experience some of those same classes at home. Which is perfect for when you can't get to the Pilates studio or boxing gym (like now). ClassPass has a huge library of audio and video workouts from professional instructors that you can stream right from your living room. And ClassPass isn't your only option—along with plenty of free videos on YouTube, there's also the Nike Training Club app and Skimble, both of which offer a wide variety of workouts.
32. For Skyping your friends: A quality webcam
If your in-person friend dates have been cancelled, replace them with video chats. You can avoid bad connections and frozen screens with this top-rated webcam. It has over 3,200 reviews on Amazon for having crystal-clear quality along with a built-in mic that automatically reduces outside noise. Customers say it's super easy to install and use, as well.
Get the Logitech HD Webcam C270 from Target for $27.49
33. For anyone with a competitive streak: A board game
If you live with other people (i.e. friends or family members), challenge them to a few rousing rounds of your favorite board game. While there are tons to choose from (from family-friendly games to those that are definitely adults-only), two of the most popular on Amazon are Codenames and Scattergories, both of which are highly entertaining and will keep boredom at bay for at least a few hours.
34. For listening to music: The best noise-canceling headphones
Getting lost in a perfectly-curated Spotify playlist is a great way to pass the time. Here at Reviewed, we recommend a pair of noise-canceling headphones like these Sony ones. We found them to be better than Bose when it comes to their active noise-cancellation technology. In fact, you can even customize the level of noise-cancelling so you can choose how much of the outside world you hear.
Get the Sony WH-1000XM3 Noise-Canceling Headphones from Amazon for $299.99
35. For staying in touch with long-distance loved ones: This pretty stationary set
Remember before emails, texts, and Instagram DMs when people used to send letters to each other? Do the same for your friends and family with a nice set of stationary. This one—which has nearly 1,000 glowing reviews on Amazon for being great quality—comes with 50 cards and envelopes in 50 unique, colorful prints.
Get the Dessie Blank Greeting Cards (50-Ct) from Amazon for $19.99
36. For your virtual book club: This monthly delivery service
Just because you have to stay home doesn't mean you can't have book club (virtually, of course). You and your friends can all sign up for Book of the Month, which delivers up to three must-reads right to your doorstep each month. All of the books—which range from current best-sellers to famous classics—have been vetted by readers just like you.
Sign up for Book of the Month starting at $14.99 per month
37. For getting your steps in: This fitness tracker
There are a lot of perks to owning a Fitbit—but right now, one of the biggest perks is its social aspect. Not only can you connect with your friends via the app but you can also start a challenge (like who can walk the most steps) and cheer on each other throughout the day. Wondering which Fitbit to buy? Our editors suggest the Charge 4 because it looks stylish and has all the sleep- and activity-tracking features that you need.
Get the Fitbit Charge 4 from Amazon for $147.35
38. For pampering yourself: This face mask
In your regular busy life, you barely have 10 minutes to grab breakfast in the morning, let alone 10 minutes to treat yourself to an at-home facial. But now you have those 10 minutes—so you'll want one of these face masks, which come in a variety of scents and healing properties from pore-minimizing red wine to refreshing orange. Reviewers say the masks work wonders and are great for anyone with sensitive skin, too.
Get the Tonymoly Sheet Mask (10-Pack) from Amazon for $26
40. For a good night's sleep: The coziest weighted blanket
One of the best ways to occupy yourself when you're stuck at home? Sleep. And to help you get your recommended 7-9 hours, you might benefit from a weighted blanket like this one from Gravity. Our experts love that its super soft to the touch thanks to its velvety exterior and that it provides just the right amount of pressure (not too heavy, not too light) to help you drift off faster.
Get the Gravity Blanket from Gravity for $189
41. For an at-home mani/pedi: This genius lamp
Bring the nail salon to you with this UV lamp, which one of our editors swears by. When she tried it out for herself, she was pleasantly surprised at how well (and how quickly!) it set her nails. She also likes that it can be used with any gel nail polish and that the opening is wide enough that you won't risk smudging your hard work.
Get the Sun2C Gel UV Nail Lamp from Amazon for $39.99
42. For a leisurely soak in the tub: This fun bath bomb
Few things scream "self-care" quite like a bubble bath. And no bubble bath is complete without a colorful, fizzy bath bomb. According to over 2,200 Amazon customers, these ones (which reviewers say really are "da bomb") come in a bevy of delicious scents and, most importantly, don't leave any residue behind on your tub.
Get Da Bomb Bath Bomb from Amazon for $7.50
43. For decompressing: This meditation app
Meditation may seem intimidating but it doesn't have to be. Headspace, an app that thousands of people are obsessed with, has a whole library of guided meditations, relaxing sounds, and daily bedtime exercises. And you can access all of them right from your phone.
Download the Headspace app for your iPhone
44. For tidying up: An organizer to get your house in order
Less mess = less stress. And if you're someone who struggles with downtime, spend your newly free hours productively—like by organizing your home. One way to do that is with one of these best-selling organizers from Amazon. Both the Rubbermaid closet system and the countertop makeup holder are praised by reviewers for being high quality and for helping them get (and stay) organized.
Get the Rubbermaid Deluxe Closet Organizer System from Amazon for $190.25
Get the Sanipoe Rotating Makeup Organizer from Amazon for $18.99
45. For streaming family-friendly movies: A Disney+ subscription
Netflix is cool and all—but have you heard of Disney+? Everyone's obsessed with the new streaming service, and for good reason. It has all the Disney content you could ever want, including Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, National Geographic, and of course, your favorite animated classics. Bonus: All of the movies and shows on Disney+ are completely family-friendly (i.e. there aren't any R-rated movies!).
Get Disney+ for $6.99 per month
46. For gaming: This cult-favorite gaming console
You (or your kids) may not be able to hang out with friends IRL as often now but you can hang out with them online with the Nintendo Switch. The incredibly popular gaming console has a vast library of multiplayer games that you can all play together for hours, thanks to its long battery life (it can go nine hours before being recharged!).
Get the Nintendo Switch from Amazon for $299.99
47. For teaching your kids: A science kit that's fun and educational
Kids' science kits are one of those rare things that make both parents and little ones happy. You'll love that your kids are actually learning a thing or two while they'll love getting to do any number of wild and wacky experiments. Some of the top-rated ones include this chemistry kit (complete with test tubes!) and this terrarium-growing kit.
Get the Scientific Explorer My First Mind Blowing Science Kit from Amazon for $18.45
Get the Creativity For Kids Grow 'N Glow Terrarium Science Kit from Amazon for $12.99
48. For arts and crafts: These art supplies for playtime
Name a kid that doesn't like arts and crafts... we'll wait. Before winter break, stock up on a whole slew of craft supplies to keep at home. Start with a roll of white kraft paper along with markers, crayons, and/or paints—you'll be shocked at how much fun your kiddos can have with just the basics!
Get Crayola Ultra Clean Washable Markers (40-Ct) from Amazon for $11.22
Get Crayola Ultra Clean Washable Crayons (64-Ct) from Amazon for $6.58
Get the Free Hand Watercolor Paint Set from Amazon for $20.99
50. For the kiddos: A massive pack of Play-Doh
One thing that's guaranteed to keep your kids entertained is Play-Doh. This pack contains 36 different colors of the popular dough, which your little ones can squish, shape, mix, and mold to their heart's content. Bonus: They're all packaged in easy-to-open tubs so you won't even get interrupted with "can you open this?" 20 times.
Get Play-Doh (36-Pack) from Amazon for $24.99
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This article originally appeared on Reviewed.com: 50 things to entertain yourself at home: Roku, Nintendo Switch, Kindle, and more
