As we stand on the threshold of 2025, we look at 12 hobbies that are likely to remain well-loved all through the 12 months. Some are good old time-tested favourites while several newer ones are expected to gain popularity, reflecting technological advancements, cultural shifts, and evolving consumer preferences. We did a bit of online research and here’s what we found –
- Art and Designing (including Resin Art, 3D Printing & Design, Visual Creative Design & AI Art) 3D printing technology is easy to learn and apply now. Enthusiasts can design and create custom objects from bespoke jewellry to home décor, taking innovation and creativity to newer individual heights. The application of artificial intelligence in art allows hobby enthusiasts to produce unique digital artworks, pushing the boundaries of traditional creativity. Crafting with resin to create items (pretty jewellery and jewellery boxes, coasters and trays, photo frames, sculptures, and decorative pieces are hot favourites) is becoming increasingly popular due to the sheer versatility and aesthetic appeal.
2. Vlogging and Travel Photography (including Aerial Photography and Videography) – If you browse through any online social media platform you know how popular this is. The growing affordability of drones enables hobbyists to capture stunning aerial views of different landscapes, offering new perspectives of regions and events and bringing alive never-seen-before glimpses to us. We delight in unseen pictures of the planet and the beings that inhabit it, of the people and their distinctive cultures.
3. Handcrafting Eco-Friendly Products – As sustainability becomes a priority for all of us, many are turning to creating eco-friendly crafts. These are the hobbyists who are upcycling materials into functional or decorative items, often creating delightful pieces of art, apparel, furniture and what not.
4. Fantasy Sports – With the rise of platforms like Dream11 and MPL, fantasy sports have become a popular pastime. They allow fans to engage more deeply with their favourite sports by creating virtual teams and competing based on real-world game outcomes. This is working fine for many youngsters who are introverts and would rather spend time by themselves than go and rough it out.
5. Fitness – At another end of the spectrum are those who deeply value hardcore activity and fitness. Nothing in the world will keep them chained to their sofas or lounging on a carpet. Physical activity and fitness will remain big. With evolving preferences and innovations influencing how people engage with physical activity, this hobby is all set grow in 2025. We find there are several trends that are currently shaping fitness as a hobby. You can choose from creating a personalized fitness regimen based on technology or a hybrid fitness model. If you like to be in a group, go for Zumba and yoga. A new entrant here is the eco-friendly plogging (jogging while collecting trash for disposal).
6. Music and Singing – No prizes for guessing this hobby will remain as popular as ever. In fact, it is only likely to get better and better with the easy availability of technology. Personalised learning apps like Smule and Yousician, online tools for backing tracks and pitch correction, interactive VR platforms, and home studios that allow amateur musicians to create professional quality music at home today are making life a song – literally!
7. Cookery – Bringing together a wholesome blend of tradition and innovation, cookery is likely to remain the deeply-satisfying and widely-embraced hobby that it has been down the years. Whether it is through mastering forgotten or age-old recipes, experimenting with modern, newly-launched tools and methods, or promoting sustainability, and cultural diversity, cookery will always stay relevant, solidly positioned irrespective of trends. Why? Because everyone eats – it is universal!
8. Reading – Reading is likely to remain a popular and enriching hobby in 2025, evolving with societal evolution and technological advancements. The trends that are likely to shape this hobby include digital and audio book growth, interactive and immersive reading, themed book clubs, nostalgia and classic revivals. Reading is a proven method of stress relief and self- improvement by easy access to diverse content. If you love and enjoy reading as a hobby, go right ahead and include newer members in your fold by telling them about this wonderful hobby.
9. Gardening – Gardening is expected to remain a popular and evolving hobby in 2025, driven by its therapeutic benefits, sustainability focus, and adaptability to modern lifestyles.
10. Hobbiday Experiences – Have you heard of a ‘hobbiday experience’? Well, combining hobbies with holidays, known as a ‘Hobbiday Experience,’ is an emerging trend where travellers take part in activities like local cuisine cooking classes, dance, pottery, embroidery, or other local arts and crafts during their vacations, seeking immersive cultural experiences and coming away enriched in the process.
11. Travel – Travel is all set to remain a major hobby in 2025 with evolving trends reflecting global developments, technological advancements, and shifting consumer preferences. As a hobby, it will continue to appeal to individuals seeking adventure, cultural enrichment, and relaxation.
12. DIY – Do-It-Yourself or DIY is deeply satisfying because of the immense joy of creation it gives. The growing interest in creativity, sustainability, and self-reliance will keep DIY projects relevant across various domains, from crafting and home improvement to upcycling and tech-based creations.
Reflecting a blend of creative expression, personal engagement, technological advancements, and a shift towards sustainable and immersive experiences, the hobbies of today undoubtedly align themselves with the dynamic lifestyles of today. What’s interesting to note that the world seems to be truly becoming one large community with preferences blurring rapidly – so a teenager in Aizawl is likely to indulge in the same hobby as one in Amsterdam!
This Tollywood Gang told us what they love to do when they are off-duty
1. Shruti Das – I like to read a lot. My eternal wish remains to open a lovely bookshop that will also have a cosy café alongside. You could say this is my fondest dream and I am waiting and working to make it a reality someday. Actually, I have never ever pursued a hobby with the goal to turn it into a business venture and gain profit out of it. I love acting and I am happy to do it for a long time to come.
2. Darshana Banik – I have quite a few hobbies, each close to my heart. I like to potter around my house plants a bit, gardening is a hobby that I picked up during the long days of isolation during the pandemic. I also love dancing – I am a rained classical dancer in Kathak and Odissi and dancing brings so much joy to my heart. I like to paint as well – yet another hobby that I learnt during the pandemic. And, reading is my go-to hobby for all days and seasons. Currently, I am currently reading Sally Rooney’s Intermezzo.
3. Payel Mukherjee – Plenty of them. I enjoy watching good films and web series. I love dancing and reading. I can go on and on for hours without a break, blissfully immersed in any of my hobbies when I have the chance.
4. Ananya Sen – I love reading, listening to music, and going on long walks.
5. Swikriti Majumder – My hobbies are dance, and watch great and memorable films.
6. Soumya Mukherjee – I love reading a lot. I also love listening to music equally. Nowadays, I am learning to sing as well! Of late, I am hooked on to podcasts – I listen to them whenever time permits and find most topics by great speakers quite absorbing.
With inputs from Antaripa Mukherjee and Neha Karmakar
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