Games and hobbies
Games and puzzles
See all Games and puzzles reviews
Want to Be a Crossword Champion? Start With the Right Pencil.
by Rose Maura Lorre
Crossword-solving elites don’t use any old pencil to fill out a grid. Here’s why the Pentel Twist-Erase III mechanical pencil is a go-to for scores of solvers.
The Best Strategy Board Games
by James Austin
The best strategy games pit you against your friends in an intense battle of wits. These are six of our favorites.
5 Great Modern Yahtzee Alternatives, According to a Board Game Expert
by Keith Law
Roll-and-write games use simple tools—dice, a scoresheet, and a pencil—to create devilishly competitive and brain-twisting battles. Here are five favorites.
Holiday and seasonal crafts
See all Holiday and seasonal crafts reviews
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.
Expert Advice to Avoid Gingerbread House Disasters
by Taryn Mohrman
Building a gingerbread house isn’t as easy as it looks, but these tips will help you avoid shoddy construction.
Music
See all Music reviews
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.
Ready to Get Serious About Vinyl? Start With These Affordable Accessories.
by Ian D. White
If you’ve discovered a passion for vinyl, a few affordable accessories can make a positive difference in your turntable setup.
More Games and hobbies Posts
The Best Pickleball Paddles
by Seth Berkman
We tested eight pickleball paddles for players looking to buy their first serious paddle. The Paddletek Bantam EX-L is our top pick.
Outgrown Your Starter Record Player? Here’s How to Shop for a Quality Turntable.
by Freddy Gerngross
Shopping for your first higher-end, dedicated turntable can be a confusing experience. We explain the important features to consider.
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.
We Are in Our Friendship Bracelet Era. Here’s How to Make the Perfect One.
by Annemarie Conte
Friendship bracelets are everywhere. Our tips will save you time and money if you’re trying to make a bunch.
The Best Fantasy Sports Apps
by James Austin
Fantasy sports can seem intimidating, but ESPN Fantasy, with its useful features and user-friendly layout, is the best option for most beginners.
The Best 3D Pen
by Signe Brewster
After 35 hours of testing, we think the easy-to-use, comfortable, full-featured 3Doodler Create+ is the best tool for drawing 3D sculptures.
Video Games to Ride Out the End of Winter
by Wirecutter Staff
Winter isn’t done yet, but there’s good news: These video games are ready to hang out with you inside until it warms up out there.
30(ish) Family-Friendly Games We Love Under $35
by Wirecutter Staff and Gabriella DePinho
Break out the board games! Here’s a selection of our favorite cheap(ish) picks for players of all ages.
Our 5 Favorite Mystery Box Game Subscriptions
by James Austin
We played five different through-the-mail mystery subscription games to see what makes them stand out.
The Best USB Microphones for Musicians and Podcasters
by Freddy Gerngross and Brent Butterworth
Monoprice’s Dark Matter Sentry is an excellent all-purpose USB microphone that sounds great, offers an array of features, and comes at an affordable price.
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.
Everything You Need to Get Started Learning Origami
by Kase Wickman
If you want to enter the fold of the origami world, here’s what experts recommend you need, from paper to guides.
The Best Ukulele for Beginners
by Brent Butterworth
The Kala Satin Mahogany is our favorite starter uke for beginners. It sounds good, is easy to play, and comes in concert and soprano sizes.
The Best USB Audio Interfaces for Musicians and Podcasters
by Brent Butterworth
If you’re serious about recording high-quality music or podcasts, a great USB audio interface—like Focusrite’s Scarlett 2i2 or Vocaster Two—is a vital tool.
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.
Why Everyone Can’t Stop Talking About Palworld
by Arthur Gies
Palworld is the first video game blockbuster of 2024—but it’s not what it seems.
The Best Electronics Kits for Kids and Beginners
by Signe Brewster
We tested electronics kits with kids ages 7 to 12 and got feedback from parents and makers to find the most engaging ways for kids to learn about electronics.
This Lovely Lego Set Helps My Family Invite Good Luck for Lunar New Year
by Ellen Lee
Along with traditional Lunar New Year cleaning and decluttering, building the Lego Money Tree has become an annual ritual for my family.
