For cosy times: A long list of things to learn, make, bake and play

These earlier sunsets and cold temps are a not-so-friendly reminder that we're about to spend a lot more time indoors in the coming months. But we see them as the perfect excuse to pick up a new pastime. There's something so delightful about cosying up indoors while it's blustery out and diving into something new. With that in mind, we've curated a list of wonderful activities to explore. You'll find games to learn, hobbies to get into, intricate recipes to try, DIY projects for the home and more to bring joy and keep boredom at bay.

Get really into a game you've always wanted to learn how to play with our beginner's guides

Cribbage

Mahjong

Crokinole 

Carrom

Euchre

Chess

Dive into some DIYs for your home

Learn how to install peel-and-stick wall decals

Make your own custom, large-scale wall tapestry — like the one you've been eyeing for years

Learn how to put together a perfectly-organized pantry

Spruce up your winter bedding with these easy upgrades

Spend some time in the studio marble hydro dipping plant pots with Steven Sabados

Or create an ombre landscape watercolour painting with him

Display your beloved childhood stuffed animals with these creative DIYs

Whip up an aromatic shower bouquet — for gifting or for yourself

Make a small, medium and large floral arrangement

Make fresh — or faux! — winter porch planters

DIY something fun to wear

You're never too old for DIY friendship bracelets 

Make ALB's cosy, chunky knit scarf

Finally learn how to knit

Make use of this super easy scrunchie DIY

Turn your jean jacket into a sequinned statement piece

If you miss gardening, get really into indoor plants

Grow an indoor herb garden

Brush up on your plant care knowledge

Flex your green thumb with 5 cool things you can grow indoors — and eat as well 

Regrow your vegetables from the parts you might have thrown out

Build a mid-century modern wooden plant stand, for real

Make a batch of something delicious for the freezer

Judy's Empanadas

Ye Misir Sambusa

Perogies

10 freezable meals that would make the greatest gifts

Make some flavour-packed ferments

Homemade Sauerkraut, Minty Pickled Celery with Apple and Beets, and 'Gin' Sauerkraut

Classic Pogi Kimchi (Whole Napa Cabbage Kimchi)

Learn to make kombucha at home

Sourdough starter from scratch

Bake something beautiful

Try your hand at some intricate pie art

Make the Mango Rose Tart from this season of The Great Canadian Baking Show

Make Roselle's decadent Banana Cream Pie Éclairs

Up your bread game with Braided Challah with Homemade Butter and Apple Butter 

Revolutionize your brunch game with homemade, crispy, buttery croissants 

Make this Tres Leches recipe from Ismael Castro — his childhood fave may soon be your fave

Try your hand at these absolutely adorable pine cone hand pies