The second half of winter is often brutal and never-ending. The holidays leave us with no money, no motivation, and little energy as we reintegrate with the real world. With possible snow in the NYC forecast, we wanted to offer up some fun ideas for activities indoors that are fairly low-cost and offline. They might be a great way to get back in the groove in 2026 or to just do something creative with your hands.
Travel through authentic cuisine
Spending thousands of dollars on flight tickets to travel to new countries seems unattainable for most in this economy. Luckily, food greatly contributes to culture and can often be recreated from the comfort of your own home. Choose a country that interests you as well as an authentic signature recipe. If eating with your hands or with chopsticks are commonplace in the country, do that! To take it a step further, pair it with an authentic drink and invite your friends over for an out-of-country dining experience.
Personalize your clothing through sewing
© Geneva Vanderzeil, A Pair & A Spare
Alzerina’s mother taught her to sew at a young age, sparking a lifelong creative calling. Sewing can seem intimidating at first, but working a needle and thread is actually very simple. You can use a basic running stitch or take it a step further to learn embroidery techniques. You can also personalize your clothes by adding things like sequins, buttons, or patches. Youtube is a great resource for learning new sewing techniques, and adding some fun accents can give your belongings a unique personal style.
Jewelry making
Speaking of personal style, jewelry is a great medium for self expression, and making it yourself offers a creative outlet while gaining a unique piece to add to your signature look. If you want an activity to do with a friend, check out our Alzerina jewelry classes in Brooklyn. If you're not in the area or prefer to stay at home, we also offer at-home jewelry kits that will get you started with all the tools you need.
Create a collage or vision board
© Vanhardisk, Deviant Art
Whether you want to make a vision board to ring in the new year or get creative with layering, collages are a great activity that is low effort with minimal materials. If you have more of a digital thumb, free platforms like Canva offer easy tools and pre-made designs to start. We recommend using your collage as a unique phone wallpaper, instagram post, greeting card, or wall decor. Don’t forget that paper isn’t the only decoration. Layering things like pictures, fabrics, and dried plants will liven the art piece and make it unique to you.
We hope that this list inspires you to get in touch with your creative side while temperatures are low. Let us know if you try any of these activities!