If you’re running out of things to do during the summer holidays, here’s some fun craft kits, board games and DIY activities to keep you entertained, by yourself or with friends and kids.
Stami Studios (UK) has created an original new board game called Cozy Cat Cafe and it looks extremely cute! You set up your own cafe, arrange your furniture, recruit cats and attract customers to earn points and it can be played solo or in a group. It’s fully funded on Kickstarter – including an extra mouse-themed expansion pack! – but won’t be available anywhere else so make sure to grab one before pledges close.
Hello Kitty and Friends also have a new board game at Sanrio (US) called Candy Land. It takes place in a colourful and sweet world for 2-4 players and you get to choose a Sanrio friend as your player.
If you’ve been wanting to get into clay crafts, ShopZoki (US) has some adorable Fruit Friends foam clay kits. There’s 6 fruity animals to choose from – Bluebeary, Capyberry, Bunana, Strawbatty, Avocato & Orange Chicken – which all come with extra mini friends. They’re suitable for ages 10+ and you get everything you need including a step by step video and tools.
Robotime (global) have been adding more designs to the Miniature House series of DIY kits. The Tasty Cake Shop and Lovely Pink Bedroom as especially kawaii but there’s loads of different rooms and businesses to choose from. These are a simpler kind of kit than the ones I’ve reviewed, without any glueing or painting, so great for a stress-free activity.
We got a bit obsessed with Japanese sweets deco Whipple kits a few years ago so it was nice to see they’ve returned internationally under a new name, Pati-School (UK/US). They’re made by the same company but aimed more at kids, though that doesn’t mean adults can’t enjoy them too! There’s currently 4 kits available – the big starter kit above and some smaller kits with charms and jewellery. Hopefully they’ll add more soon.
Sophie & Toffee (SG) are well known for their resin crafts and DIY squishy subscription boxes but you can also buy one-off boxes and past boxes in their shop. I love this Tamagotchi-inspired Pocket Pets box but there’s so many cute themes to choose from. Get 10% off anything in store with our referral link.
If you love animals, Dreaming of Tokyo (JP) have a wide range of the cutest Hamanaka Needle Felting Kits from Japan, complete with English instructions and optional tools. Look at these keyrings! There’s a Polar Bear with Croissant, Sea Otter with Madeleine and Otter with Cherry.
Like the idea of crafts but not the reality? Jelly Kritty (TH) lets you create your own keychain, necklace or phone charm online and then they’ll do all the hard work putting it together. You get to choose from 41 cute charms + the whole alphabet, and there’s different colours and styles for the fixings too.
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