Retirement hobbies — find the right starter kit.
Just retired and not sure what to dive into? Here's how to think about hobby starter kits — and a few of the most popular kits prescribed by The Prescription.
How to pick the hobby
Three filters: physical (does it move you?), creative (does it make something?), and social (does it connect you to others?). The best retirement hobbies hit at least two. Most people find their hobby by trying three and keeping one.
Popular starter kits
Beginner woodworking (hand tools, no shop required). Photography (mirrorless camera + one lens). Gardening (raised bed + tools + seeds). Cycling (entry-level road or gravel bike + helmet + lights). Music (digital piano or beginner guitar with amp).
How to start without overcommitting
Buy the cheapest viable kit. Try the hobby for 30 days. If you're still in, upgrade one piece. Don't buy the $4,000 setup before you know you'll stick with it.
Frequently asked questions
How much should a starter kit cost?+
$100-500 for most hobbies. Photography and music are exceptions ($1,000-2,000).
What's the easiest hobby to start?+
Gardening. Lowest entry cost, most immediate feedback, easy to scale up.
Tell us which hobby.
We'll prescribe the starter kit.