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Lifestyle

Best Side Projects to Start and Never Finish

Ambitious dreams that look great on your shelf

The hobby industrial complex has perfected the art of selling you potential—not results.
đź‘‘ #1 Pick

Cricut Maker Bundle

Cut literally anything; finish nothing

All 5 recommendations

Est. prices as of Feb 25, 2026

#1 · Cricut · Most Overhyped

Cricut Maker Bundle

$399

Cut literally anything; finish nothing

  • âś“ Incredibly versatile cutting machine
  • âś“ Huge online community for ideas
  • âś“ Makes a satisfying cutting sound
  • âś— Software is subscription-based for advanced features; you'll have stacks of unfinished vinyl projects within months
#2 · Dewalt · Best Value

Beginner Woodworking Tool Set

$189

Build the dream garage workstation first

  • âś“ High-quality starter tools
  • âś“ Feels professional in your hands
  • âś“ Great for Instagram photos
  • âś— That half-built birdhouse will gather dust next to these tools forever
#3 · Wacom · Hidden Gem

Wacom Intuos Drawing Tablet

$79

You'll draw for 3 days then remember you can't actually draw

  • âś“ Affordable entry into digital art
  • âś“ Intuitive learning curve
  • âś“ Works with all major software
  • âś— Your hand-eye coordination wasn't meant for this; that novel illustration project dies fast
#4 · Instant Pot · Crowd Favorite

Instant Pot Duo Plus

$129

Master 47 cooking functions, use 2 of them

  • âś“ Actually revolutionary for meal prep
  • âś“ Cult-like community support
  • âś“ Makes incredible soups
  • âś— That meal plan you'll start researching will remain hypothetical; kitchen counter real estate wasted
#5 · Notion Templates (Various Creators)

Notion Setup Template Bundle

$49

Organize your life's organizational systems

  • âś“ Infinitely customizable
  • âś“ Costs almost nothing
  • âś“ Very satisfying initial setup
  • âś— You'll have 8 abandoned productivity systems by next month; Notion becomes a monument to your ambition