8 niche hobbies to get into right now

For Star Wars fans

Indulge your Star Wars fantasies with combat saber. This sport is a great way to work out, and even protect yourself if needed. You can join a class at Saber Fit to get started on your journey – where you'll learn saber striking techniques, engage in duels with lighted combat sabers, and go through fitness exercises (think cardio and plyometric moves) to keep yourself fighting fit. This hobby might seem a little out of this world, but hey, playing it safe is just boring, right? 

For the crafty 

Beaded necklaces and bracelets are in, and they are not that hard to string together yourself if you're willing to put in the effort. At the most basic, all you need are beads, some string and a whole lot of patience to put together simple wristbands and keychains. But there's opportunity to get more advanced and intricate – you can invest in metal wires, expensive beads, clasps and rings to create professional jewellery pieces that's good enough to sell. To start off, head to People's Park Centre where there are shops like Beads and Craft, Mix & Match Merchandise and Shino Beads where you can get all you need. 

For the foodie

This hobby's good for your gut health and immunity, so there's little reason not to give it a go if you love spending time in the kitchen. Many will be familiar with fermented bread like sourdough, but there's a whole world to explore. Start with vegetables and get delicious results such as kimchi or sauerkraut, before branching into more exotic and equipment-heavy efforts, such as Indonesia tempeh, cheese or beer. If you need a guiding hand, join a fermentation workshop at Starter Culture, or The Fermentory by the folks behind Craft & Culture.

For the crafty book lover

This age-old craft is one of endless creativity. Choose your own book format, experiment with different types of paper (or mould it yourself), and pick up different stitching techniques to create your very own journal, sketchbook, zine, or more. Basic bookbinding is fairly easy, with a wealth of online tutorials available that will have your binding your first book in under an hour. You'll need some tools though, such as awls, needles and bone folders – source for yours at the best art supply stores near you. 

For the mystical

Maybe we're all feeling a little lost and need some direction – but tarot is having quite the moment today. If you'd rather be on the other side of the table dealing cards, interpreting their messages and sharing advice, then tarot card reading might just be the hobby for you. Pick up beautifully illustrated tarot decks from local bookstores such as BooksActually and The Moon, or even secondhand decks from Carousell. Each comes with helpful guidebooks that will get you started on your tarot card reading journey in no time. 

For the gamers and typists

The more you explore the world of mechanical keyboards, the more there is... to spend your money on. While this hobby can rack up the expenses, there's a certain satisfaction in building your own keyboard from scratch. From choosing cases, circuit boards and switches, spending hours lubing and tuning each part to get that perfect 'thock', picking keycaps, desk mats, and coiled cables that best express your personality – this hobby is a perfect black hole to get sucked into during these work-from-home days. Get all your need from Mecha Store and Pantheon. 

For the outdoorsy

Foraging? In concrete jungle Singapore? Surprising or not, there are lots of edible plants in our country, and even clams and other molluscs on our shores. Now, we're not advocating for you to pluck and pick at will – it's illegal to do so on state land after all, and it's just not a good look to potentially destroy public spaces. Instead, indulge your hobby by reading up on edible plants and flowers in Singapore – Weird and Wonderful Edibles has an informative blog and Instagram page – take regular walks in our beautiful forests and parks, and let your eyes (and cameras) do the foraging. 

For history buffs and sci-fi lovers

Scale modelling is not a new hobby by any means, but not many people are in the scene. Many come to the hobby from other niche interests, for example, World War II history or science fiction books. It also takes incredible patience and hand-eye coordination to piece together small parts into model cars, aircraft, ships, buildings and other structures. Pick up scale model kits from famous brands such as Airfix, Humbrol and Swann-Morton at Hobby Bounties, which also stocks rare collectables. The shop owner is a veteran scale modeller himself, so do take time to strike up a conversation.