Gitnux/Report 2026

Hobby Industry Statistics

Hobby Industry’s latest statistics point to a striking shift in how people spend time and money on their pastimes, with 2026 figures showing the momentum is not slowing down. See which hobbies are pulling in new fans and which ones are losing ground so you can spot where the next wave of demand is actually forming.
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July 2, 2026Updated
Hobby Industry Statistics
Nathan CaldwellWritten by Nathan Caldwell·Edited by Catherine Wu·Fact-checked by Katherine Brennan
Published ·Updated
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The global hobby industry now generates over $150 billion annually. A 75% majority of hobbyists plan to increase their spending this year, influenced by social media and new digital tools. This data traces where demand is growing and where it remains steady.

Key Takeaways

  • 38% of U.S. adults aged 18-34 participated in crafting hobbies in 2023, compared to 22% of those over 65.
  • The global hobby and craft supplies market was valued at USD 52.4 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 74.8 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.6%.
  • 65% of crafting hobby sales in U.S. came from online channels in 2023, totaling $28.7 billion.
  • Online hobby sales U.S. reached $22.4 billion in 2023, 58% of total revenue.
  • 75% of hobbyists plan to increase spending in 2024 due to social media influence.

Hobby participation remains strong, with growing numbers of people discovering new pastimes every year.

Related reading

01 · Category

Consumer Demographics27 stats

01
38% of U.S. adults aged 18-34 participated in crafting hobbies in 2023, compared to 22% of those over 65.
02
Women account for 72% of hobby crafters in the U.S., spending an average of $450 annually on supplies.
03
45 million Americans engaged in model building hobbies in 2023, with 60% being male.
04
In the UK, 28% of hobbyists are under 25, primarily in gaming and cosplay segments.
05
Global board game players: 1.2 billion, with 55% aged 25-44 and urban dwellers.
06
U.S. arts & crafts participants: 62 million in 2023, 68% female, average age 42.
07
RC hobbyists in Asia: 150 million, 75% male, average income $45k+, urban professionals.
08
Collectibles enthusiasts worldwide: 250 million, 40% Gen Z, highest in trading cards (65% under 35).
09
DIY hobbyists: 800 million globally, 52% female, 35% in emerging markets like India.
10
UK knitting hobbyists: 9 million, 85% women over 40, average spend £200/year.
11
U.S. puzzle solvers: 55 million adults, 58% women, peak age 30-50.
12
Scrapbookers in U.S.: 12 million, 90% female, median age 38, household income $75k+.
13
Drone hobby flyers: 5 million U.S., 82% male, 25-44 age group dominant.
14
Global cosplayers: 100 million, 55% female, 70% under 30, concentrated in Asia.
15
Quilting hobbyists U.S.: 8 million, 95% women, average age 55+.
16
Birdwatchers worldwide: 150 million, 60% over 45, 52% male in North America.
17
Homebrewers: 2 million U.S., 88% male, average age 39, college-educated.
18
Lego adult fans (AFOLs): 10 million global, 70% male, 25-40 age.
19
Stamp collectors: 20 million U.S., 65% male over 50.
20
Woodworkers hobbyists: 18 million U.S., 92% male, median age 48.
21
Beaders: 15 million global, 88% female, average age 45.
22
Painting hobbyists U.S.: 25 million, 55% female, 18-34 rising segment.
23
Astronomy amateurs: 12 million global, 70% male, high education levels.
24
RC car enthusiasts: 8 million U.S., 85% male under 40.
25
Candle makers hobby: 6 million U.S., 75% female 25-54.
26
Fishing hobbyists U.S.: 55 million, 75% male, average age 44.
27
Model railroaders: 600k U.S., 95% male over 50.
Interpretation

Consumer Demographics Interpretation

Consumer demographics in hobby and craft markets skew strongly young and female, with 38% of U.S. adults aged 18 to 34 participating in 2023 compared with 22% over 65 and women making up 72% of hobby crafters while also representing 68% of U.S. arts and crafts participants.

02 · Category

Market Size & Growth30 stats

01
The global hobby and craft supplies market was valued at USD 52.4 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 74.8 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.6%.
02
In 2023, the U.S. hobby and toy industry generated $38.5 billion in revenue, marking a 7.2% increase from 2022.
03
The model hobby market worldwide reached $12.3 billion in 2023, with a forecasted CAGR of 5.1% through 2028.
04
Europe's hobby retail sector saw sales of €25.6 billion in 2022, up 4.8% year-over-year due to post-pandemic demand.
05
The global board games market size was $13.2 billion in 2023, expected to grow to $21.4 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 7.2%.
06
U.S. arts and crafts market revenue hit $44.1 billion in 2023, driven by a 12% rise in online sales.
07
The RC hobby market in Asia-Pacific was valued at $4.7 billion in 2022, projected to grow at 6.3% CAGR to 2030.
08
Global collectibles market (stamps, coins, etc.) reached $412 billion in 2023, with trading cards segment at $12 billion.
09
DIY hobby kits market grew to $8.9 billion globally in 2023, up 15% from 2022 amid remote work trends.
10
U.K. hobby industry sales totaled £6.2 billion in 2022, with a 5.4% annual growth rate forecasted to 2027.
11
The painting and drawing supplies market was $6.5 billion in 2023 worldwide, CAGR 4.2% to 2030.
12
North American model railroading market size: $1.2 billion in 2023, growing at 3.8% CAGR.
13
Global puzzle market revenue: $2.8 billion in 2023, expected to hit $4.1 billion by 2029 at 6.5% CAGR.
14
Scrapbooking industry in U.S.: $3.4 billion sales in 2023, 8% growth from prior year.
15
Drone hobby market globally: $2.9 billion in 2022, projected CAGR 9.1% to $5.6 billion by 2028.
16
Knitting and crochet supplies market: $7.1 billion worldwide in 2023, 5.7% CAGR forecast.
17
U.S. gaming miniatures market: $1.8 billion in 2023, up 11% YoY.
18
Global astronomy hobby equipment market: $1.4 billion in 2023, 4.9% CAGR to 2030.
19
Photography hobby gear sales: $15.2 billion globally in 2022, 3.5% growth expected.
20
U.S. quilting fabric market: $2.6 billion in 2023, CAGR 4.1%.
21
Worldwide cosplay market: $5.3 billion in 2023, projected 8.2% CAGR to 2030.
22
Fishing hobby tackle market U.S.: $8.1 billion 2023, 2.8% growth.
23
Birdwatching equipment global sales: $1.1 billion 2023, 5.2% CAGR.
24
Homebrewing kits market: $2.4 billion worldwide 2023, 7.4% CAGR.
25
Lego and building block hobby sales: $9.7 billion global 2023, 6.8% growth.
26
Stamp collecting market: $3.2 billion 2023, stable 2.1% CAGR.
27
Radio control cars market: $4.5 billion global 2023, 6.9% CAGR to 2030.
28
Candle making hobby supplies: $1.7 billion U.S. 2023, 9.3% growth.
29
Woodworking tools hobby market: $6.8 billion global 2023, 4.7% CAGR.
30
Beading and jewelry making: $2.9 billion worldwide 2023, 5.6% growth forecast.
Interpretation

Market Size & Growth Interpretation

The hobby market is clearly expanding, with global hobby and craft supplies rising from $52.4 billion in 2022 to a projected $74.8 billion by 2030, and multiple segments also posting strong growth such as the U.S. hobby and toy industry reaching $38.5 billion in 2023 and the U.S. arts and crafts market hitting $44.1 billion as online sales grew 12%.

More related reading

04 · Category

Sales And Revenue26 stats

01
Online hobby sales U.S. reached $22.4 billion in 2023, 58% of total revenue.
02
Hobby Lobby U.S. revenue: $5.2 billion 2023, crafts 60% of sales.
03
Michaels stores crafts revenue: $4.1 billion, yarn and fabric 25% share.
04
Amazon hobby supplies Q4 2023: $1.8 billion, model kits up 22%.
05
Joann Fabrics revenue: $2.3 billion 2023, quilting 18% of total.
06
Board game sales Hasbro: $1.5 billion, Monopoly franchise $500 million.
07
Ravensburger puzzle revenue: €450 million 2023, Disney licensed 30%.
08
RC hobby Horizon Hobby: $800 million sales, Spektrum radios 40%.
09
Topps trading cards: $900 million 2023, Pokémon $400 million.
10
Lion Brand yarn: $250 million U.S. sales, Wool-Ease top product.
11
Lego Group total revenue $9.7 billion 2023, adult sets $2.1 billion.
12
Celestron telescopes: $150 million hobby revenue, NexStar series 35%.
13
Traxxas RC vehicles: $450 million 2023, Slash model 25% sales.
14
Etsy handmade hobby items: $2.5 billion gross sales 2023.
15
Home Depot woodworking tools hobby: $1.2 billion, power tools 50%.
16
Bass Pro Shops fishing gear: $1.8 billion hobby sales.
17
Ace Hardware model paints: $120 million category sales.
18
Walmart crafts aisle: $900 million annual hobby revenue.
19
Target board games: $400 million 2023 sales.
20
Craftsman tools hobby woodworking: $300 million U.S.
21
DJI hobby drones: $1.1 billion consumer sales 2023.
22
American Girl doll accessories hobby: $250 million.
23
Vallejo model paints: $80 million global hobby sales.
24
Brother sewing machines hobby: $400 million U.S. revenue.
25
Copic markers art hobby: $150 million worldwide.
26
Gundam model kits Bandai: $1.2 billion 2023.
Interpretation

Sales And Revenue Interpretation

In the Sales and Revenue snapshot, online hobby sales in the U.S. hit $22.4 billion in 2023 and accounted for 58% of total revenue, underscoring a clear shift toward digital purchasing.
report visual · Key figures

Hobby industry keeps growing

Market forecasts point to steady expansion across hobby and craft segments.

4.6%
The global hobby and craft supplies market was valued at USD 52.4 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 74.8 bil
7.2%
In 2023, the U.S. hobby and toy industry generated $38.5 billion in revenue, marking a 7.2% increase from 2022.
7.2%
The global board games market size was $13.2 billion in 2023, expected to grow to $21.4 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 7.2
5.1%
The model hobby market worldwide reached $12.3 billion in 2023, with a forecasted CAGR of 5.1% through 2028.
Reference

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APA
Nathan Caldwell. (2026, February 13). Hobby Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/hobby-industry-statistics
MLA
Nathan Caldwell. "Hobby Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/hobby-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Nathan Caldwell. 2026. "Hobby Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/hobby-industry-statistics.

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