10 things to do on a plane without Wi-Fi: Best games and crafts
There are many things to do on a plane to pass time that don’t involve screen time — Photo courtesy of urbazon / E+
I love long flights because they give me time to indulge in some of the guilty pleasures I never seem to have time for in my everyday life. Sometimes I’ll watch a movie or catch up on my reading, but I especially enjoy getting into the meditative flow of crafting or playing games.
Here are 10 of my favorite things to do on a plane without Wi-Fi. These games and craft kits for adults will spark your creativity and make time fly.
Play backgammon
Score with Chronicle Books Pendleton Backgammon Travel-Ready Roll Up Game — Photo courtesy of Chronicle Books
The classic game gets a whole new look with Chronicle Books Pendleton Backgammon Travel-Ready Roll Up Game. This easy-to-tote set lets you whip out everything you need to challenge your seatmate to a match.
The canvas board is eye-catching in a gorgeous Pendleton print that wraps around a vegan leather storage pouch. Holding all the pieces and dice, it snaps to the board so you don’t have to worry about losing anything except the game.
Cross stitch a statement
Crafting is empowering thanks to Subversive Cross Stitch kits — Photo courtesy of Subversive Cross Stitch
You may be scrunched in a middle seat in coach between two manspreaders, but once you take out this empowering “Nevertheless, She Persisted” kit from Subversive Cross Stitch, you’re likely to regain your space.
The basic kit comes with the canvas, pattern, thread, and instructions, while the deluxe kit adds a hoop and two needles. Channel your inner Elizabeth Warren as you power through your project and possibly even gain the armrests.
Color in an adult coloring book
Spoonful of Comfort Colorful Comforts comes with a 90-page adult coloring book and a box of colored pencils — Photo courtesy of Spoonful of Comfort
Adult coloring books are more popular than ever. They help reduce stress and anxiety, making them a perfect thing to do on a long plane ride. Spoonful of Comfort Colorful Comforts comes with a 90-page coloring book and a box of six colored pencils to keep you busy for hours.
The Color of Calm coloring book features intricate patterns and cozy illustrations by Ukrainian designer Yuliia Bahniuk. It’s created to relax you to the point that you can drift off to sleep for the remainder of your flight, feeling like you’ve accomplished something.
Complete a puzzle
Piece together Andy Warhol Soup Cans of 3 Shaped Puzzles in Tins — Photo courtesy of Galison Publishing
Jigsaw puzzles can provide many of the same benefits as meditation and, luckily, these Andy Warhol Soup Cans of 3 Shaped Puzzles in Tins are just the right size for a tray table, so you can simply focus and get lost in them.
Toss a can (or two or three) into your carry-on and transform the 100 pieces into an Andy Warhol masterpiece.
Learn to embroider
Embroidery becomes the mane event with Clever Poppy’s Beginner Hairstyle Kit — Photo courtesy of Clever Poppy
Clever Poppy makes beautiful, easy-to-follow embroidery kits so you can learn on the go. The Stitch Sampler Beginner Kit comes with everything you need to perfect eight basic techniques. It’s pretty enough to become a hangable piece of art when you’re done.
If you’re missing Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, also consider the Daphne Beginner Hairstyle Kit. It teaches you how to embroider a braid and gives off major “Evermore” vibes. Listen to the album through your headphones “with your hair falling into place like dominoes” and feel “one single thread of gold tying you” to her.
Solve a murder
Guess whodunnit in 5 Minute Murder — Photo courtesy of Mobius Books
No one to play games with? Don’t worry. 5 Minute Murder is the only companion you’ll need to keep you thinking and strategizing as you use logic to solve crime after crime.
Mystery writer Christopher J. Yates and puzzle expert Bruce Pitchers take you from London to New York, immersing you in a variety of scenarios that require some major sleuthing. The authors provide an entertaining storyline and solid tips for figuring out whodunnit.
Create a luggage tag
Jumpseat Therapy Cross Stitch Kits were created by a flight attendant — Photo courtesy of Jumpseat Therapy LLC
Invented by a flight attendant trying to find a constructive way to keep passengers calm, Jumpseat Therapy Cross Stitch Kits are TSA-friendly, anxiety-reducing, and just plain fun to do, whether you’re a beginner or expert.
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There are lots of cute options to choose from, but, of course, we’re partial to the airplane. The kit comes with everything you need to complete a usable luggage tag, including travel-approved scissors.
Play cards
You’ll want to show your hand with New York Puzzle Company’s Cat Cartoons Playing Cards — Photo courtesy of New York Puzzle Company
A game of rummy, go fish, or even solitaire is a great way to while away the hours of a long flight, especially when you play with a deck of New York Puzzle Company’s Cat Cartoons Playing Cards.
Don’t be surprised if your games take longer than usual. Each card features a classic The New Yorker magazine cartoon about cats, and you’ll want to read each one. Not a childless cat lady? There are also decks with dog cartoons, sports cartoons, and so much more. Be prepared for spontaneous outbursts of laughter.
Paint a watercolor
Frank Lloyd Wright Collection Paint-In Print Set is like an apprenticeship with the iconic architect — Photo courtesy of Galison Publishing
You wouldn’t think painting would be a practical activity during a flight, but this lovely Frank Lloyd Wright Collection Paint-In Print Set makes it super easy to be creative as you interpret the legendary architect’s geometric designs using your own color palette.
Each page of the pad of postcards has a little set of watercolor paints embedded in it, and the paintbrush is housed in the cardboard back cover. Just ask the flight attendant for a cup of water and some napkins, and you’ll be like Van Gogh on the go.
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Do a tangram
Uncommon Goods’ Slide-Proof Travel Tangram Set is great for travelers of all ages — Photo courtesy of Uncommon Goods
As much fun for adults and kids alike, Uncommon Goods’ Slide-Proof Travel Tangram Set is great for fostering problem-solving skills and creativity.
The set comes with seven heavy-duty felt pieces, two pattern books, a zippered storage pouch, and a no-slip mat to play over your tray table. Challenge your family (or yourself) to see who can recreate all 48 geometric shapes before you land.
