We all want to spend less time scrolling, and the warmer weather is a perfect time to lean into grandma hobbies—think crochet, puzzling, bird-watching, gardening, baking, and other cozy pursuits. Not only are these slow-paced activities fun and nostalgic, but they can do wonders for your mental health. If you’re looking for an easy way to unplug this summer, this DIY birdhouse is a great place to start—and you don’t need to be an experienced crafter.
Tackle the project with the help of your partner and kids, or buy a few and turn it into a craft night with friends. The simple wooden birdhouses are easy to customize with paint, stickers, or stencils, so no two will look exactly alike. Once finished, you can hang them in your backyard, on your porch, or near a garden to create a charming little retreat for birds.
Everything to build this cute birdhouse is included: seven wood pieces, two decorative windows, wood slices, 26 nails, wood glue, tape, string, perch, and sandpaper. You will, however, need a hammer to assemble the wooden structure. There are also six acrylic paints and two paint brushes.
According to online reviewers, it’s an easy and entertaining family activity for both kids and adults. “I loved the process of building this birdhouse,” wrote one. “My daughter and I were involved, and it was easy to do, especially because it allows the children to learn in a fun way how to assemble, paint, and decorate the house.” Another mentioned that they used the project to earn a Girl Scout badge, noting it was fun and easy to build.
The fun doesn’t end once the crafting is done, though. The wooden birdhouse can serve as a habitat to local birds, so you and your family can watch feathered visitors stop by. Plus, the back door makes it easy to clean and helps defend small birds from predators.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) leads Good Housekeeping’s gift guide strategy. She writes and edits commerce content, where she analyzes lifestyle trends, shopping data, and works closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute to recommend top-tested products. Previously, she was the associate lifestyle editor for GH and wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, BobVila.com, and Unique Homes Magazine. When she’s not tracking down buzzy products, you can find her walking her dog, Skye, around Jersey City.
