What can he do in the evening?

[Applebum]

My DH is a software engineer and works on screens all day. He’s recently said he would like to have something to do in the evenings that isn’t on screens and that will occupy him instead of automatically reaching for his phone to doom scroll. It’s his birthday in a few weeks and I’d love some ideas of what I could get him to help with this. I was thinking a cool lego set… but then there’s only so many lego sets I could get him. Any games? Something also meditative…

Read a book?

Lego

Sport? Gym membership, football team membership? Cookery lessons?

Thanks for the suggestions so far! I think it is more of a pick up and play type thing, like Lego - rather than going out somewhere.

Reading a book is definitely my first choice ;-) but he prefers audio books when he’s driving or walking the dog.

Jigsaw

Model painting.
Learn a musical instrument.
Jigsaws.

I would definitely say Lego sets especially technic ones. But they have such a good selection.... what about adult colouring books for relaxing with???

Get a keyboard and learn to play the piano from an app.
Knitting.
Learn a language on Duolingo.
Learn to draw or paint / colouring books / paint by numbers

I feel a bit the same as the OP’s OH and I love Lego, problem is it isn’t cheap! So whilst I do buy some occasionally the bigger pieces take longer but are of course more expensive, it’s not really a sustainable solution. I read a lot and try to limit screen time with that

This was a big thing during Covid.

lots of people I know took up crafting of some kind - crochet, knitting, embroidery, or jigsaws, Lego or a cheap musical instrument - ocarina, guitar, or keyboards (often on Facebook for free).

Lego, airfix, book nooks, knitting, jigsaws, puzzle books, adult colouring books (some are geared towards what are generally thought of as male interests eg cars) There are many Lego kits, the limit will probably be your budget rather than the number of kits (and storage space)

Books
Board games
Card games
Baking
DIY
Train sets - I always love the idea of having one in my attic like people used to

Airfix models. The smaller ones are dirt cheap, and there’s a huge range.

Theres a lego subscription thing isnt there where you build it then send it back and get another?

Learn to play guitar. Paint by numbers.

Adult colouring!

theres some sweary books https://www.amazon.co.uk/Say-Less-Swear-More-Satisfyingly/dp/B0FJFSMFCL/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=12XK8U4MA49BD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.yh1aaqdO6xqyDqx5XUjkBmixLC5PX3VSSbWc_YbUXIyRQnytK3DAoRJV5aZ9ADyPUqJImIZEiH2itBWGsiRfQvAf4S6j1rE_j0ovXQy9uwm4E6vKaKz7vbkGJichL3TW1TkyXi5o_2M9hprjD5ITHg.ipSRu_CpV2nmOMzB5fRPWuK8_um_7Wd3zE9h12-lTSc&dib_tag=se&keywords=dilligaf+doodles&qid=1760878956&sprefix=dilligaf+doodles%2Caps%2C76&sr=8-1 or these ‘Dad Moments’ books www.amazon.co.uk/Dad-Moments-Adult-Coloring-Book/dp/B0F6LD7GN8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=2724RNX0X4Y08&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GTjFtmG003xK6mh_y_gdD81xCfw2KmSXN0x3wla8FsvT8zPcllg4WqW5Cd-TdTVF.BkyM9BHsEpX1s1n9mmw-ewZYb6hDts2js4_Sdj6CdBc&dib_tag=se&keywords=dad+moments+men+color+too&qid=1760879018&s=books&sprefix=dad+moments+men+color+too%2Cbooks%2C57&sr=1-1

Wingspan is a gorgeous boardgame that can be played solo (or with other people!)

I keep seeing adverts for an engraving set that looks great - but might be a dodgy Facebook rip off.

I love having a jigsaw to do - definitely stops me doom scrolling! DH likes paining our DSs' warhammer models.

Puzzle books - suduko, Murdle, crosswords?

Wire painting kit

As a way out idea, how about fly dressing ?

That is :Tying fishing flies. It can be cheap as chips, or expensive. It can be fairly easy, or very advanced. It can be a hobby that fits in a shoebox, or fills a room.

And you do not actually need to be an angler to enjoy it. You learn about natural and synthetic materials, wires , silks and threads. And insects and nature too. Plus a bit of history, if inclined that way.

Also good for making gifts for fisher relatives.

Worth a google for a starter set.

model painting, diamond art, cookery, reading, furniture restoration,