When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
Hobby Lobby
Why Hobby Lobby is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Hobby Lobby stands as one of the largest and most popular arts and crafts retailers in the United States, boasting over 1,000 stores nationwide. Founded in 1970 by David and Barbara Green, it began as a small enterprise making miniature picture frames and has grown into a sprawling retail chain offering more than 70,000 products. This vast selection includes home décor, seasonal items, floral supplies, art materials, fabric, yarn, jewelry-making kits, and much more, making it a paradise for creative enthusiasts and hobbyists alike. What makes Hobby Lobby particularly appealing as a meetup spot for friends is its comprehensive range of crafting supplies coupled with a welcoming, accessible store environment. The stores are large, averaging over 55,000 square feet, providing ample space to browse and gather ideas together. Additionally, the company emphasizes values centered on community and family, which extends to an inviting atmosphere conducive to spending quality time with friends while exploring creative projects. Hobby Lobby is closed on Sundays, reflecting its foundational Christian principles, and is known for offering competitive pricing and frequent promotions, helping visitors get great value on their purchases. Whether hosting crafting sessions or simply shopping for supplies together, Hobby Lobby offers a uniquely friendly and resource-rich setting that inspires creativity and social connection.
Here's what people think of Hobby Lobby
As of recent, Hobby Lobby holds a 4.4-star rating based on 1427 reviews.
Customer reviews of Hobby Lobby generally reflect a positive shopping experience, highlighting the store's extensive product variety and reasonable prices as major strengths. Positive reviews frequently commend the wide selection of arts and crafts materials and home décor options, making it a convenient one-stop shop for creative projects. Many customers appreciate the store’s large, well-organized layout and friendly staff who are helpful and knowledgeable. The atmosphere is often described as welcoming and family-friendly, fostering a comfortable shopping experience for people of all ages. Customers also value Hobby Lobby's commitment to Christian principles, which resonates with many patrons and creates a consistent store culture. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention pricing inconsistencies and product availability issues, such as some items being out of stock or limited variety in certain specialty supplies. A few customers find the absence of barcode scanning frustrating because prices are input manually at checkout, which can slow down the purchase process. There are also occasional critiques about crowding or difficulty navigating during peak hours. Overall, despite minor operational criticisms, the general consensus remains strongly favorable, with many shoppers recommending Hobby Lobby as a reliable, enjoyable place for arts and crafts shopping and social meetups.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Ellie Cemer
Today I had a super frustrating experience trying to exchange an item. I had purchased a jacket about 2 weeks ago, tried it on once and realized it didn’t fit. It sat in the bag I purchased it in until today when I wanted to exchange it. However during my interaction I was told by the cashier that I couldn’t return the item because it had “hair” all over it and didn’t have the tags. I showed them that the receipt stated you had 90 days to return an item as long as you had the receipt and it didn’t mention anything about needing tags. I handed them the tags nonetheless and when I inquired about the hair, the cashier struggled to find a hair to point out “explaining” that the jacket was not re-sellable in the condition it was in. I was in shock of the lack of communication and immediate dismissal and left feeling super frustrated and angry. Not to mention the item I wanted to exchange it for was higher priced and long run probably would have generated them a higher profit. I most likely will not be shopping at hobby lobby anymore especially since I can get the same items elsewhere. I have included a picture of the jacket right after my experience. There is some fuzz and I am happy to admit that, but nothing that didn’t collect from sitting on their self’s for who knows how long and nothing that I would deem not re-sellable.
J Marie ZP
Good prices when things are on sale. Huge huge store so wear walking shoes. Long wait to check out. 10 registers. 2 were open. 10 people waiting in line in each the whole time I was there.
Christina Taylor
Really great store. A lady named Chris checked us out today and she was amazing! She was so nice, friendly and helpful and went out of her way to make sure we had a wonderful experience. Thank you Chris!
Elaine Eggenspiller
Clean, well organized store The sales associate in the material department was very helpful and polite as was the one at checkout. I love shopping where the employees do not act as though you are putting them out when you ask for assistance.
m
I love this store so much. I went to get some fabric to make a plushie for one of my friends and they had EVERYTHING I needed. This was one of my first times actually looking throughout the whole store and there was so much cute stuff!! Also I had baked with my friends awhile back and I wish we had gone to Hobby Lobby to get baking tools, it would have made everything easier. Definitely recommend going here. (The yellow toy is what I made. It's supposed to look weird/ugly/cute so don't judge lol)
How to reach Hobby Lobby
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Why Hobby Lobby may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Hobby Lobby with your friends?
Hobby Lobby is an ideal place to gather with friends because it offers a unique and engaging environment that sparks creativity and shared experiences. With a stellar rating of 4.4 from over 1,400 reviews, it is a trusted destination where groups can explore a vast world of arts and crafts together. Whether your group is passionate about DIY projects, home décor, painting, or sewing, Hobby Lobby provides endless inspiration and resources that spark conversation and collaboration. Meeting at Hobby Lobby transforms a typical hangout into a creative adventure where ideas flow freely and everyone can find something that excites them. The welcoming atmosphere combined with helpful staff support means your group can dive hands-on into projects, share tips, and even pick up new crafts while bonding. Plus, the wide aisles and well-organized sections make it easy for groups to browse comfortably side by side without feeling cramped. This makes Hobby Lobby not just a store, but a hub where friends or family can rally to connect creatively while discovering new hobbies or preparing crafts for upcoming celebrations or gifts.
What activities can you enjoy together at Hobby Lobby?
Hobby Lobby offers a wide variety of activities and crafting opportunities perfect for groups who want to spend meaningful time together. You can start by exploring their extensive selection of art supplies such as paints, canvases, brushes, and sketchbooks, ideal for creating personalized artwork or group painting sessions. Sewing enthusiasts can gather around the fabric aisle to choose textiles for collaborative quilting, costume-making, or home décor projects. Their beadwork and jewelry-making section provides materials to craft unique accessories, enabling friends to design matching bracelets or necklaces as keepsakes. Floral crafting is another popular activity, with options ranging from fresh faux flowers to floral arranging supplies, perfect for designing beautiful bouquets or decorations for an event. Seasonal decorating supplies allow groups to brainstorm and create holiday-themed crafts like wreaths, ornaments, and table centerpieces together, making Hobby Lobby a gateway to festive fun. Additionally, the home décor aisle features DIY kits and inspiration for room makeovers or gift crafts, adding functionality and style. These varied activities cater to different interests and skill levels, ensuring each member of your group finds something exciting to create.
Why is Hobby Lobby perfect for a group meetup?
Hobby Lobby's spacious and thoughtfully designed stores make them ideal venues for group meetups. Ample space allows your friends to move freely among the aisles without feeling overcrowded, so everyone can engage independently or collaboratively. The store hours—typically from 9 AM to 8 PM—are convenient for planning meetups at different times of the day, accommodating both early birds and evening crafters. Friendly, knowledgeable staff are on hand to provide guidance, offer tips, and help your group find specific supplies, enhancing the overall experience and reducing frustration. The variety of crafts and materials under one roof means your group has immediate access to everything needed for multi-project sessions without the hassle of visiting multiple locations. Hobby Lobby also frequently offers coupons and promotions which can make group purchases more affordable, a plus for budget-conscious meetups. Finally, the inspiring displays and seasonal sections invite groups to discuss ideas and get creative together, turning your meetup into an interactive exploration rather than just a shopping trip.
How does Hobby Lobby inspire creativity for groups?
Hobby Lobby thrives on inspiring creativity by providing not only craft supplies but also ideas and guidance that spark imagination. Their stores often feature themed displays with completed projects showcasing how various materials can be combined for beautiful results. For groups, this is a perfect way to stimulate brainstorming and motivate each other with new project ideas. The wide selection of products encourages experimentation across different crafting disciplines, so friends can challenge one another to try unfamiliar techniques like wood crafts, sewing, or floral design. Seasonal sections provide timely inspiration, whether for Halloween, Christmas, Easter, or spring décor, offering fresh themes for group projects that also enhance upcoming celebrations. Moreover, staff members who are approachable and enthusiastic about crafts can share insights or suggest creative alternatives, which can help groups overcome any creative blocks. The overall environment at Hobby Lobby acts as a catalyst where friends uplift one another’s creativity and turn individual interests into shared artistic journeys.
What makes Hobby Lobby welcoming for all skill levels?
One of the greatest strengths of Hobby Lobby as a meetup destination lies in its welcoming atmosphere for both beginners and seasoned crafters. The store organizes materials in clear categories and offers beginner-friendly kits alongside professional-grade supplies, so groups with mixed experience levels can all participate comfortably. Whether your friend is just learning to knit or pasting together intricate scrapbooks, each person can find supplies and ideas tailored to their skill. The affordable pricing on starter kits and tools lowers barriers for newcomers, making the decision to try a new craft easier and less intimidating. Hobby Lobby’s staff are known for their helpfulness and patience, ready to assist novices with advice or demonstrations whenever requested, which builds confidence. For more advanced hobbyists, the extensive inventory supports complex projects and experimentation with specialized materials. This inclusiveness creates a relaxed vibe where no one feels left behind, and the group can support each other’s learning and creative growth during meetups.
What are the benefits of shopping for group projects at Hobby Lobby?
Shopping for group projects at Hobby Lobby offers multiple benefits that contribute to a smooth and enjoyable crafting experience. Economically, the store’s frequent sales and coupon availability can significantly reduce the cost of bulk purchases, helping groups save money while buying supplies for large projects. The extensive product range simplifies logistics; you don’t need to coordinate stops at several specialty stores since Hobby Lobby stocks everything from paints to baking supplies. The convenience of having all materials under one roof cuts down time spent shopping and maximizes the time available for actual crafting activities. Hobby Lobby locations often include custom framing services, providing a valuable option for groups wanting to professionally display their work or gift completed art with personalized frames. The store layout encourages discovery, meaning groups can serendipitously find new supplies or project ideas that add surprise and excitement to their plans. Overall, Hobby Lobby streamlines the preparation for group creative sessions with quality products, great value, and helpful services all in one place.
How can Hobby Lobby be part of your group’s shared memories?
Rallying at Hobby Lobby offers more than just a shopping trip; it creates a meaningful setting where friends and family forge lasting memories through shared creativity. The collaborative crafting sessions foster communication, laughter, and bonding as your group ventures into new projects or helps each other refine techniques. Bringing home handcrafted items makes the memories tangible, as the finished products symbolize the time spent together and the mutual effort invested. Groups often find that project planning and material selection become a source of inside jokes and stories retold at future meetings, enriching friendships over time. Participating in seasonal or holiday-themed crafts together opens avenues for tradition-building, turning Hobby Lobby meetups into anticipated rituals. The immersive nature of the experience helps friends and family escape daily routines and focus on creative joy, leaving everyone with a sense of accomplishment and connection long after the day ends.
In summary, Hobby Lobby’s wide range of activities, welcoming environment, expert support, and value-focused shopping make it a superb destination to host a meetup with friends or family. It blends artistry, inspiration, and fun to turn any gathering into a creative celebration. Whether you're making festive décor, exploring new skills, or simply enjoying each other’s company in a vibrant setting, Hobby Lobby offers everything needed for an unforgettable group experience.