During the pandemic, people spent money on stuff. Then, they spent money on experiences. Now, it seems they’re spending money on things that help them connect.

There are three scuba diving schools in a small area of Albuquerque — 12 hours away from the ocean.

Disney’s live-action “The Little Mermaid” is expected to bring in big bucks at the box office — and for the real-life mermaid industry, which is an actual thing.

Commerce Department data shows retail sales for sporting goods, hobby, instrument and book stores were down 5.4% in April compared to a year ago. Sales for garden equipment and supplies were down too.

The pandemic helped boost toy sales by more than 30%.

Pandemic lockdowns and high grocery prices have grown the ranks of gardeners. The costs of cultivation compete with savings on food.

To fill unexpected free time or to cope with stress, people have picked up hobbies: sculpting action figures and DJing socially distanced parties are just a few.

Turns out, quite a lot.

Fewer Americans are hunting as a hobby, but those that are still hunting, are spending more money doing it.