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I’ve been known to delete Instagram from my phone for weeks, only to reinstall it to reply to messages from loved ones. It’s a good time for me to go out into the world, so I love this new trend “Grandma’s Favorites” as a way to reduce the death rate. One of these includes “grandma’s passions”. making an “analog bag”, for storing books, crafts, and other home hobbies that don’t involve your phone. Here are 24 products to make your own.
A deck of different cards for every situation…
2026 is the year I want to bring back letter writing and this kit from Rifle Paper Co. helps me with this. It comes with 15 beautiful cards for birthdays, thank yous, or if you just want to send an encouraging note. I love that the box is actually sturdy enough for storage and the table dividers are organized to keep everything organized.
Subscribe to snail mail…
As I mentioned, 2026 is the year I don’t mind spending a little more on things that help me stay offline. This snail mail subscription is about the price of a latte and comes with artwork, stickers, and other attachments you can use for scrapbooking or journaling.
A game and a puzzle in one…
Last year, one of my biggest resolutions was being able to pick up and solve a Rubik’s Cube in any position. As an addict I wanted to do this as a way to tap into the habit of breaking. I can confirm that I have successfully accomplished this goal, so now I use it as a great fidget toy to keep handy during meetings or stressful times. Its small size means you can easily fit it in your analog bag.
A Guide to Slowing Down…
I knew the simple habit its frame puzzles, design-ahead (I especially like This mini is 100 pieces). A small, women-owned brand has launched this guide magazine, For Now. It’s beautiful and has instructions for making a list, pictures, meditations, and more. Want more stationery? Check out my last story Here.
An editor-approved cover to keep all your hobby…
The iconic Lands’ End canvas pocket tote is my pick. It has multiple pockets and compartments to keep things organized without putting them in bags. But what I like is that it’s sturdy without being too stiff. You can use it to house your crafts and analog hobbies, for market and farm work, or for commuting.
A unique journal to commemorate your day…
Leuchtturm1917 is famous for its dot magazines, but I was looking at this slightly more guided version. It has spaces for you to jot down a few lines a day for five years, making it almost easier to document your life (and look back on it).
Watercolor Tutorial for Beginners…
No matter how crafty you are (or not), these guidebooks from Emily Lex Studio are a lot of fun. Each book follows a different theme and comes with pre-made instructions and instructions for coloring each picture. Another solid option if you’re entering a screen-free year.
An adult coloring book that isn’t too detailed…
One of the Skimm’r put us on these in our newsletter series, (It’s not) A stupid dealand they are perfect if you want to paint something that is not complicated. Each page of this little book has a very basic image. They come in countless themes, so pick a set and get colorful. This is our favorite lunch break.
Sewing kit for beginners…
Yarn crafts are very versatile and ideal if you want to do something with your hands that doesn’t involve movement. These sets from The Woobles allow you to make a cute toy. You can choose from iconic characters like Harry Potter, Snoopy and more. If you want to get into the hobby and scare yourself, try this brand. You get everything you need from yarn and needles to boxes.
A homemade clay kit that doesn’t cost a ton…
Pottery is another resurgent hobby, but lessons can be prohibitively expensive. Because of this, Sculpd has quickly become a team favorite for easy at-home kits that provide everything you need, from air-drying clay to tools. The instructions are easy to follow and we love checking out Their Instagram for inspiration.
Screenless version of all your favorites New York Times games…
New York Times Game fans will appreciate this hardcover version of their favorite in-app puzzles. From Wordle to Spelling Bee, the Times has rounded up an analog iteration of fan-favorite games. Just take a pen.
A marker set that is the key to any analog bag…
Whether you’re using it for the coloring book listed above or for your own hand sketching, every home artist deserves this set of double-sided, colorful markers. The brush edge of the markers is great for slower strokes, and the angled chisel edge offers tighter control. The complete set includes 48 smudge-free markers that can even be refilled with fresh ink when needed.
A coloring book that can be sent around the world…
Coloring books aren’t just for kids, and this set of coloring postcards proves that to me. For friends who like to hang out at home on the weekends, this is a fun and cool thing to have on hand. Each card has a beautiful image on the front and the blank back is perfect for personalized notes.
A paint-by-numbers set that we’ll come back to…
The number one reason we love Paint Anywhere’s Paint by Number kits: The designs are so beautiful, we actually want to display them in our homes. Each set starts at $32, depending on your size. You will receive all the matching digital brushes you need to complete the project. If you are a beginner, we recommend starting with their small print.
Small candles that burn for 20 minutes so you can unplug…
Think of them as an easy way to dedicate a certain amount of time to yourself and get away from your phone, other people, and work. While the candle is lit, do something that centers you: exercise, read, stretch, or meditate. After the candle is lit, you can return to your daily duties with a clearer mind.
The easy way to shop online bookstores…
If you can’t get it to your local bookstore, but still want to support it, visit the Library. Our Reads editors recently placed a large order and loved that they were able to choose their local bookstore when shopping on the site. Once you choose your bookstore, they get the full benefit of your purchase. And yes, the Library literally has everything.
An incredible brain game that we call the biggest trend of this year…
Hear me out: I really think word searches are going to have their moment this year. Especially with the notebook craze of keeping a bunch of books in a stack, a word search is an easy addition to the rotation. It’s packed with 100 puzzles that contain stress-relieving words that I can definitely get behind.
A favorite game that will make you forget your phone…
Nothing a monopoly agreement can’t fix. This version of the classic tabletop card game allows rounds to be played in less than 15 minutes. To win, you must collect three sets of cards. Perfect if you want a quick break as you only need two players.
An exciting update to Mankala…
Mancala is one of those games that is both priceless and addictive. To play, you divide four pieces equally into each slot. Then, each player takes turns moving stones into each slot counterclockwise until one side is empty. The side with the most pieces is the winning side. This version of to try is a playful design version with a gingham print and fruit-shaped beads. Keep it in your analog bag or display it on your coffee table.
Tips for Junk Journals and Memory Collecting…
One of the most healing and healthy Instagram followers is this Martina Calvicreator known for his pamphlets and newspaper spreads. In the past two years, he has published two books: one with a guide to informal journalism for beginners and one is all about collecting random things such as postcards, receipts and other materials to preserve memories.
Hardcover planner to keep everything in one place…
One of the biggest ways to switch to analog this year? By putting your digital calendar on paper. Our editors all appreciate Papier’s various journals and planners, and this historical journal is structured while still feeling flexible. It has a month-by-month view, a spread for goal setting, and a weekly spread for tracking milestones.
