Interest in “grandma hobbies,” or more commonly known on TikTok as analog activities, has only risen in the past few months. Activities that draw us away from the doomscroll and instead have us crafting, reading and solving puzzles are increasing in popularity.
When searching through Google Trends, the term “analog hobbies” has risen 160% over the past 30 days alone.
Ironically, these activities are trending on TikTok, the exact platform users are trying to spend less time on. While the app is great for how-tos on stitches, sharing progress via WIP (work-in-progress) Wednesday and gaining inspiration for future crafts and activities, it’s the doomscroll aspect that individuals are seeking less of.
We spoke with trend experts and needlepoint shop owners alike to gain insight on why individuals are swapping their screen time for spending hours poring over a needlework craft or watercolor project.
What activities are most popular?
According to Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy Trend Expert and the team at Etsy, needlepoint and crochet rank high, with searches for “beginner needlepoint items” up 208% YoY (year over year) and searches for “crochet sweaters,” up 162% YoY.
“Needlepointing is emerging as the clear standout,” Isom Johnson says. “While interest is growing across several traditional crafts, needlepoint-related searches are significantly outpacing the rest—particularly among beginners.”
#Needlepoint has over 119,000 videos on TikTok, while #wipwednesday videos are nearing the 81,000 mark, proving the crafts’ popularity.
“It first got really popular during COVID with my age group (millennials) via Instagram,” says Krista LeRay, owner of Penny Linn, a needlepoint store based in Connecticut. “I think since we were all stuck at home looking for things to do, people turned to needlepoint and the first big ‘wave’ of the industry started. Then, in 2023 up until now, it has gained a lot of traction on TikTok and with a younger demo (like Gen Z) and has really brought a ton of new eyes and now stitchers to needlepoint. “
What is leading to an increased interest in analog activities?
“As we enter 2026, shoppers are looking to fulfill their New Year’s resolutions with new hobbies that help them slow down and step away from screens,” says Isom Johnson. “‘Grandma’-inspired crafts and activities like knitting and crocheting are the perfect way to unwind, providing a sense of calm and creativity without the pull of doomscrolling.”
Removing doomscrolling as part of one’s routine is a common theme mentioned throughout the analog activities dialogue.
“I think people love [needlepointing] for two big reasons that are directly linked back to the same idea: connection,” says Leray. “Connection with ourselves and others. Needlepointing gets people off their (very addictive) phones and social media platforms and gets them back in the ‘real world’ in a way. You have to slow down, unplug and stimulate another part of your mind.”
A desire to return to activities that once brought joy in an era before our phones became an extension of our hands is also a contributing factor to analog activities.
“There’s also a nostalgia factor; over the past few months, we’ve seen shoppers gravitate towards pieces that evoke feelings of warmth and coziness — just like sitting in your grandma’s living room,” says Isom Johnson. This is also best seen via Substacks about the trend, where writers list activities they’re returning to, “inspired by the ’90s summer of my childhood.”
What is an “analog bag?”
An analog bag is a tote full of all of your favorite screen-free activities that you can reach for rather than scrolling on your phone. Whether it’s cross stitch or crosswords, many are swapping time on their phone for time spent on activities from their analog bag.
One creator advises keeping this bag “as accessible as your phone,” so you’re less tempted to reach for it.
This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:
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