2026 is the year of analog.
More and more people are getting tired of their phones and the overstimulation they provide, leading them to search for offline ways to entertain themselves. One of the biggest trends in this anti-Internet movement is the analog bag.
For those who haven’t heard the term before, an analog bag is a tote bag filled with things to do, from crossword puzzles to fiber arts. When you’re bored, you use something from the bag rather than doomscroll on your phone.
But what do you fill the bag with? What hobbies are best for taking on the go and doing while you’re at a coffee shop or in line at the grocery store?
In this post, you’ll find twenty-four analog hobby ideas to try. You can do all of them without your phone, and they don’t require a lot of items, making them perfect for doing out of the house.
What are Analog Hobbies?
Analog hobbies are activities you can do without a screen, or more specifically, your phone. They prevent boredom by providing the stimulation you crave, but with a much more satisfying result than scrolling TikTok.
Analog Hobby Ideas
Reading
You’ll be surprised by how many more books you can read just by taking your book instead of your phone when you go out. Maybe you can finally tackle that classic you never got around to reading or make a dent in your bedside table TBR.
Crossword Puzzles
Crosswords are an excellent way to challenge your brain and test your knowledge. The New York Times daily crossword is a classic, but there are plenty of books you can get, too.
Sudoku
Sudoku is another excellent type of puzzle for your brain. The concept is simple, but completing the squares can be incredibly challenging.
Needlepoint
Needlepoint has had a recent resurgence online lately. It’s not that hard to learn, and small projects are easy to take in your bag while you travel.
Embroidery
Embroidery is a classic handicraft with endless uses. If you’re just starting, look for embroidery kits with all the thread, needles, and guidelines you need to get started.
Cross-stitch
Cross-stitching is an incredibly soothing hobby. The hardest part is the counting, but you can get pre-stamped kits if that proves to be a problem.
Knitting/Crochet
Did you learn to knit or crochet when you were a child, but haven’t done it since? Maybe it’s time to pull out your needles and yarn and give it a try again.
Macramé
You can use this knotted decorative art for many different craft projects. All you need is macrame cord and a bit of know-how to have a satisfying project to work on.
Coloring
Coloring books can be as easy or complex as you want them to be. It’s a great way to relax, unwind, and build your eye for color as you fill in the pages.
Drawing
Drawing is a very satisfying skill to hone, especially in the age of AI slop. Take your sketchbook out and draw what’s around you to build your powers of observation.
Card Making
There’s something so special about creating a card yourself to give to your loved ones. You can draw one, paint one, or even try a collage- it’s all up to you!
Junk Journal
Use all those little bits of ephemera you’ve saved to create a junk journal. It’s fun to do on the go and can help reduce your stash of things you’ve saved because “they looked cool”.
Journaling
The beauty of journaling is that it can take whatever form you want. You can free-form dump your thoughts. You can do morning pages. You can keep a gratitude journal, a reading journal, or even a movie journal.
Creative Writing
Do you have a story you want to write or a poem you want to create? There is no better time than now to pull out a notebook and pencil to get started.
Origami
The beauty of origami is that the traditional version requires nothing more than paper. It’ll keep your hands and mind busy, which helps reduce stress.
Whittling
Whittling, or wood carving, could be your new favorite hobby. All you need is some wood, a knife, and an idea of what you want to make.
Photography
Replace your phone camera with a digital or film version instead. This forces you to slow down and be more intentional with the photos you take.
Diamond Painting
Diamond painting is like painting by number, but with gems. It’s the perfect hobby for those who struggle with artistic skills, but still want to create something beautiful.
Jewelry Making
Making your own jewelry is such a flex. It’s another activity where you can get a kit to help you start, or just find the supplies at your local craft store.
Pressing Flowers
Pressing flowers is a time-honored tradition. Once they’re dried, you can use the preserved flowers for all sorts of other arts and crafts.
Walking
Walking is a great form of exercise and a way to practice mental health. Even better, all you need is yourself and a comfortable pair of shoes, making getting started easy.
Listen to Physical Media
When was the last time you listened to your favorite music without being distracted? Physical media makes it much easier to do that, and collecting CDs or records can be fun.
Board Games
Rather than game online, dust off those old board games you have lying around. This is a great activity to do with a group of friends, especially if you establish a “no phones while playing” rule.
Handheld Video Games
Another alternative to online gaming is your Nintendo Switch, DS, or any other handheld system. It’ll still be screen time, but you can’t get distracted like you would on a phone or computer.
Analog hobbies encourage you to put away your phone and start using your hands again. These are just a few ideas, so keep exploring. Your new favorite thing could be waiting just around the corner.
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