2026 - The Year of Analogue and Embracing Grandma Hobbies

February 16, 2026

A collection of analogue technology including camera and watch

Hold On- Isn't Analog Dead?!

In a fast-paced, online, instant, mass-produced, dopamine and cortisol fuelled digital world, there is a quiet resistance growing. You might have spotted it, but probably not. It's happening in living rooms and coffee shops around the world. And it's offline.

I first noticed it about a year ago, when I started getting recommendations for crochet hooks and calligraphy pens on social media. I noticed a growing number of influencers turning to offline hobbies in a bid to stop the scroll.

Yes, I get the irony of online recommendations for reducing screentime. I also get the irony of me being the owner of an online business and me telling you to get offline.

But it's a trend I'm here for. In fact, I'm not sure if this can even be called a trend. I think rebellion is more accurate.

We're talking about going 'Old School'; taking our attention offline, putting down our phones and going analogue.

What do we Mean By Analog?

Analog, or analogue, is the opposite of digital. Analog is any technology that doesn’t use binary code - we're talking vinyl records, cassette tapes, VCRs, those home phones with the dials etc. - you get the idea.

For a long time, this sort of technology was considered state-of-the-art, but these days, analogue has become synonymous with 'vintage', 'offline' and 'slow'.

The year of analogue is not just about old tech. It's about intentionally being offline and embracing a slower, more mindful life. It's choosing to be present in the real world instead of getting sucked into a scroll-hole every time you find a moment to pick up your phone. It's taking up a 'Grandma Hobby' like knitting, crochet or colouring as an alternative to streaming, scrolling and stressing.

Why Millennials are Embracing Analog Living

As a phone-addicted millennial myself, I'm so over it.

I'm bored of picking up my phone every half hour and habitually opening the same apps to scroll through the same unrealistic expectations, toxic drama and beige content.

I miss my carefree 90's self, where my entertainment came from printed magazines and my music was recorded onto a cassette from the chart show on a Sunday night. If I wanted a piece of information I had to open a book, and if I wanted to make a call, I used a phone box. My games were on a keychain (remember Tamagotchi?!) I re-watched the same 12 videos over and over because there were only 4 channels, with no option to pause, rewind or skip. My curfew was sunset and my favourite sweets cost 1p each.

As a generation, we are craving that nostalgia. We want a slower, softer pace of life again.

Some of the Benefits of Embracing Slow Living

There are so many benefits to reducing screen time. Here are just a few:

Reduces stress
Better sleep
Improves mood
Better focus
Reduces eye strain
Better posture
Increased productivity
Encourages healthier connections and relationships
Sharper memory

How You Can Keep It Analogue in 2026

Read more books - I've swapped my bedtime scrolling and TV time for reading in bed with a cup of sleepy herbal tea every evening and I love it. It's become a part of my day that I look forward to. And I've read 2 books already this year (I write this at the start of February) - that's more than I read in the whole of last year. You could even visit your local library.

Journaling - If you're new to journaling, start by just noting 3 things you're grateful for each day. You'd be surprised how this tiny gratitude practice can improve your mood over time. Once you've got to grips with this, start adding more to your journal- like goals, ideas, memories, thoughts and feelings. I cannot stress enough the importance of having a pretty notebook to write in; it makes journaling feel like a treat rather than a chore. If you're in the market for a pretty journal, take a little look at our new notebooks.

Write more letters- Of course I love this one! If you've been here a while, you'll know I'm big on handwritten letters and greetings cards. I say we ditch the boring emails and e-cards and bring back snail mail! Remember the sheer joy of receiving something in the post as a kid? You should let your loved ones feel that joy. Send happy post and make their day. We have a collection of gorgeous cards for any occasion, check them out here.

Learn a new skill- Last year I signed up for a pottery throwing class and it was so nice to do something new, creative and, most importantly, offline. It doesn't have to be pottery, there are so many other things you could learn - knitting, crochet, calligraphy, drawing, painting, photography, sing, dance, play an instrument, take up yoga or join a sports team.

Set boundaries with tech - Screen time limits are all well and good, but if you're a hardcore phone addict like me, you'll know that there are ways around screentime limits. I've resorted to leaving my phone in a whole other room whenever I can. I also don't sleep next to my phone anymore. stay strong, you've got this!

Get outside more- There is no better way to embrace the present that getting a nature hit. Go outside, touch grass, breathe fresh air, walk, run, sit, have a picnic, go somewhere new. Treat yourself.

Have a digital declutter - Delete unwanted apps, unfollow any accounts that don't bring you joy. Unfriend people you don't actually know and remove contacts you don't need. It's such a good feeling.

Shop more mindfully - Swap instant dopamine hits from adding to card on that massive website that offers Prime delivery for a more mindful experience. Choose to shop locally in your local high street, or online with your favourite small businesses. Yes, that's still shopping online, but shopping small business online is ALWAYS going to beat shopping with huge faceless corporations who literally couldn't give a sh*t about whether you order or not. Supporting small, local and independent is totally where it's at.