It’s 2026, but everyone is talking about 2016. Nostalgia around simpler living is growing rapidly and predictions are that this year is going to be the year of analogue and a cultural u-turn against technology.
Not a rejection of technology, but a gentle shift and collective craving for things that feel slower, more tactile, more human. That’s why vinyl is back, why people are buying disposable cameras again, why book clubs, saunas and walking groups are quietly booming.
So you want to set more digital habits and scroll a little less this year, but where do you start?
The awkward offline to analogue shift
Putting your phone down sounds simple in theory. In practice, it often leaves a slightly awkward pause. Our phones haven’t just filled empty time, they’ve replaced hobbies. They’ve become what we reach for when we’re bored, restless, tired, avoiding something, or just unsure what to do next.
So when the screen goes away, there’s a gap: “Ok, so what do I do now?” Unless you have something else ready to take its place, that gap can easily send us straight back to scrolling.
That’s why searches for ‘analogue hobbies’ have risen considerably in 2026 and why things like ‘grandma hobbies’ are trending on social. Analogue habits and hobbies are a great way to slow down and stop scrolling as they’re something physical to reach for instead of your phone.
The idea of an offline hobby box or list
Think of it as a mental (or literal) box you can dip into when you want to be offline but don’t want to feel lost. If you can plan for those gaps and have an easy list or box to reach for, it becomes easier to put the phone down.
You can write a list to reference, make a jar with folded options or even curate a ‘hobby box’ that has offline activities in.
To make this easier, we’ve created a list of analogue activities that we reach for during downtime that are much easier to do in 2026 than previous years.
20 analogue activity ideas
se this list as a starting point to curate your own. Pick and choose and then add ones in for yourself that you can do alone or with friends.
1. Learn to knit, crochet or needlepoint
‘Grandma activities’ are definitely coming back in 2026. Not only is the repetitive nature of crocheting calming, you can create something physical you can wear or gift. Cross stitch, needlepointing, sewing or knitting are all having a comeback.
2. Read one physical book a month
Reading is the perfect replacement for escapism. It’s calming, educational and also helps boost empathy. Get a few good recommendations (we love Service 95 by Dua Lipa and Rebel Book Club) or join a book club and try to read at least one book a month.
3. Do a jigsaw puzzle
Jigsaws are cool again. The great thing about jigsaws is how easy it is to dip in and out. You can sit for 5 minutes or 60 minutes and it has a natural start and end. We highly recommend getting a puzzle board so you can easily scoop it from the table.
4. Join a run club or walking group
Running, hiking and walking communities have seen huge growth in the last few years. Most are not made for pace or performance but rather for movement, fresh air and conversation. They’re a great way to meet new people and get movement into your routine.
5. Scrapbook moments instead of posting them
Train tickets, pressed leaves, printed photos. Scrapbooks are coming back and we’re so here for it. Curating memory boards or pages brings experiences to life.
6. Write letters as a time capsule
Snail mail is coming back, too. Pen and paper is having a resurgence not only for to-do lists, journals and planners - but for writing letters. To yourself, to a friend, to someone you miss. If you’re a parent, write letters to your children to hold as a time capsule. Or write a letter to your future self for 12 months, 5 years or even 10 years.
7. Learn to bake bread
We all know that most supermarket breads are filled with nasties. And not much beats the smell of fresh bread in the house. So why not try learning how to make sourdough or an easy no-knead loaf.
8. Keep a very low-effort journal
Another pen and paper activity. Journalling and gratitude logging is one of the easiest and scientifically backed way to improve wellbeing, but it can be hard to start. So make it simple. Start with three lines a day or try the 5 minute journal technique.
9. Go to the sauna without your phone
Saunas are everywhere now so it’s much easier to make it part of your routine. Find one nearby and make it a regular thing. You can’t take your phone in so it’s a great analogue activity for health, self-reflection and even connection.
10. Take photos on film or disposable cameras
We’ve all had practice taking pictures with our phones. So why not try a different way of taking photos. Taking photos with disposable or film means you get a physical print - perfect for that scrapbook.
11. Learn a simple instrument
Ukulele, keyboard, harmonica or guitar. Everyone starts somewhere so why not try to learn an instrument.
12. Cloud watching
Okay this is a proper throwback and something most of us only did as children. Probably more of a spring/summer activity but it’s a great way to touch some grass and zone out for a short while.
13. Cook one meal a week from a recipe book
Cooking from scratch is a great way to decompress and put your phone away. Use a recipe book instead of an online recipe so you can cook without distractions.
14. Go for a long walk
Walking is so good for your brain and body. Whether it’s in the morning, afternoon or evening - try to schedule in a long walk a day. just 30 minutes is enough! You don’t need your phone, just let your mind wander.
15. Join a local art class
Sometimes getting creative with a blank canvas can be intimidating, so why not try your hand at painting or pottery with an expert.
16. Mend and repurpose clothes
We’re all for battling overconsumption and a great way to do that is to learn how to mend or repurpose your clothes. Whether it’s with a sewing machine or by hand, there are tonnes of tutorials to learn.
17. Go to a pub quiz
Most locals host a pub quiz on certain nights of the week. They’re a great way to meet up with friends or have a date night where phones are not allowed.
18. Start gardening
Herbs on a windowsill count. Gardening and growing your own plants is a great offline activity that takes effort and education. Learn what’s in season and how to grow it and then reap the rewards.
19. Crosswords and puzzles
If you like to test your brain, why not buy a puzzle book to work through. Sudoku, crosswords or random puzzles are a great way to get your mind working without a screen.
20. Go on a bike ride
Bikes are great to exploring new areas that are a little further from home. Even if you don’t own a bike, you can borrow one or rent a Lime bike. You can’t ride and scroll at the same time so it’s a great analogue activity.
An offline hobby box isn’t about suddenly becoming “a hobby person” or reinventing yourself. It’s about giving yourself something to reach for when your phone feels loud and your brain feels full.
In a world that constantly demands your attention, choosing something slow, physical and imperfect is a small but meaningful act. Humans lived in a world without the internet until surprisingly recently, so use that as a reminder that there is a whole world out there that doesn’t require screen time.
