A growing number of people in the United States are turning to handmade activities and analog hobbies as a way to step back from the pervasive influence of digital technology and artificial intelligence in daily life. Data indicates that this shift is more than a brief trend; it reflects evolving attitudes toward wellbeing, creativity, and time spent away from screens.
Rising consumer interest in traditional crafts, including searches for “analog hobbies”, sometimes coined as “grandma hobbies” have climbed significantly on major craft supply platforms, and brick-and-mortar retailers that specialize in arts and crafts have noted an uptick in demand for knitting, painting, and DIY materials. Observers describe the phenomenon not as a rejection of technology but as a deliberate effort to find calm and fulfillment through tactile, non-digital pursuits.
Data from Craft Retailers Reflect Changing Preferences
Industry sources illustrate the scale of the change. Michael’s, a large-scale arts and crafts retailer with more than 1,300 stores across North America reported that online searches tied to “analog hobbies” have more than doubled in recent months, suggesting that shoppers are actively looking for offline activities. Retail executives say customers are increasingly drawn to hands-on experiences that counterbalance the demands of continuous digital engagement.
This rise in interest aligns with broader consumer behavior observed across the retail sector, where categories associated with traditional, mindfulness-oriented activities are performing well compared with more digital or tech-related products. For example, crafting kits, knitting supplies, and art materials are gaining attention from buyers seeking creative outlets that do not involve screens.
Beyond Nostalgia to Well-Being
Experts and wellness advocates highlight several reasons behind this trend. Many individuals report feeling overwhelmed by constant connectivity, algorithm-driven feeds, and the rapid pace of technological change. Engaging in analog activities, such as knitting a scarf or assembling a scrapbook, offers a form of mental respite that differs from the passive consumption of digital content. These activities encourage slower, mindful engagement that can reduce stress and provide a sense of accomplishment rooted in physical creation rather than virtual interaction.
Therapists point out that the process of making, rather than the end result, can foster wellbeing. Physical crafts require sustained attention and the use of fine motor skills, which in some contexts can serve as a counterweight to the cognitive load associated with screen-based tasks. For many, these activities support relaxation and encourage a smoother, less reactive rhythm of daily life.
A Cultural Recalibration, Not a Rejection of Technology
Although the trend has been framed in some quarters as resistance to artificial intelligence or digital overload, observers note it should not be interpreted as an outright rejection of technological progress. Instead, many participants in the movement describe it as a form of balance — a way to integrate digital tools into life without allowing them to dominate leisure time or personal identity.
For example, individuals engaged in these analog pursuits often continue to use smartphones, computers, and AI-based tools in their work and communication. They choose activities such as painting or woodworking for their distinct sensory and experiential benefits rather than as a categorical dismissal of modern technology.
Examples from Everyday Life
The analog resurgence manifests in diverse activities. Crafting, once associated primarily with hobbyists, has found an audience among a wider age range, including adults seeking stress relief and those looking for creative outlets. Knitting circles, pottery workshops, and woodworking classes are drawing participants who find value in face-to-face learning of manual skills.
Users on social platforms have shared experiences of stepping away from screens for periods of intentional offline engagement, reporting that these breaks can yield improved focus and satisfaction. These personal accounts underscore a theme seen in broader behavior patterns: people are experimenting with practices that foster presence and intentionality away from constant digital input.
Potential Benefits and Broader Implications
Mental health professionals note that slow, deliberate activities such as crafting are associated with lower levels of anxiety and improved mood. The tactile nature of these practices engages different cognitive pathways than those used during digital consumption, helping individuals detach from the rapid information streams that characterize modern life.
This emerging interest in analog wellness may also influence workplace cultures and leisure industries. Some employers are exploring ways to incorporate non-digital creative sessions into wellness programs, recognizing that sustained screen time can contribute to fatigue and burnout. While formal studies are still developing, early indicators suggest that hybrid approaches, blending digital productivity with analog relaxation, could become more commonplace.
However, limitations in the data must be noted. Much of the evidence comes from self-reported interest and retailer search data, which may not fully capture long-term behavioral trends. It remains unclear how enduring this shift will be or how broadly it will extend beyond specific demographics or hobbyist communities. Continued research will be necessary to understand whether analog engagement represents a sustained societal adaptation or a temporary response to current technological saturation.
Future Directions and Uncertainties
Interest in analog wellness comes at a time of robust technological growth, particularly in AI and connected devices. As these systems become more integrated into work and social environments, the desire for balance through offline activities highlights a broader question: how can individuals and communities maintain agency and satisfaction in lives increasingly shaped by automation and digital interaction?
While analog hobbies are unlikely to replace digital tools in everyday life, their resurgence underscores the human desire for purposeful, skill-based engagement. This movement may prompt educators, policymakers, and wellness advocates to rethink how society supports mental and emotional health in a highly digital world.
