Why is everyone obsessed with ‘analog hobbies’ right now?

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If you’ve ever felt like you’re spending too much time online, it might be worth picking up an “analog hobby” — also known as a screen-free activity that lets you disconnect from social media, emails and the non-stop notifications that come with daily life in 2026. 

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It’s hard to say where exactly the term originated, but you’ve likely encountered one of the many “analog hobbies” that have gained popularity since the 2020 lockdowns encouraged us to slow down and step back from our devices. Think knitting, colouring, baking, pottery throwing or any creative endeavour that’s done completely offline. 

According to the 2026 Hobbies Trend Report from Pinterest, data suggests that screen-free hobbies have become a lifestyle priority, with people embracing tactile crafts, curated collections, analog rituals and nostalgic DIYs as they seek more intentional ways to spend their time. The report highlights nine of the most popular “analog” trend profiles based on Pinterest search data from May 2025 to May 2026, including plenty of inspiration for anyone looking for their next hobby. 

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We connected with Sydney Stanback, Pinterest’s Global Trends and Insights Lead, to learn more about this season’s biggest trends and how to get started. We also put together some recommendations for offline activities you can start this fall that are perfect for hobbyists of all levels.

Sydney Stanback’s tips for finding an analog hobby

Can you share more about this year’s nine major hobby trends and how they were chosen? 

We know people are increasingly turning to Pinterest to explore hands-on hobbies with real life results, because, after years of always-on feeds, sometimes the best thing you can find online is a reason to get offline. In fact, eight in ten monthly Pinterest users say Pinterest “encourages them to try something new offline.” This insight gave us a clear signal that screen-free hobbies are having a moment. With that as a guiding theme, we were able to track the searches gaining momentum and identify nine distinct trends within that broader shift.

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Together, the trends capture the emerging ways people are turning inspiration into action this fall. “Kitchen Witch,” for example, transforms the kitchen into a space for creative “me time,” with Pinners exploring everything from “kombucha scoby recipes” (up 201 per cent) to “midnight margaritas” (up 140 per cent). “Cosmic Reset” taps into that fresh-start feeling of fall, with people exploring astrology, crystals and rituals as ways to reset, set intentions and express themselves. 

Did any of this year’s hobby trends surprise you? 

What’s striking is the scale of renewed interest in traditional craft methods, often with a unique twist. For example, searches for “sashiko ideas” are up 1,509 per cent and “hand embroidery art” is up 1,351 per cent. Pinners are bringing their niche aesthetics into classic mediums, leading to trending searches like “goth pottery” (up 479 per cent) and “medieval knitting” (up 275 per cent). 

At the same time, that handmade mentality is extending to technology, with “bedazzle headphones” up 1,233 per cent and “cyberdeck DIY” up 691 per cent. It’s an interesting collision of old and new, united by the desire to make something feel distinctly your own.

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Do you have any tips for how to use Pinterest to get inspiration for your next hobby?

Start with something you’re curious about and, from there, Pinterest ’s highly personalized algorithm will guide you to customized results. Search for beginner tutorials, save projects to a dedicated board, and use Collages to bring different Pins together and visualize your own take. 

Most importantly, don’t worry about mastering something immediately. Searches like “easy air dry clay crafts” are up 624 per cent and “tarot cards for beginners” are up 558 per cent. Finding your next hobby can simply be about giving yourself permission to be a beginner again [or] trying something hands-on that commands attention, reduces stress and makes free time feel more satisfying. 

The biggest ‘analog hobby’ trends for fall 2026 

Cosmic Reset

According to the Pinterest report, searches for “learn astrology” have grown by 733 per cent in the last year. Get in touch with your spiritual side by taking up hobbies like tarot card reading, analyzing birth charts or exploring the world of crystals. 

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Dive into the trend: 

Kitchen Witch 

If you’re looking to embrace a little whimsy in your life this fall, the “kitchen witch” trend is all about making your home more magical. Hobbies like picking, canning, candle-making and spice blending all fall into this category, which is filled with hands-on cozy projects. 

Dive into the trend: 

Backyard Botanist

For anyone yearning to reconnect with nature, becoming a backyard botanist is an easy way to get started. Whether you’re interested in bird-watching, nature photography or learning how to identify native plants in your area, this trend is all about taking a minute to pause and look closely.

Dive into the trend: 

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Home Cafe Engineering 

Bring cafe culture home this fall with a new setup that rivals your local coffee shop. Explore new dessert-inspired recipes like Biscoff, cinnamon roll and carrot cake, or try your hand at perfecting a classic cup of coffee with some beans from your local roastery. 

Dive into the trend: 

Weekend Equestrian

If you have the time and the funds to allow it, equestrian vibes are big in both the hobby and fashion world for fall. Before you head to the stables, be sure to dress the part with riding boots, barn jackets and western motifs.

Dive into the trend: 

Secondhand Sidequest

The trend of shopping secondhand doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. For many people who love the thrill of the hunt, an added way to personalize well-worn items is by upcycling them with handcrafted touches like patches, embroidery or repurposing old fabric into thrift flips. 

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Dive into the trend: 

Casual Crafter

Beginner-friendly craft kits make it easy to dive into a new analog hobby this season. Try your hand at a new medium like watercolour or oil paint, get your hands dirty with air-dry clay and pottery, or try building your own miniature world. 

Dive into the trend: 

Handmade Hacker 

Gone are the days when pristine devices were the ultimate status symbol – more and more people are customizing their everyday items to show off their personality. Searches for “bedazzled headphones” are up 1,233 per cent this year, as are searches for creative ventures like cyberdecks, junk journals and zine books. 

Dive into the trend: 

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Curated Clutter 

Collectors, this trend is for you. Whatever your interest may be, leaning into curated clutter is an easy way to showcase your treasures in a thoughtful and intentional way. From vinyl shelves to mini cabinets that hold figurines or trading cards, there’s no wrong way to turn your collectible items into intentional decor.  

Dive into the trend: 

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kmendonca@postmedia.com

instagram.com/kate.mendonca

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