5 Analog Hobbies to Help You Escape from 2021

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Photographed by Annie Leibovitz, Vogue, September 2012

More than ever there’s a longing to go back to the basics, especially since the fatigue from staring at computer screens and cell phones all day is starting to set in. A OnePoll survey conducted on behalf of Foster Grant found that six out of 10 people are regularly dealing with screen-related headaches since the pandemic began. Perhaps, it’s time we all picked up new analog hobbies that don’t require WiFi or strained eyes. Instead of scrolling through Tik-Tok videos or bingse watching the latest Netflix series during your spare time, this is the perfect moment to disconnect, and reconnect with the simpler things in life. 

This year, we’re swapping out FaceTime calls for DIY notecards signed and sealed with the fanciest of pens and beautiful, collectsor-worthy stamps. We’re also abandoning our Instagram albums—just for a second—in exchange for old-school scrapbooks. Once the weather heats up, this will also be the perfect moment to start a little garden. Even if you don’t have the space that Dr. Jill Biden has (did you see that beautiful basket of fresh greens she sent to Michelle Obama from the White House?), you can still find unique ways to grow your own herbs and vegetables.

If an electronic break sounds like a dream come true to you right about now, then it’s time to peruse our list of simple pleasures, below. You’ll find everything you need to start a new analog hobby ahead.

Gardening

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The Colombia Collective large woven palm basket

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Brunello Cucinelli set of four walnut wood gardening tools

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Garden Glory turquoise watering gallon and spade kit

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HANDLANDY rose pruning gloves

Scrap Booking

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Rabitti 1969 Legacci photo album

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Lovely Box by Tina 51-piece sticker pack

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Poketo Aurora erasable markers

The Adventure Challenge scrapbook and instant camera

Writing

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Clementina Sketchbook winter mountain painted place cards

Galison Publishing Jonathan Adler Versailles cube boxed pen and boxed diecut notecard set

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Tiffany Lamp stamps sheet of 100

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Trustela calligraphy set for beginners

Puzzle Solving

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Piecework Great Shapes 500-piece jigsaw puzzle

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Waves Puzzle Co. 49-piece blue waves puzzle

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Bee + Honey vintage puzzle

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Slowdown Studio the red wall puzzle

Stargazing

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Old Memories Gallery 64" floor standing brass harbor master telescope

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Papier constellation wellness journal

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Ben Gibson and Patrick Mulligan Cosmic exploration chart

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Hayneedle Baader Planetarium 1.25" moon and skyglow filter