They may be called “granny hobbies,” but they’re making a comeback. This isn’t just because vintage is cool, but right now, this “old school” fun can actually help us relax and de-stress.
Searching for new hobbies isn’t just finding ways to pass the time. It’s also a way to discover new aspects in your life. Think of this as a game where you need to level up. Sometimes, to move forward, we look back. It’s the same with hobbies. We can revisit past interests to see if we’re still going to enjoy them now.
If you’re looking to find a new passion or just curious what the trend is all about, here are 9 “retro hobbies” Americans simply can’t get enough of right now:
1. Crocheting
Did you know that crochet is actually a craft that dates back hundreds of years, potentially to the 16th century? And now, it’s getting popular again as a great way to unwind after a long day. People love how the yarn loops like some form of meditation. The thought of a long thread of yarn turning into something cozy like a blanket or cardigan is fulfilling, especially for crochet lovers. Learning different stitches may leave your brain in a confusing tangle, but it’s surprisingly easy. It’s a fun and creative way to relax and make unique gifts.
2. Jigsaw Puzzles
Fun fact: The very first jigsaw puzzle was created in the 1760s by a London mapmaker named John Spilsbury. Goes to show that jigsaw puzzles are timeless fun. Back when we were kids, we often received jigsaws and put them together to reveal a beautiful picture. Now, even adults are enjoying this old-school hobby. Puzzles are there to give your brain a gentle workout and move you away from the screen. You also feel a sense of accomplishment when the last piece finally fits into place. Right now, there are puzzles ranging from 10 puzzle pieces to thousands, depending on your patience.
3. Listening to Vinyl
Looking at a spinning vinyl may be visually aesthetic because of how it looks in the player, but listening to the sound it makes is a whole experience. Some are loving vinyl again, with its warm sound and the crackle when the needle drops. It sounds so satisfying. It’s like bringing you back from the old times. There were also years when vinyl was sold more than CDs. This is more than nostalgia. People have a deeper connection with the artist and their work while listening to vinyl records.
4. Board Games
It’s time to put the phone down and assemble your old family Monopoly, because tabletop is back on top, again! Game developers are no longer targeting young people for sales, and even adults are enjoying several titles that bring out exciting gameplay. With chess and Go being around for a long time, we have proven to enjoy a good tabletop challenge. They are pretty awesome because they force you to mingle with other players, talk, bluff, and even laugh with them. It’s a great way to remove yourself from the digital world and develop a human connection.
5. Candle Making
A lot of people find a lit candle calming, especially when it flickers at night and gives off a good aroma. Even the ancient Egyptians enjoyed using wicked candles. Now imagine making your own, mixing colors and scents! This hobby has been super popular because it’s easy, and you’ll get a beautiful and fragrant product at the end. Even containers can get colorful to match your vibe or make gifts. It’s perfect to bring warmth into the room, even a personalized touch to any space.
6. Pottery
If you’re passionate about building something and too much mess isn’t a big deal, pottery may work for you. It’s that kind of hobby that focuses on shaping clay with your hands, feeling that sense of power and control. It’s also meditative and keeps you in the moment. Imagine turning a lump of earth into something functional or just pleasing to the eyes. It will teach you patience, focus, creativity, and an appreciation for craftsmanship. Pottery isn’t just about molding clay; it’s also honing your sense of peace and achievement.
7. Flower Pressing
Nostalgia is one of the reasons why retro hobbies are returning from the dead. With flower pressing, you can keep on coming back for the memories that the flowers had with you or just have them forever. Flowers don’t last forever, but pressing helps keep their beauty preserved. It’s a sentimental and gentle hobby that allows us to enjoy the idea of holding onto moments worth remembering. The hobby will encourage you to be mindful and observant since you need to carefully arrange the petals and leaves. You can then use the pressed flowers to upgrade your botanical art, cards, journals, or unique gifts.
8. Scrapbooking
Scrapbooking is more than gluing photos and then jotting down notes. It tells a personal story and preserves memories, much like flower pressing. You can collect different things like photos, tickets, and other mementos, bringing these captions as narratives of life. In this age where digital photos are everywhere, creating physical scrapbooks full of intention will reconnect you to your past and make sure that you will always celebrate and cherish those events.
9. Origami
Origami encourages you to unfold your creativity through paper folding. It’s a traditional Japanese paper art that’s loved by many around the world. An artistic blend of being precise and patient. Imagine taking a small sheet of paper and then doing intricate folds to make beautiful art. There’s nothing more rewarding than that. Animals and objects are formed from folds and creases, telling us that art can be simple, calming, and just creative without the need for extra tools or equipment.