3/9/2026 | USA | technology | ✓ Verified - abcnews.com

From blacksmithing to needlepoint, young people are embracing ‘grandma hobbies’

#young people #grandma hobbies #blacksmithing #needlepoint #traditional crafts #mindfulness #craftsmanship

📌 Key Takeaways

Young people are increasingly adopting traditional hobbies like blacksmithing and needlepoint.
These activities, often termed 'grandma hobbies,' are gaining popularity among younger generations.
The trend reflects a desire for hands-on, creative, and mindful pastimes away from digital screens.
This shift highlights a cultural appreciation for craftsmanship and heritage skills.

📖 Full Retelling

Droves of young people who are turning to tactile, analog hobbies and activities as a means of escaping technology and reconnecting with childlike creativity and exploration

🏷️ Themes

Generational Trends, Craftsmanship

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Deep Analysis

Why It Matters

This trend matters because it represents a significant cultural shift where younger generations are rejecting fast-paced digital consumption in favor of slow, tactile crafts. It affects mental health professionals who see these activities as therapeutic alternatives to screen time, traditional craft industries experiencing renewed interest, and social media platforms where these hobbies gain visibility. The movement also impacts intergenerational relationships as skills are passed down, and challenges stereotypes about what constitutes 'age-appropriate' activities.

Context & Background

The DIY and maker movements gained momentum in the early 2000s, emphasizing hands-on creation over passive consumption
The COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns (2020-2022) accelerated interest in home-based crafts as people sought offline activities
Research since the 2010s has consistently shown declining mental health among young adults, creating demand for therapeutic activities
Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have created communities around niche hobbies that previously had limited visibility
Economic factors including rising costs of entertainment and consumer goods make homemade alternatives more appealing

What Happens Next

Expect continued growth in craft supply sales and specialized workshops through 2024-2025, with potential expansion into school curricula as educators recognize developmental benefits. Craft marketplaces like Etsy will likely see increased younger seller participation, while traditional craft organizations may experience membership rejuvenation. Watch for potential commercialization as larger brands attempt to capitalize on the trend, possibly diluting its authentic, anti-consumerist origins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are young people suddenly interested in 'grandma hobbies'?

Young adults are seeking meaningful offline activities that provide tangible results and mental health benefits in contrast to digital overload. These crafts offer meditation-like focus, creative satisfaction, and connection to tradition that many find lacking in modern life.

How is social media influencing this trend?

Platforms like TikTok and Instagram make these hobbies visually appealing and accessible through tutorials and communities. The #cottagecore aesthetic and similar trends have romanticized traditional crafts, while algorithms help niche interests find enthusiastic audiences.

Are these hobbies replacing digital activities completely?

No, they're complementing digital life rather than replacing it. Many practitioners document their crafts online, creating a hybrid experience where analog creation meets digital sharing. The balance varies by individual but generally represents conscious reduction of screen time.

What economic impact might this trend have?

Local craft supply stores and small businesses selling materials could see revitalization, while mass-produced decorative items might face competition from handmade alternatives. The trend may also create new market opportunities for hybrid digital-analog craft platforms.

How does this relate to environmental concerns?

Many practitioners emphasize sustainability through repairing, upcycling, and creating durable items rather than disposable goods. This aligns with broader environmental movements but varies significantly based on materials sourcing and individual practices.

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Original Source

              From blacksmithing to needlepoint, young people are embracing ‘grandma hobbies’ Droves of young people who are turning to tactile, analog hobbies and activities as a means of escaping technology and reconnecting with childlike creativity and exploration By KAITLYN HUAMANI AP technology writer March 8, 2026, 1:15 PM LOS ANGELES -- By age 23, Emma MacTaggart was already noticing how rare her free time was — and how it was seldom screen-free. She was working long hours in investment banking and once she was finally able to log off after work, she would turn to her phone. Along with her roommates, she decided to hunt for a hobby that would replace that habit. They became “hooked” on needlepoint, she said, a practice she had briefly learned from relatives as a child, but one that she hadn’t picked up in years. And she hasn't turned back since. “It was a really therapeutic way to kind of distract yourself from either work or stress, but also just do something with your hands instead of doomscrolling,” she said. “We became completely obsessed.” MacTaggart is part of a throng of young people who are turning to analog hobbies and activities as a means of escaping technology and reconnecting with childlike creativity and exploration. Somewhat ironically, this analog movement has been galvanized by its trendiness on social media. Some of these hobbies — knitting, gardening and, of course, needlepoint — have been ascribed the term “grandma hobbies” online, referring to the older demographic that’s often been associated with them. But many other offline, tactile hobbies, like pottery, origami and even blacksmithing, have gained traction online with Gen-Z and millennials recently. A younger crowd embraced such hobbies in 2020 when the pandemic left many with more free time. But “grandma hobbies” have persisted beyond a pandemic fad and some seem to be picking up steam in their popularity online. While she said she may not consider herself a crafty person, MacTaggart, now 26, foun...
            

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