Craving an analog lifestyle? These products will help you unplug
Kyley Warren
- TikTok has dubbed 2026 the year of the 'analog lifestyle' as people seek to reduce screen time.
- Many are swapping digital devices for analog products like film cameras, physical journals and record players.
- The trend encourages screen-free hobbies such as knitting, painting and baking.
If your New Year's resolutions involve limiting screen time and touching more grass, as the kids say, then you're in luck: TikTok has officially dubbed 2026 the year of the 'analog lifestyle,' in which people are universally unplugging from their devices, logging off and, well, getting a life! (One outside of the digital world, at least.)
Amid the ever-evolving tech landscape and continued integration of AI, many Americans are yearning for simpler, less digitized times—and reverting back to analog products to cope.
iPhone cameras and alarms are out, film cameras and analog clocks are back in; Spotify subscriptions are being cancelled in favor of physical media like cassette tapes and vinyl record players; even doomscrolling is being replaced by actual, productive hobbies (a novel concept) like knitting, painting and baking.
As more people look to build a beautiful, unfiltered life in the real world, they're investing in analog devices to swap in for their usual everyday gadgets. And if you're looking for some shopping inspiration to help you better embrace the offline trend, below, I've curated a guide to the best analog products for an analog life—with selects ranging from a Pentax camera to a Papier bullet journal and everything in between.
How to embrace an analog lifestyle
Invest in a film camera.
iPhone cameras are great, but there's something special about printing real images, sifting through a physical photo album and framing your memories throughout your home. Rather than hoard all of your pictures in digital iPhone albums, consider investing in an analog camera like this Pentax model from Target.
Opt for an analog clock.
Don't let your day begin with instant screen time; instead of relying on your phone alarm to wake you up, add an analog clock to your bedside setup and watch your morning routine transform for the better. Another great (more stylish) option to try: a classic analog watch.
Take up journaling.
Write out your thoughts somewhere beyond your Notes app! Data supports that jotting down ideas and goals in a physical journal makes you more likely to achieve them, and this Papier Bullet Journal is the perfect everyday option (plus, it's customizable).
Skip Spotify and try a vinyl record player or cassette tapes.
I'm a loyal Spotify user, but even I can admit: the best albums somehow sound even better on a vinyl record player. You can physically invest in your favorite artists and have their music blaring throughout your house; plus, whenever you're on the go, cassette tape recorders or physical CDs are another great analog alternative.
Build an analog bag for all of your hobbies.
The right analog hobby will have you forgetting you own a cell phone at all. To help keep your hobby supplies organized and free of clutter, I recommend building an analog bag that can seamlessly house all of your goodies; this pocketed option from Amazon is a great choice.
What are analog hobbies?
Analog hobbies are characterized as screen-free activities that promote creative time sans any devices or gadgets.
Why are analog products trending?
They're part of a larger trend in which people are universally trying to live a more analog lifestyle, and embrace everyday activities that replace doomscrolling—like knitting, journaling, gardening, cooking and more. The trend originated on TikTok, but has been reflected in real-world changes, where consumers are investing more in their hobbies.
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