Photo courtesy of Furbish
Our screen time is at an all-time high, Apple is already onto its 17th iteration of the iPhone, and yet, many of us are craving something slower. Enter “grandma hobbies.” Millennials and Gen Z are putting down their phones and picking up age-old pastimes, trading endless scrolling for hands-on rituals with a dose of nostalgia. From needlepoint and embroidery to baking, book clubs and even weekly mahjong nights, these once old-fashioned activities are back in style. And it’s not just about the hobbies themselves— they’re shaping how we gather, decorate and find joy in the everyday.
Needlepoint
Needlepoint is not just for your grandma. Today’s designs are witty, colorful and cheeky, making them the perfect throw pillow to spark conversation. Our Furbish needlepoint pillows are hand embroidered and bring that playful twist on a timeless craft. They’re nostalgia with a wink, equal parts heirloom and modern-day statement.
Photos courtesy of Furbish
Embroidery & Sewing
Not all of us had the luxury of a sorority house mom teaching us how to stitch a hem or a Home Ec class drilling us on sewing basics. Still, there is something rewarding about the idea of making small repairs with your own hands. For everyone else, the appeal of a handmade touch is easily accessible with our Monogram Shop. Add initials to your favorite towels, robes or shams for that same crafted feel without ever picking up a needle.
Photo courtesy of Roberto Fauceglia
Mahjong
Mahjong has seen a revival as the chicest game night pastime. Chic tiles, beautifully made sets, and the ritual of gathering friends around the table have made it the It-girl of game night. Pair it with a linen tablecloth, a few embroidered cocktail napkins, and maybe an ice bucket filled with something bubbly, and suddenly you have a weekly tradition worth logging off for.
Photo courtesy of Jessica Delaney
Baking
We all remember the sourdough starter obsession of lockdown. There is comfort in measuring, stirring and watching something sweet take shape, a welcome antidote to the chaos of daily life. With baking inspiration everywhere, the ritual has become just as fun as the final product. Our favorite accounts for baking recipes: Half Baked Harvest, Wishbone Kitchen and Broma Bakery.
Photos courtesy of Liza Voloshin
Book Club
It feels absurd to say reading is making a comeback– like, I would hope for the sake of civilization that it never left. But TikTok brain has fried our collective attention spans. The shift from reading as a solitary pastime to a social one, fueled by BookTok discourse and book club gatherings, has sparked genuine joy in a new generation of readers. From romantasy bestsellers like Fourth Wing and ACOTAR, to rom com favorites from Emily Henry and Carley Fortune, reading is so back.
Make your reading corner cozy with throw blankets, pillows and layered bedding that turn story time into an escape.
Floral Arranging
Another “grandma hobby” getting its moment is floral arranging. Whether the flowers come from the farmers market, the bodega, or your own garden, there is a grounding and peaceful art to the practice. No two arrangements are ever the same, and like needlepoint, it is a skill that grows with practice and plenty of trial and error. Make the ritual feel even more special with vases that let your blooms take center stage.
Photos courtesy of Kirsten Francis
Grandma hobbies remind us that slowing down is not old-fashioned, it is modern luxury. Whether you are stitching, baking, playing, or reading, these pastimes bring a sense of comfort that no phone screen can compete with. And with the right home pieces, they look just as good as they feel.