The newest status bag isn't a Birkin or other designer purse but an "analog bag," a little tote bag full of non-digital crafts and games have been deemed a cool way to avoid Italian brainrot. Translation: Young people are reaching for bead making, origami folding and junk journaling as a respite from the constant doomscrolling that's interfering with their mental wellness—and they need something to hold all these non-digital activities in.
I'm Calling It: An 'Analog Bag' Is 2025's Hottest Holiday Gift for Tweens, Teens and Grown-Ups Too
Games that get us off our phones are trending
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Published Nov 17, 2025
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Amazon, L.L.Bean
More than 1,600 TikTok posts were tagged #AnalogLife during the first nine months of 2025—up over 330 percent from the same period last year, according Axios. In these videos, users showcase the various screen-free pastimes they are filling in their bags. These totes are full of little treats like watercolors, crossword puzzles and instant cameras, so that tweens, teens and yes even us too-online adults can fiddle with something with our hands while turning our attention away from the digital attention economy. It's wholesome, useful and low-key genius.
I'd be thrilled to get an analog bag put together by a pal this holiday season, and I'm assembling one now to keep at the ready for the next birthday party or hostess event. If you too are looking for a thoughtful gift for this holiday season (or even just to enjoy yourself), here's a custom-curated analog bag, complete with a sturdy tote and some clever ideas for what to fill it with.
1. L.L.Bean Open Top Boat and Tote Bag
L.L.Bean
The classic tote bag can be monogrammed with initials (or if you're gifting to an adult may I suggest a jaunty "WTF") for $8 extra. And after your giftee is done with all the puzzles you've assembled inside, they can tote their computer and mobile devices inside.
2. The Woobles Crochet Kit for Beginners
The Woobles
Learn a few super-simple crochet stitches, follow a few instructions and voila you have a tiny stuffed animal to use as a bag charm, a holiday ornament or just as a keepsake.
3. Maynacs Friendship Bracelet Making Kit
Maynacs
Not just for Swifties, friendship bracelets are a great way to commemorate an event, connection or just a mood, creatively. This kit includes 28 bundles of thread in 14 vibrant colors, along with letter beads and buttons, plus it provides five non-slip pads that can be securely attached to a table.
4. Polaroid Now Instant Camera + Film Bundle
Polaroid
There's a reason the Polaroid instant camera captured the entire vibe of the '70s and enamored artists such as Andy Warhol...it's a magical machine that creates, in just a moment, a collectible artifact. Think of it...a physical photograph that depicts an actual person, place or thing that's way more authentic than any stinking AI creation! This set comes with enough film for 16 photos, and refills average out to about $2 per photo.
5. Hugsgarden Watercolor Workbook
Hugsgarden
This set includes a multipage spiral-bound notebook with 12 watercolor paints, a brush and lesson on painting from nature, all for beginners.
6. MaiaHome Wood Whittling Kit
MaiaHome
Three little whittling tools, eight small blocks of wood and gloves to protect your hands are part of this kit which lets you explore 3D creation the way ye olde craftspeople did.
7. Brain Games - 3-In-1 Puzzle Book
Bran Games
Enjoy 256 pages of crosswords, word search and Sudoku as you flip through this spiral-bound book. You'll forget the New York Times's Spelling Bee ever existed!
8. Praisebank Origami Paper
Praisebank
Learn to fold foxes, fishes and birds with 220 multicolored little pieces of paper. And then, unlike when you're doomscrolling, feel lifted up when you're done.
