While screens are a part of everyday life, it’s good to balance your screen time with offline breaks now and then.
Increasing numbers of people are choosing to switch off their phones to enjoy screen-free activities instead – and they’re turning to crafts and hobbies that their grandparents enjoyed, such as knitting, crochet and jigsaw puzzles.
These nostalgic activities can have a real benefit for your mental health too. Studies have shown that crafting improves your mood and increases your life satisfaction, whether you enjoy crafting alone or with friends and family.
An ingenious way to switch off is to put together your own ‘analogue bag’ – a trend which is rapidly growing in popularity in 2026. To create an analogue bag, simply fill a bag with fun crafts and activities that you can dip into whenever you need a digital detox. You can pack your analogue bag with any offline activities that you love, from puzzle books to crochet kits. What would you put in yours?
We’ve teamed up with The Works to share some screen-free activities that will help you unwind and find inner calm. Products featured are available across The Works’ stores, subject to availability – discover your local store!
6 nostalgic crafts and activities that are perfect for a digital detox
1. Make a Mediterranean cross stitch hoop
Cross stitch is one of the easiest crafts to master and it’s the ideal hobby for anyone who wants to slow down and de-stress. This age-old craft is surging in popularity with a fresh new look – the latest kits on the market are vibrant, contemporary and fun.
We love this La Dolce Vita cross stitch kit, which features a colourful Italian-inspired design. It’s available for just £5 and the kit includes everything you need to stitch your own stylish cross stitch hoop.
2. Hook up a strawberry and daisy crochet garland
Crochet is a traditional craft that’s hugely versatile – you can make anything from clothing to toys using a few simple stitches. If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly project, make an adorable decoration for your home with this sweet Make Your Own Strawberry & Daisy Crochet Garland Kit from The Works, which is available for £5 from your nearest store.
The kit comes with all the materials and instructions to make a charming garland for summer. Why not get together with your friends and make this kit together?
3. Enjoy a calming jigsaw
The Works has a fantastic array of jigsaw puzzles available and often offers discounts, such as two for £16 or two for £12, so it’s worth popping into your local store regularly!
There’s nothing better than losing yourself in a good jigsaw, whatever your age. If you love problem solving and you’re great at spotting patterns, this is a brilliant way to while away a few hours. You can enjoy a jigsaw by yourself, or team up with a friend to solve the puzzle together.
If you don’t have time to finish your masterpiece, you can save it for later by using a Portapuzzle Standard Jigsaw Storage: 1000 Piece Size folder.
4. Get crafty with card making and journalling
Papercrafts are a wonderful way to relax, whether you enjoy scrapbooking, card making or keeping a journal. It’s a low-cost way to get creative, as you can use any paper scraps you can get your hands on to make your own inventive designs.
If you’re already thinking about your next getaway, why not pack a journal in your suitcase? You can fill it with pictures, postcards, tickets and other mementoes of your trip to remind you of your adventures.
The Works has an amazing collection of papercrafting supplies, from colourful paper packs to pretty patterned washi tape rolls. These versatile accessories will really take your designs to the next level.
5. Create your own crochet book cosy
Calling all book lovers! Combine your two favourite hobbies by whipping up these handy crochet book cosies, which are both pretty and practical.
This pattern uses granny squares to make your book cosy, which is a traditional crochet technique that was invented to use up leftover scraps of yarn. It’s a technique that our grandmothers would be very familiar with!
This is the ideal project for beginner crocheters, as you’ll learn a few simple stitches that work up quickly into a useful bag. It’s a speedy project to make too – you could easily make this pattern in a weekend.
The free crochet book cosy pattern available in all The Works stores.
6. Cosy up with a good book
Reading has the power to lower your stress levels in minutes. A 2009 study by the University of Sussex found that reading for just six minutes lowered stress levels by up to 68%!
Keep your reading list topped up with a trip to The Works. Their bookshelves are stacked with bestsellers, from page-turning romances to gripping thrillers. Keep an eye out for their exclusive editions with beautiful sprayed edges.
For a real digital detox, take yourself out on a book date and leave your phone at home.
4 modern pastimes to help you unwind
Looking for more contemporary ways to find your inner calm this month? Here are four modern hobbies to help you de-stress and feel more mindful.
1. Decorate wood crafts for summer
Show off your painting skills by picking up a wood craft set this summer. Use your creative skills to decorate a wooden design any way you like, making a decoration that’s truly unique.
This would be a creative craft to enjoy with your partner as a fun date night activity, or as a way to enjoy quality time with friends and family.
We love this flower arrangement decoration, which would make a gorgeous addition to your spring decor. And it's just £3!
Explore The Works’ wooden crafts range to find the perfect base to decorate. You can pick up all of the art materials you need in store too!
2. Paint a jewellery box
Looking for a weekend project? This chic jewellery box can be made in an afternoon. If you’re looking for a quiet way to spend a few hours, this is the project for you.
Decorate your box in your choice of colours and patterns, and take the time to create a truly special jewellery box that you’ll use for years to come.
You can use it to keep your jewellery safe and sound, or repurpose it as a handy storage box for all of your craft supplies – the choice is yours!
3. Find your creative flow with diamond painting
If you’re looking for a low-stress activity that will really hold your attention, you can’t go wrong with a diamond painting session. Diamond painting has been growing in popularity in recent years and it’s easy to see why: all of the colours and designs are simple to follow, and you can create stunning artwork to decorate your home.
Simply use the stylus included in your kit to place the diamonds in the right place on the design – it’s surprisingly addictive. Put on your favourite music, relax and get into your creative flow state in minutes. We love this adorable capybara diamond painting kit, which is available from The Works for £5.
Explore The Works’ diamond painting range to find patterns you’ll love.
4. Enjoy a mindful colouring session
Colouring is one of the best activities for relaxation: it’s the perfect fusion of creativity and mindfulness. You can settle into a meditative state as you calmly shade your chosen illustration – hours can pass without you noticing! You can tune out every distraction and focus on picking colours to create your own unique design.
The Works has a brilliant selection of colouring books for adults with tonnes of creative designs to choose from. There’s everything from gorgeous illustrated cityscapes to intricate mandalas to colour in, plus a fabulous range of colouring pens and pencils to choose from.
Discover your creative side with The Works
Make the most of your downtime with a trip to The Works! With more than 500 stores in the UK and Ireland, it’s easy to find one in your area. The Works is the perfect place for anyone who likes to read, learn, create or play – all at an affordable price.
Head in-store to pick up everything from art supplies to best-selling novels. However you like to spend your leisure time, you’re sure to find something you’ll love.
