Once upon a time, knitting, cross-stitching, baking from scratch, or tending to houseplants were the domain of doting grandmothers with gentle smiles and encyclopedic knowledge of sponge cake. Fast forward to 2025, and these once-old-fashioned pastimes, now lovingly nicknamed grandma hobbies, are trending among Millennials and Gen Z like sourdough starters during lockdown. But why?

We live in a world of instant everything. Food, gratification, likes, deliveries—you name it. So it makes sense that more people are gravitating toward tactile, slower-paced hobbies that feel grounding and real.

Hobbies like crocheting, needlepoint, pottery, and sourdough baking offer a break from screens and a chance to actually make something. The repetitive motions of knitting or embroidery are not just soothing—they’re practically meditative.

These “slow hobbies” are even backed by science. Studies have shown that creative, hands-on activities can reduce anxiety and boost overall well-being. According to the Journal of Positive Psychology, engaging in creative pursuits like crafting is linked to increased positive emotions and flourishing mental health. In a world full of digital chaos, grandma hobbies feel like a warm hug for the brain.

Social Media’s Cosy Love Affair

Believe it or not, TikTok and Instagram have played a major role in bringing grandma hobbies to the mainstream. Search hashtags like #grannycore or #grandmahobbies and you’ll stumble upon aesthetically pleasing videos of 20-somethings crocheting mushroom hats, slow-pouring herbal teas, or proudly showcasing a loaf of banana bread that would make a literal grandma weep with joy. The appeal? Cosy, wholesome content that serves up both comfort and creativity.

Even celebrities have gotten in on the action. Olympian Tom Daley famously knits between dives, while actress Krysten Ritter is an avid crocheter. Their very public love for crafting has helped smash the myth that needlework is strictly for pensioners.

Sustainability & Sentimentality

Grandma hobbies also align beautifully with the rising tide of sustainability. Instead of buying fast fashion, people are crocheting their own bucket hats or upcycling old clothes through embroidery. Rather than purchasing mass-produced home decor, they’re learning to make their own pottery mugs, patchwork quilts, or hand-poured soy candles.

There’s also a deep sense of sentimentality behind many of these hobbies. For some, learning to bake an old family recipe or sew a garment brings a connection to their heritage and loved ones, especially during a time when connection feels more important than ever.

Affordable (and Addictive)

Unlike some modern hobbies (we’re looking at you, boutique fitness and designer pickleball), grandma hobbies are refreshingly budget-friendly. All you need is a pair of needles, some yarn, and a few YouTube tutorials to get started with knitting. Many hobbies like journaling, scrapbooking, and hand lettering are inexpensive yet endlessly rewarding, giving hobbyists a sense of achievement without burning a hole in their wallets.

A Few Grandma Hobbies Making a Comeback:

Knitting & Crochet: Once relegated to retirement homes, now responsible for the coolest cardigans on Etsy.

Baking & Fermenting: From banana bread to sourdough starters, the baking boom is real (and delicious).

Gardening & Houseplants: Cultivating a home jungle has become the ultimate millennial flex.

Quilting, Embroidery & Needlepoint: Stitching your way to mindfulness—and viral TikToks.

Candle-Making & Soap-Crafting: A sensory delight with a dash of DIY.

Journaling & Scrapbooking: Romanticise your life one page at a time.

More Than Nostalgia

Sure, there’s a dash of vintage charm to these hobbies—but their growing popularity is about more than nostalgia. Grandma hobbies offer mindfulness, creativity, sustainability, and a deeper connection to self and community. They’re not a throwback—they’re a take back of time, joy, and intention.

So the next time someone scoffs at your cross-stitching project or sourdough obsession, just smile sweetly and say: Some trends never go out of style. Grandma knew what was up.