Copyright dailydot
A new minimalist trend called “analog bags” is spreading across social media. The idea is simple: carry only physical, non-digital essentials like a notebook, pen, or film camera—nothing that requires a charger. What are analog bags used for? People are assembling materials for non-screen-based activities in what they refer to as “analog bags.” Access to an analog bag can encourage people to spend less time looking at their phones by replacing the habit with other “analog” activities. Millennials and Gen Z’ers are packing totes full of crossword puzzles, watercolor sets, coloring books, knitting needles and more, in an effort to reclaim their time. The idea was popularized by TikTok creator Siece Campbell, who shared how she and her family switched to an analog lifestyle. In a video from May 2025, the influencer claimed the key to breaking a bad scrolling habit, “isn’t less technology—it’s more analog fun.” @siececampbell Replying to @miranda_ducky what are you putting in yours???? put your phone down right now and go make one it’ll take u 10 minutes max. #whimsicallife #whimsywithsiece #analoglife #analogue ♬ original sound – SIECE CAMPBELL Campbell said instead of scrolling or turning on a show, she makes sure she has analog activities close at hand. The trick is to put all the stuff in a bag she calls her “analog bag.” Campbell revealed what’s inside her analog bag in a video from August 18, 2025. In the post’s caption, she urged TikTok users to “put your phone down right now and go make one.” The bag contains Campbell’s knitting, a good book, a Polaroid camera and film, her planner, and a watercolor set. Analog bags are all over TikTok @emilydietzmann shared what’s in her analog bag in a clip shared on November 2, 2025. “I have been seeing analog bags all over tiktok lately, so I wanted to do one of my own! 🤩👜,” she wrote. Her video inspired others to make their own bags. @emilydietzmann I have been seeing analog bags all over tiktok lately, so I wanted to do one of my own! 🤩👜 IB: @SIECE CAMPBELL #analogbag #momlife #momsoftiktok #toddlermom #pregnantmama ♬ original sound – emily dietzmann @desarayvilagi expanded on the idea and put her analog activities in a basket she keeps close by. She wrote, “Whoever started the idea of an analog bag/basket is a genius!” in the caption of her video from October 4, 2025. @desarayvilagi Whoever started the idea of an analog bag/basket is a genius! Love this idea so much. Show me what’s in yours 💗#analog #analogbasket #hobbies ♬ original sound – desarayvilagi @desarayvilagi admitted that many people’s lives revolve around screens, including phones, TVs, and computers at work. She explained, “I think it’s really important to get your mind active, get your hands busy, learn a new hobby, learn a new language, like, just to learn something more.” That’s where the analog bag/basket comes in… TikTok commenters react to analog bags Here’s what people are saying about the movement online. “As someone who is chronically ill this would be a PHENOMENAL gift!!” “I love this so much! I miss the 90s lifestyle. It’s time to bring it back. 🥰” “This is such a good idea!! You’ve inspired me!” “I call mine my hobby bag. I have my word search, sudoku, pack of playing cards, pen and notebook, watercolors, tiny portable old school radio for music, watercolors.” “Love this so much! The basket instead of a bag makes it so much more magical 💛✨” The internet is chaotic—but we’ll break it down for you in one daily email. Sign up for the Daily Dot’s newsletter here.
