Celebrating All Things Analog and the Return of Everyday Whimsy

In an era of constant notifications, endless scrolling, and screen fatigue, many people are craving something slower, more tactile, and a chance to escape from the online world. Enter the “analog bag,” a tote filled with creative, hands-on activities designed to inspire moments away from screens and encourage more intentional, feel-good experiences that spark creativity, help people recharge, and add a little whimsy to everyday life.

At its core, the analog bag trend is part of the growing anti-rot agenda: finding small ways to replace those repetitive cycles of doomscrolling and passive screen time with activities that fill your cup. Think watercolor kits, knitting projects, journaling supplies, embroidery, needlepoint, books, or other compact creative activities that fit easily in a tote bag and replace the space usually occupied by a phone. No two analog bags are exactly alike; each one can be personalized to reflect your own interests, creative hobbies, and the kinds of activities that bring you joy. The goal is convenience: having screen-free activities readily accessible, whether you’re sitting at a coffee shop, traveling, spending time in the park, or unwinding at home after a long day.

As conversations around burnout, overstimulation, and excessive screen time continue to grow, analog hobbies are seeing a resurgence. People are rediscovering the value of tactile creativity, mindfulness, and hobbies that encourage genuine presence rather than endless media consumption.

To celebrate the growing analog movement, our stores are partnering with fibre space and Stitch Sew Shop for Analog Bag Weekend on May 30 and 31.

The event is BYOB, “bring your own bag,” and participants are encouraged to fill their totes with delightfully analog activities throughout the weekend. But for those still searching for the perfect analog bag, Penny Post and fibre space have it covered with their collection of stylish Soolla bags, perfectly sized for everyday creative essentials.

For $35 per ticket, participants can visit each participating store to collect exclusive limited-edition patches designed by artist Hey Sooj. Each location will have heat-sealing equipment available so attendees can customize their bags on the spot throughout the weekend.

Ticket holders will also receive exclusive discounts on curated analog activity kits at each participating business:

fibre space — 30% off “Learn to Knit” Kit

Penny Post — 30% off Journaling Kit

Pippin Toy Co. — 30% off Teeny Tiny Art Kit

Red Barn Mercantile — 30% off Emily Lex Watercolor Kit

Stitch Sew Shop — 30% off Cozy Blue Embroidery Kit

More than just a shopping event, Analog Bag Weekend celebrates slowing down, creating intentionally, and making room for more joy and whimsy in everyday life, one tote bag at a time.

SEE ALSO: Inciardi Prints Are Coming to Alexandria, and We’ve Got Them!

Kendall Shafer

Kendall Shafer is an Alexandria native and employee at Pippin Toy Co. Since joining the team in

2025, she has loved reconnecting with her inner child through the nostalgia, imagination, and

experiences that shaped her childhood. Kendall is a recent graduate of James Madison

University, where she earned her degree in Media Arts and Design with a concentration in

Creative Advertising. While in college, she took her education overseas, spending three months

in London, a defining experience that deepened her appreciation for culture and creativity.

Passionate about storytelling, Kendall is inspired by her local community and values the people,

places, and experiences that make Alexandria unique, almost always with a coffee in hand.

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