Necessity is the mother of invention. The more digitized and technologically involved the world becomes, the more ways people are finding to push back against mindless internet use and doomscrolling. These conscious consumption trends vary, from deleting social media to installing apps that regulate your phone use, in the hopes that you’ll find the right fit that allows you stay engaged while digitally detoxing. But one of the more whimsical answers to this call to disconnect is the “analog bag.”
Popularized by creator Sierra Campbell (@siececampbell) on TikTok in the spring of 2025, the analog bag is a tote (for aesthetic purposes, often a canvas one) full of engaging and creative non-digital activities. Campbell’s bag contents rotate, but past items include a digital camera, a notebook for journaling, books, sketch paper, and modeling clay.
The analog bag is yet another facet of the Gen Z desire to live more of an offline lifestyle — aka, a life that reduces tech reliance in favor of mindful, purposeful, and IRL experiences. The analog bag trend may have taken off almost a year ago, but, as many online trends do, it started returning to the zeitgeist at the beginning of 2026. Just in the past week, U.S. Google searches for “analog bag ideas” increased by 20%, and searches for “analog bag trend” grew by 40%. So, if you haven’t already, you can probably expect to see more analog bags popping up on your campus and in your community.
You’re not alone if you’re thinking that having stuff in a bag isn’t a trend; it’s literally what bags are designed for and what you’ve been doing every day (especially if you’re a college student who lives out of their bag when running around campus all day). But still, for those who are looking for a way to disconnect — or just shamelessly love a cutesy lifestyle trend — there’s plenty of appeal when it comes to analog bags!
So, if you’re ready to build your own analog bag — but you want to make sure it’s more than, you know… just another bag — here are some ideas for what to pack.
Reading Material
The backbone of the analog bag is good reading material, whatever that means to you. Whether this is your sign to sit down with that novel you’ve been meaning to read or snatch up that specialty magazine you’ve been eyeing, it’s all good.
Writing Materials
Maybe you’re not in the mood to read right now, and that’s OK. In addition to your reading material, make sure to pack a journal and your favorite writing utensils. Your journaling doesn’t have to be intense, but just the act of recording the details of the day-to-day — or even just doodling! — can help you regain joy in simple pleasures.
Puzzle Books
If you’re a games person, try a puzzle book. These come in a variety of options, from crosswords to Sudoku to logic puzzles. It’s like playing a game on your phone… but not.
Arts & Crafts
Don’t forget to pack some hobby materials — especially hobbies that allow you to be creative and carefree. Options for this include needle work such as embroidery and cross-stitch, or jewelry-making with beads and string. Or, for the more artsy folks, bring a sketchbook with some colored pencils and markers. These materials are easy to find in bulk, too, so this one doesn’t have to break the bank.
A (Real) Camera
Yes, you can keep taking pictures — just don’t take them on your phone! This is the time to break out your Polaroid or digital camera, or invest in one of those disposable cameras where you can’t view the images until they’re developed. This lets you capture the moment without removing yourself from the moment by turning to your screen.
Fidget Toy or Trinket
No matter how many materials you bring, the process of resetting your attention span means you’re going to have to be bored. You have to fight the urge to turn to the nearest distraction for entertainment, and embrace the mundane. To help yourself do this, consider including a fidget toy or some kind of trinket to play with, giving you something to do while you stop and smell the roses.