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Analog Bag Must-Haves
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items If you are like me and have a goal of going more “analog” in 2026, this list is here to help! If you aren't sure what that means, just know that if you are trying to nix your phone addition, be more present, and replace your doomscrolling with more f...
An analog bag is filled with activities that keep me from doomscrolling, books, journals, pens and dozens of other niche items that I prefer to opening another social media app and scrolling. If you want to ditch your phone in 2026 and live more in t...
An analog bag is filled with activities that keep me from doomscrolling, books, journals, pens and dozens of other niche items that I prefer to opening another social media app and scrolling. If you want to ditch your phone in 2026 and live more in t...
Sections
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Tote Bags that would be the perfect "Analog" Tote Bag
Non-fiction Book Recs
Activities + Crafts
Journals, notebooks, and more!
Tote Bags that would be the perfect "Analog" Tote Bag
An analog tote bag is simply a place to put all of the activities and books that will occupy your time and attention when you are taking a break from your phone.
This is my favorite bag to tote around all my analog activities. They are a classic for a reason. High quality and customizable! My number 1 pick!
LL Bean Boat + Tote
Okay, I recently got this bag and was so pleasantly surprised by the quality and beautiful colors! If I had to recommend another analog tote, it would be this one. To hold all your crafts and such, go with the medium or large size.
Tote Bags | Custom Canvas Totes
The viral Call if By Your Nametote bag of 2026! A pricey tote bag, but gorgeous nonetheless!
Maxi Cabas Quilted Bandana Tote
A still pricey, but more affordable version of the viral bandana tote bag. I love the customization of "out of office" for an analog bag.
Out Of Office Hand Embroidered Perla Tote Bag: Orange Bandana Fabric Quilted Maxi Handbag
Super obsessed with this marshmallow tote bag. Multiple colors and a drawstring top to keep all your valuables safe and sound. If it were me, I would be grabbing the matching lunch satchel too.
Watermelon Sugar Marshmallow Midi Tote
This is the matching lunch bag to the marshmallow tote I recommended. The colors and patterns of this are beyond perfect.
Watermelon Sugar Lunch Bag
Keep all your smaller valuables contained in this precious red and pink plaid ruffle pouch!
RED & PINK PLAID RUFFLE POUCH
Another gingham find that would be such a cute bag to hold you crafts and activities.
Hattie Gingham Tote Bag
Non-fiction Book Recs
These are specifically the non-fiction books I would carry around in my analog bag. The are easy to pick up and put down, but interesting enough to keep your attention while you wait in the school pickup line, in the doctor's waiting room, or in the ...
A delightful read. Great journalism and pictures. The author organizes this book beautifully and if I had to keep one book in my analog bag, this would be it.
Destination Wellness: Global Secrets for Living
Such a beautiful and reflective book (somewhat of a memoir) about facing the “winters” or challenging seasons of life. I thoroughly enjoyed this, and it was easy to pick up and read a chapter at a time.
Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May
Oh my goodness! I loved this book. It was so informative and gives such helpful tidbits of information about forming a more sustainable closet.
The Conscious Closet: Revolutionary Guide
What a perfect companion for your analog bag. Tish Harrison Warren reminds us in her book that each moment can be experienced as a practice of worship and communion with God. Something as simple as brushing our teeth, making a sandwich or coloring in...
Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices
I love the way Hillary McBride writes about embodied living in this book. It would be a great read if your goal in creating an “analog bag” is to feel more connected to yourself and feel more present in your body.
The Wisdom of Your Body: Healing & Wholeness
Sometimes noted the artists “75 hard”, this book is for you if you need a hard reset in your creative life or some encouragement to begin cultivating one.
The Artist's Way: 30th Anniversary Edition
My favorite book of poems, liturgies and prayers. They are worth reading slowly and savoring.
The Book of Common Courage: Prayers & Poems
Another must-have in my analog bag. Liturgies (prayers) are included in this book for every situation, from mind to home to family. I love a liturgy book when I encounter a situation I want to pray for but don't exactly have the words.
Liturgies for Wholeness: 60 Prayers to Encounter
I can't recommend this book more! These principles have quite literally changed my life (not to be dramatic). The accompanying podcast is also worth a listen.
The Lazy Genius Way: Embrace What Matters
You've gotta have cute bookmarks for all your favorite books and journals, right? I have several sets from this small business and Lilly Ann designs the most beautiful bookmarks.
'GIRLY SWIRLY *COZY* READING CLUB' BOOKMARK SET
Keep a beautiful copy of the Psalms to reflect on, write in the margins, and read often.
The Book of Psalms
Activities + Crafts
All the activities and crafts that will soon be more appealing than doomscrolling through social media. Stick with one or more of these and soon you won't be able to stop!
I can't think of a better recommendation to start your new analog bag life. A year of junk journaling gives you 52 prompts to get off your phone and start documenting meaningful and simple moments that might otherwise get overlooked. I personally hav...
A Year Of Junk Journaling: 52 Creative Prompts To Transform Scraps Of Your Life Into Art By Martina Calvi
I learned how to embroider with a beginner Clever Poppy kit, and just from that, I have been able to do so many projects and feel confident in embroidering anything. She has excellent video tutorials that accompany the beginner kit. Well worth the mo...
Embroidery Stitch Sampler Beginner Kit
Emily Lex watercolor books are the best. You can't go wrong with any of them, but the fruit or flowers would work great year round.
fruit watercolor workbook
This crochet kit was what helped me learn how to crochet! I made the cutest crocheted bunny and felt so confident doing it. The video tutorials were incredibly detailed and helpful.
Jojo the Bunny Crochet Kit
If you are new to needlepoint, start with a small canvas and make a bag charm for your tote bag. Nothing better than a craft to put on your crafting bag!
Martini Giraffe Needlepoint Canvas
So it turns out you don't actually need your phone to enjoy all the NYT games. Enjoy Wordle, Connections, Spelling Bee and more with this paperback version of those games.
Puzzle Mania!: Wordle, Connections, Spelling Bee, Minis And More! By Joel Fagliano & New York Times Games
The best marker / highlighters. They come in beautiful colors and are dual-tip so you can truly use then as both a marker and a highlighter.
Midliner Markers
I have several favorite pens, but this is in the top 3. Smooth writing, perfectly weighted, and a must-have in my pen pouch.
Sharpie Gel Pens
The perfect needlepoint canvas for beginners and for Valentine's Day!
Conversation Heart Needlepoint Canvas- Valentine’s Day
If you are new to watercolor, this is the best place to start. I love the watercolor paints Emily Lex sells too.
flowers watercolor workbook
Another perfect bag charm canvas.
PRE ORDER: Mini Christmas Taxi Needlepoint Bag Charm Canvas
A simple and easy project to carry around and stitch whenever you have a few moments.
Mini soda can - printed needlepoint canvas
Another adorable beginner crochet kit - if I were starting out again, I would start with this one!
Bacon the Pig Crochet Kit
A coloring book is a super great addition to a tote bag. They don't take up much space but are easy to pull out and color when you would like.
Colouring Book: Shopfront Scenes by Simply, Katy
Beautiful watercolor markers for your watercolor book or coloring book.
Primrosia 24 Pastel Dual Tip Watercolor Markers, Fine and Brush Tips Pens
Why not learn to draw? Oranges, houses, portraits, fashion design. The options are endless.
Mixed Media Sketchbook
Need a game when out and about with friends? Whip out this mini puzzle when hanging out with friends or by yourself at a coffee shop. Finished size is only 4x6!
Mini Puzzle - New England Lobstah - Lobster Fun
Playing cards leave you endless options when it comes to games. Having a deck of cards and a few games in your bag can instantly make a gathering more engaging and people more present.
Clairebella Maya Monogrammed Playing Cards
There is no longer an excuse for not knowing what to talk about. Carry around these conversation cards and whip them out when hanging out with friends, meeting a friend for coffee, or whenever you start to resort to your phones for entertainment.
Friend Of Mine Conversation Cards Boxed Set
Needing your phone for photos is no longer an excuse! Keep a polaroid in your bag and capture all the best in-the-moment moments.
Fujifilm instax mini 12 Camera - Blossom Pink
If a polaroid camera isn't in the budget, grab a disposable camera. I love taking photos with this when out and about and seeing what I photographed when the film is developed.
Disposable Camera
Grab a magazine subscription to your favorite magazine and bring back looking at the paperback copy, slowly reading the articles and circling your favorite recipes and products.
Southern Living - Recipes, Home Decor, Gardening, DIY and Travel
Jot down those doodles or random thoughts that come to mind in this mini doodles sketchbook.
MINI DOODLES SKETCHBOOK
The cutest stickers to add to your junk journal layout, scrapbook, or other journals.
THREE LITTLE BOWS STICKER SET
This is an affordable and cute beginner friendly needlepoint canvas. Perfect for your analog bag!
Kitchen aid mixer needlepoint canvas
Journals, notebooks, and more!
As someone who lives by her notes app, digital calendar, and digital time and habit trackers, these paper resources are helpful analog tools. No more will you go to put an appointment in your phone and 30 minutes later, you are scrolling (yet again) ...
I have been a big "The Dailee" planner fan since the founder released these several years ago. She puts so much thought into the layout and functionality of these planners. I specifically love an undated planner so you never waste a page. It features...
Undated Daily Planner
A beautiful weekly planner, customizable by color and bind. Everything papier makes is amazing!
Cabana | Softcover Spiral 2026 Weekly Planner
The next time you find a 5-star recipe, jot it down in this recipe journal. Then, the next time you are trying to find that one recipe you saved on social media, you know exactly where you wrote it down!
Recipe Journal
Skip the texting and write a handwritten note instead. I know your friends would love receiving some snail mail.
Tied With Love | Scalloped Notecard Set
A personalizable travel journal. You can plan up to 6 travel excursions, create a wishlist of future places to visit, and then write in real time what your thoughts are when traveling. I plan on using mine as a sort of scrapbook and taping pictures i...
Enchanted | Travel Journal
OBSESSED with these notecards!
Modern Border | Corniced Notecard Set
Track your reads this year with a reading journal, write down your thoughts and recommendations and come back to it when friends ask for a recommendation.
Reading Journal
Even if you have a couple moments in between appointments or meetings, grab your gratitude journal and take a minute to reflect on what you are grateful for.
Gratitude Journal
Take back your time and lock yourself out of apps on your phone. This device provides an extra layer of barrier to simply bypassing time limits on apps because you have to physically touch your phone to the device to "unbrick" it. Brilliant invention...
Brick - Do more of what matters - Brick LLC
Keep track of all your future dinner parties, soirees, and themed evenings. Never lose an idea. Just jot it down in your hosting journal.
Hosting Journal
You've gotta stay hydrated somehow, and when your analog bag has so many valuable journals and crafts, you need a water bottle that isn't going to spill and leak in your bag. Hence, the Owala.
Owala 24oz FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle - Tangy Tango
Jot down your favorite recipes with the recipe cards from my favorite small business All Things Lilly Ann.
RECIPE CARDS (PACK OF 12)