How to make an analog basket

Last week, I gave in to a trend I found on social media and I made an analog basket. It has been a game changer for me! Naturally, I had to share it with you! Like many people, I miss when times were simpler. When I didn’t have to use a smartphone to order food at a restaurant. When people showed up at your house unannounced and you spend time together. Coming home and checking my voice messages because I didn’t have a cell phone.

I think there is so much value in being offline. The older I get, the more I want to reduce digital noise in my life. The more I want to live the way I did when I was a child. The more I want to be able to put my phone down and not worry about it for a while. Because even when I go for a walk, I always have my phone with my (safety and all).

This is where the analog basket comes in.

I had seen analog baskets everywhere at the beginning of the year. There was a huge shift where people wanted to more time offline and were reverting to hobbies and projects that they did when they were younger. I wasn’t impressed or excited by the idea and I dismissed it.

And here I am.

What is an analog basket?

I’m so glad you asked! An analog basket is a basket filled with fun activities that are meant to replace scrolling. The idea is to keep it close to you so that you can reach for it instead of your phone. In this post, I’ll be sharing 50 ideas for things to put in your analog basket and what I currently have in mine!

1. Diamond art. You can start out with small ones so you aren’t overwhelmed.
2. Puzzles
3. Word search books
4. Murder mystery activity books
5. Crochet
6. Coloring books
7. Beads and string for bracelets
8. Cards. Write birthday cards or regular snail mail
9. Paint and a tiny canvas
10. Charm bracelet
11. An educational book
12. Calligraphy set
13. Bookmark making supplies
14. Knitting
15. A kit to paint a picture frame
16. Flashcards
17. A book of poetry
18. A guided journal
19. Sudoku
20. A book of quotes
21. A deck of conversation cards or cards with personal questions.
22. A scrapbook kit.
23. A recipe card box
24. Stickers
25. A personal curriculum notebook
26. A book of drawing prompts
27. A wax seal kit
28. Makeup…try a new makeup look.
29. Childhood photos…or any photos you love. They are so much fun to look back on.
30. Beads to make beaded flowers.

What is in my basket

I’ve made a list of 30 things that will definitely get you started with your analog basket, but now I want to share what is in mine! It took me a couple of weeks to curate what I wanted, so I feel like mine is the perfect mix of activities and nostalgia.

1. Burn after writing journal. These are deep questions that honestly can be a bit intimidating. The best time to do one of these journals is when you are burnt out with being online and are ready to give all of your attention to answering these questions.
2. Educational book called Simply the Brain by DK publishing. I definitely want to learn more about the human body this winter, so why not start with the brain? I cannot wait to dive into it.
3. A Disney princess puzzle. It is only 100 pieces (because large puzzles frustrate me) and it definitely reminds me of childhood.
4. A sticker scene set. I don’t know if you’ve seen these online, but you get this kit with stickers and tweezers, and then you recreate the scene they provide. I’ve never tried it, but it seems relaxing so i’ll report back.
5. Vintage comic books (Looney Tunes). I used to watch Looney Tunes every morning as a kid and I never knew they were comic books! I found them at the thrift store and had to pick them up!
6. A People Magazine about the 90s. I’m a 90’s baby so I cannot wait to read this! It covers all of the pop culture from the best decade in history (in my opinion)
7. A French Word search. I have been learning French for years so this is another way to study the language.
8. Glitter and Glue for glittering photos. I saw this on tik tok some time ago and I can’t wait to try it for myself.
9. Just because cards, envelopes and stamps. Everything I need to send a card.

Final thoughts

I love having my analog basket. It is extremely relaxing being able to put my phone away and give my full attention to activities that are going to help me learn, decompress, and live a little slower. I hope this post inspires you to go and create your own analog basket. This is also the perfect thing to have prepared for the winter months when you are snowed in or simply do not want to go out and do anything. It is also something good to have on hand for a no spend weekend as well.