Local Moms in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan, listen up. You need to unplug. Seriously. It’s time to stop doomscrolling, put down the cell phone and go touch grass.
More and more people are embracing analog in an effort to reduce stress, regain focus and live in the moment. Vinyl records over Spotify. DVDs over streaming services. Books over e-readers. Hand crafts over information overload.
Have you heard of the recent trend to create an analog bag? These bags contain items to inspire the individual to slow down and experience a screen-free moment. The contents can be simple, filled with a magazine, books, a crossword puzzle, a journal. They can be specific to a theme, or filled with items to inspire new hobbies.
We visited some favorite shops around town and curated a few collections sure to inspire. Hint! Hint! These would make great Mother’s Day gifts, too!
Fiddle Stix Boutique
5693 Main St., Sylvania
419-386-2812
For the Flower Lovers
Learn to watercolor with an easy-to-follow workbook. Add a flowery journal and some pretty pens. Color a garden with a collection of markers.
For the Pet Moms
Cat lover? Dog lover? There’s a book for that! Light a candle and get crafty with a pet-inspired watercolor workbook.
Finch and Fern
5641 Main St., Sylvania
419-882-2500
Fill a bag with the latest best sellers, or grab a gently used classic to add to the home library. Light a candle to let the world know it’s reading time.
Barnes and Noble
4940 Monroe St.
419-472-6164
Totes, totes, and more totes! Barnes and Noble carries so many great bags for so many interests. We gathered a few collections with fun themes perfect for Moms.
The Mystery Bag
Mystery-loving Moms will love this collection of Agatha Christie items. Test your Christie trivia, or play a Christie-inspired card game. Sip a warm cuppa in a Christie mug while journaling mysterious thoughts. Have a favorite Christie sleuth? Pick up a Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot puzzle.
The William Morris Bag
Home interior lovers will appreciate the William Morris collection. Journals and pens, playing cards and puzzles, bookmarks and writing sets.
The Romance Bag
Romantasy? Spicy? Regency? Whatever your preference, a romance-inspired tote can be filled with the latest best-sellers, sticker books, trivia games and more.
The Jane Austen Bag
Jane-ites can rejoice this year as they celebrate the author’s 250th birthday. Fill the Austen bag with a lovely edition of Austen’s complete novels. Add a card game, a jigsaw puzzle, sticky notes and an embroidery kit. Light a themed- candle, brew a cup of tea and serve it in an Austen-inspired mug.
The Gardening Bag
Gardeners will appreciate a tote that can be taken indoors or outdoors. Make hand-crafted bookmarks with a pressed flower kit. Try a jigsaw puzzle or sticker book. Get inspired by garden books and journals. Try building a wooden rose that needs no watering or pruning.
The Artist Bag
Plein Air artists will enjoy a tote that accompanies adventures. Paint kits, sketch books and pencils will help capture the beauty of the outdoors. Let nature paint its own masterpiece with photo-sensitive craft sheets. Just add flowers and leaves.
