Ann Arbor Moms, 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!
First stop: Kerrytown, Ann Arbor
407 N. 5th Ave.
Spun
734-780-7867
Crafty Moms will love the options at Spun. Needle crafters will appreciate the selection of cross stitch, felt and embroidery kits available.
Spun even offers two ready-to-go bags for anyone wanting to learn to crochet or knit. Want to get more from the experience? Sign up for a class and make new crafty friends.
Found
734-302-3060
Budding artists will love the offerings at Found. Learn to watercolor with just a few supplies. Make some fun postcards and revive the art of letter writing. Grab a journal to record brilliant thoughts. Try a sticker book for a relaxing activity.
Mudpuddles
734-662-0022
Toy stores aren’t just for the littles. Many adults love to build with LEGOs, unwind with puzzles, or make artistic scenes with stickers.
Next stop: Saline Main Street
The Fine Print Bookshop
109 E. Michigan Ave.
734-470-6525
Book stores will have plenty of ways to go analog. We created four themed bags.
The Mystery-Lovers Bag
Grab a favorite murder mystery and light a candle to let the world know it’s reading time. Add a mystery-inspired puzzle book, or play an Agatha Christie-inspired card game with the family.
Pretty Books Made Easy
Love the new trend to pretty up the plain pages of books? There’s a stencil kit that will take your books from dull to delightful. Grab a pretty book mark to add to your newest home library creations.
For the Locals
Here’s a Michigan-themed bag full of ideas. A Zingerman’s cook book, a Detroit edition of crossword puzzles, and some fun Michigan notecards to send to friends and family.
Stars Hollow
Any Gilmore Girls fans in the house? Grab a few GG themed books and just add coffee. Coffee stickers, coffee bookmark, coffee candle, coffee notepad and coffee mug…because creativity needs to be fueled with plenty of caffeine.
Final Stop: Downtown Milan
Life is Sweet Bakery and Cafe
42 E. Main St.
734-628-7185
The sweetest way to slow down and savor the moment? Baking! Grab a pretty spatula and a yummy dessert mix. Take notes in a baking journal. Add a little honey to the mix, and then treat Mom to a pretty cookie or two.
Textiles Fabric Shop
25 E. Main St.
734-508-6478
Who needs to buy a bag when you can sew your own! Stop into Textiles for pretty fabric and supplies.
Pink Shamrocks
28 E. Main St.
734-612-3586
Have a boring bag that needs some pizzazz? Try learning some painting skills with a class. Practice some watercolor techniques with fun books, stencils and paint supplies.
Adventure, Ink
108 E. Main St.
734-545-8899
Grab a Michigan tote and fill it with family fun. Card games, dice games, and board games. Stickers and puzzle books. Building kits and books for every member of the family.
