We all love a good cozy hobby. And when we’re looking for cozy hobby ideas, there is one place we can turn to that never fails- grandmas.
The things grandmas do in their free time, lovingly called ‘grandma hobbies’, are truly some of the coziest and most joy-invoking activities out there. And there is absolutely no shame in adopting those hobbies, no matter your age.
Grandma hobbies (part of the grandma core trend) is becoming more and more popular- and for good reason.
For so many people, life is starting to feel too busy, too chaotic, and just too fast. Grandma hobbies are so cozy because they teach us to slow down, embrace the ordinary things about life, and enjoy each moment.
So if you’re ready to dive head first into some cozy, hygge, and slow hobbies, I’ve outlined 6 hobbies below to really embrace your inner grandma.
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1. Gardening & Planting Flowers
Ya know in the movies where you see a woman each morning in her garden, wearing her overalls and her big hat and it’s like a whole vibe? Yeah, I get it now.
Gardening is so satisfying for so many reasons.
It’s customizable. No two gardens are the same. You can pick the plants you put in yours- flowers, fruits, veggies, herbs, bushes, whatever you want! You can also pick the type of garden (raised bed, container, in-ground, etc), the design elements, the location, the size, and so much more.
It’s good for your brain. Gardening is a creative hobby. You get to use your brain and work those muscles that are becoming much less worked in our fast-paced screen-obsessed world. When you garden, you’re working with your hands, and that makes your brain SO happy!
It gives back to the planet. One of the biggest benefits of gardening is how good it is for the planet, especially if you have a native garden. Planting flowers for pollinators, and keeping a little section of you yard wild is so great for wildlife. Not only that, but by growing your own produce and herbs, you are helping the planet in other ways too!
It gives you a sense of accomplishment. I can’t even describe the pride that comes with going out to the garden and seeing a new tomato growing or seeing my flowers bloom. It’s so rewarding to see hard work pay off. PLUS, we all know fresh home-grown produce almost always tastes better than the store-bought produce that was picked and shipped two weeks before it was even ripe.
Want to try gardening but don’t know where to start? I highly recommend this book. I just started gardening this year as a total beginner, and I probably could have learned what I need to know by Googling everything (which would have taken forever), but I was able to get so much knowledge waaaaay quicker by reading this book. This book teaches you everything you need to know- from planning your garden, to the tools you need, harvesting plants, and even what to do with your fresh produce!
2. Baking (for yourself and others)
Baking on its own is mega cozy and mega grandma core. But I think the whole hobby gets leveled up when you share with others!
There’s just something so cozy (and super impressive) about being able to say “hey, I baked this today, hope you enjoy!” while handing your friend a warm yummy dessert.
Plus, mastering a recipe and being able to have it as your go-to to bring to gatherings feels like you’ve mastered adulthood.
3. Reading is the peak grandma hobby.
My happy place is being at a little seaside cottage in New England reading a book for hours on end. In my mind, this is what retirement is! 😃 But for those of us are sadly still working age and not yet able to spend our days reading books, there is still room to enjoy!
It can be hard to slow down enough to read consistently. But if you can find the time, reading is soooo beneficial.
Reading truly expands your brain, but it also gives your brain a rest. Swapping an hour of doom-scrolling on Instagram for an hour of reading can do wonders for your mental health and happiness.
But it also improves your vocabulary, reduces stress, improves memory, increases creativity, and can even boost empathy!
So next time you’re in need of some self care, embrace your inner retiree in a seaside New England cottage and settle in with a cozy book! (P.S. please give me your favorite book recs in the comments, I’m always in need of some more ideas!)
4. Birdwatching
Birdwatching is the old lady hobby I never could have guessed I’d be obsessed with at 28. But what can I say, there’s just something irresistibly cozy about it.
Bird watching teaches you to slow down, embrace nature, be present, and notice the world around you in more detail.
For brains that are overstimulated (which is pretty much all of us, let’s be honest), this grandma hobby is extra beneficial.
There are so many ways to enjoy this too! Some people draw the birds they see. Some people keep a checklist, some simply sit, watch, and enjoy.
If you want to get started, here are my recommendations for books:
My go-tos:
For bird identification, this one’s my favorite: The New Birder’s Guide to Birds of North America
For identification with some extra goodies, this one is amazing: The Backyard Birdwatcher’s Bible
For learning how to attract birds to your home, this one is so informative: How to Attract Birds to Your Garden
5. Needlework
I think needlework is the default activity people think of when they hear ‘grandma hobbies’. Knitting, crocheting, embroidery, cross stitching, sewing, etc. are all examples of needlework.
Needlework hobbies allow you to be creative while working with your hands- two things your brain loves and thrives on.
Plus, you don’t have to be artistic to practice this creative hobby. Most needlework hobbies can be learned pretty easily, and there are so many tutorials out there.
With needlework you can make home decor, clothing, bags, gifts for others, and so much more (the list is endless).
If you want some ideas of things you can make, Pinterest has so many good ideas!
6. Journaling with intention
Hear me out on this one.
One time when I was a kid, I heard about this grandma who had been keeping journals of things since she was a young adult to give to her future grandkids. I absolutely loved that idea and think it’s something that more people should do!
Journaling with intention, even if it’s not for the purpose of passing onto grandkids, can be so cozy and good for our minds.
Plus- having journals to turn to, whether it’s for recipes, home tips, self advice, travel stories, or countless other things, will keep giving and giving for the rest of your life.
There’s something so hygge about writing, and writing about your life is even better. Write down the little things- daily wins, little memories, things that make you smile, recipes you liked, advice you would give others, little random life hacks, whatever you want!
Benefits of grandma hobbies
Grandma hobbies are so beneficial to mental health. They’ve even been shown to reduce stress levels in teens, and the benefits aren’t any less for adults.
No matter your age, slowing down to enjoy life at a slower pace can help you feel calmer, less overwhelmed, and more connected to the people and nature around you.
In a world where burnout seems to be the new norm, embracing cozy is more crucial than ever.
Which grandma hobby is your favorite? What’s a grandma hobby that you love that I didn’t include in this list? Share with me in the comments!
Want some more hobby recommendations? Read the post: 8 Cozy Hobbies to Embrace the Hygge Lifestyle
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