Did you ever realize you can put non-digital items in a bag and just like, carry them around with you? All day? Gen Z just "invented" carrying books and physical objects in bags. They call it the "analog bag" and TikTok is currently flooded with videos of Gen Z creators showcasing tote bags packed with novels, crossword puzzles, embroidery kits and magazines, while those of us born pre-internet are trying really hard not to laugh.
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In the videos, creators earnestly explain how revolutionary it is to bring non-digital entertainment when you leave the house, which is either deeply funny or a little sad, depending on how charitable you're feeling. "This is an analog bag," one creator explains before launching into a "tour" of her crossword puzzles, crocheting and polaroid camera. "This is what I use to stay off my phone." Another gushes, "I instantly fell in love with this because I'm doing everything in my highly distractable power to stop being on my phone quite as much … The idea is you're going to go to the coffee shop and you don't want to be on your phone — you just want true psychological rest — you could achieve that by staying more analog, and the things in this bag are going to help me do so."
For those of us who remember life before smartphones were surgically attached to our hands, this is just called "bringing your stuff with you," but sure, let's rebrand it.
In this article: ZHMO Tote Bag for Women With Compartments, BAGSMART Tote Bag for Women and Scratch & Sketch Extreme (Trace Along) Hardcover
If you want to join the analog bag movement (or just need ideas for carrying your stuff like humans have done since bags were invented), here are totes and screen-free activities to fill them with. No judgment on whether you're doing this ironically or genuinely — both are valid.
ZHMO Tote Bag for Women With Compartments
This canvas tote features multiple compartments for organizing books, notebooks and analog entertainment. Its large capacity can carry tons of items, and the crossbody strap option allows hands-free carrying.
This lightweight puffy tote includes compartments for organizing various items, and the puffy construction gives it structure without excessive weight. Multiple compartments separate different categories of items to keep things accessible and easy to find.
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Scratch & Sketch Extreme (Trace Along) Hardcover
This scratch art book reveals colorful designs beneath black coating when scratched with the included stylus. The trace-along format provides guided creativity for any skill level and the hard cover protects your work while in your bag.
Crush and Color: Keanu Reeves: Colorful Fantasies with a Mysterious Hero (Crush + Color) Paperback
This adult coloring book features illustrations of Keanu Reeves for fun, creative, screen-free entertainment. Coloring provides meditative activity without digital devices.
This three-set embroidery kit includes bird and flower patterns with instructions for beginners. It provides a portable crafting activity that requires no screens or electricity.
AiMoonsa 64GB MP3 Player with Bluetooth
This MP3 player provides music without your smartphone or streaming. The 64GB of storage can hold thousands of songs, and it has a built-in speaker for listening without headphones.
"Wish You Were Here" by Jodi Picoult
This Jodi Picoult novel provides screen-free reading. This New York Times bestseller is a touching story set during a devastating pandemic.
The Woobles Crochet Kit for Beginners - Felix The Fox
This beginner crochet kit creates Felix The Fox with guided, easy-to-follow instructions. As seen on "Shark Tank," the complete kit includes yarn, crochet hook and detailed instructions.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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