If you’ve spent any time on TikTok recently, you’ve probably seen the “analog bag” trend. Though I love the idea, I feel like the trend is really just a modern take on something that many of us have had for years: an activity bag.
At first glance, it might just seem like an ordinary bag. But instead of carrying my phone, my Nintendo Switch, or any of the other digital ways I entertain myself, my activity bag is full of books, journals, crafts, and other screen-free activities. I like to think of it as a portable collection of my current hobbies and interests that help me slow down, stay curious, and make the most of my screen-free moments.
Affiliate Link Disclosure
This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. I only share products I genuinely love or think you’ll enjoy.
What is an Activity Bag?
When I think of an activity bag, I think of the one I would take on road trips as a kid, full of fun activities to keep me busy in the car (long before I had a cell phone!).
Basically, an activity bag is a single bag filled with books, journals, crafts, or other supplies for your hobbies that you can take with you wherever you go. The goal is to fill it with things that entertain you that don’t require a screen.
What I Love About My Activity Bag
- It helps me have some technology-free time.
- Don’t get me wrong, you know I love to game. But sometimes, I do really enjoy being intentionally screen-free. It helps me tune back into my real life and feel more relaxed and less overstimulated.
- It encourages creativity.
- For me, being creative is key to being happy, and my activity bag is full of the tools I need to do just that. It’s nice to keep track of all my creative hobbies and move activities in and out of my rotation based on my current interests.
- It keeps my hobbies organized.
- Y’all know that I have a lot of hobbies, so it’s nice to have a centralized place to keep some of my favorites, especially my journaling supplies (obviously)!
- I can take it with me.
- It’s great for traveling, going to appointments, or even just moving from room to room in my house.
How I Chose My Bag
As for the actual bag you choose, just use one you already have! There is no need to go out and buy anything new.
That said, if you’re looking to purchase a new bag, I highly recommend the Soolla Studio Bag. My wife got one for me (and the matching Soolla Studio Pouch!) for my birthday, and I’m not exaggerating when I say that I don’t think I’ve ever loved a bag more.
There are so many pockets for organization, it feels very sturdy, and it’s completely machine-washable. Not to mention it comes in so many cute colors and has a lifetime warranty in case anything goes wrong.
What’s Inside My Activity Bag
The contents of your bag will vary based on your own hobbies and interests, but here’s what I keep in mine:
- Commonplace Book
- If you’ve read any of my other posts, you know I love my Commonplace Book! If you’re curious about this type of journaling, be sure to check out my Commonplace Book Kit or my other posts.
- Daily Journal
- I like to write in my daily journal (or diary) every day, so I like to keep it close by. I try to write a few pages in the morning to help center myself for the day ahead.
- Writing Journal
- I’m in the process of writing my first novel right now (eek!), so I keep my Writing Journal with me at all times. I never know when inspiration will strike or when I’ll have an idea that I just need to write down immediately.
- Puzzle Book (currently Murdle: Volume 1 by G.T. Karber)
- This is a relatively new addition to my bag. This book is a mini-mystery puzzle book where you examine evidence and use your deductive reasoning skills to solve a mystery. I wasn’t sure if I would like it at first, but I actually really love the short puzzles that challenge my brain a little bit.
- Current Book
- I keep my current read (usually a physical copy but sometimes my Kindle) in my bag as well. My daily goal is to read for at least 30 minutes, so I squeeze in that time whenever I can. I’m currently reading The Ballad of Falling Dragons by Sarah A. Parker (the sequel to When the Moon Hatched).
- Mini Tarot Cards
- I keep a set of mini Tarot cards with me; I never know when I’ll need to do a quick reading!
- Watercolor Set & Workbook
- I recently discovered a watercolor workbook that is so much fun! I keep it in my bag with a portable watercolor set for when I’m feeling extra artsy.
- Fountain Pens
- I really, really prefer writing with fountain pens, and I am slowly growing my collection. I keep several different pens in my bag for writing in my different journals.
- Bonus: Soolla Studio Pouch
- Okay, this is sort of cheating, but I also keep my Soolla Studio Pouch inside my larger activity bag. I take this bag with me absolutely everywhere. I keep most of my journaling supplies inside, like my mini printer, date stamp, stencils, stickers, etc.
Final Thoughts
Though I do have quite a lot in my activity bag, it isn’t crammed full of every activity that interests me. Instead, I try to fill it only with my main hobbies and screen-free ways that I spend my time. Some of the contents of my bag change, but a lot of the hobbies (like all of my journaling supplies) are always there. It’s not perfect, and I know it could be better organized or more aesthetically pleasing, but I love it because it’s a unique reflection of me and my interests.
