Creativity lives in the hearts of many, but nowadays it feels harder than ever to find people who rely on physical media or entertainment to spark their interest and creativity. Many of us are stuck in the endless digital cycle of waking up, grabbing our smartphones, responding to text messages from the previous night and browsing shopping apps before we get out of bed. The digital era has us in a chokehold. But it’s a good thing we listen and don’t judge, and that it’s never too late to return to analog. It’s time to get our creative juices flowing by reverting to a lifestyle without screens or eye-straining. Take the next few minutes to be creative, browse these 10 essentials for your return to analog, so you can connect more with the real world.
1. Crossword Puzzle Books
In a culture filled with little kids running around asking, “Do you have games on your phone?” We have adapted to seeking entertainment on digital devices. Even adults have opted to play games on the go—I know because I’m a product of such. If you’re like me, the web-based word game Wordle is an addiction. But beyond the screen, it’s time we go outside and touch grass. Grab a crossword puzzle book and sit with nature. Silence your phone or better yet, turn it off.
Crossword puzzle books have become a lost art, which is shocking, given that Dollar Tree has an entire aisle full of them for only $1.25 each. If you’re not able to make it to Dollar Tree, Walmart also sells a variety of puzzle books for a low price. Break out your pencils, pens and highlighters because physical crossword puzzle books are great for all ages and are definitely more beneficial than staring at a screen for hours.
2. Physical Coupons
About 10 to 15 years ago, waiting for the weekend newspaper with a pair of scissors and an envelope felt like hitting the jackpot. Savings on your favorite products were unmatched. Mentally calculating how much the laundry detergent would cost, or celebrating being able to try those new cookies because you had a coupon, were peak memories. Getting creative and reading the fine print to see if you could stack the coupons to double savings was a time to be alive.
Today, couponing has evolved to signing up for a rewards program that sends you loads of spam emails or simply giving the cashier your phone number and email. While eliminating paper is more efficient in 2026, I’ve had to visit the grocery store website to clip coupons, only to find it was down or experiencing a glitch. Back in the day, that hassle wasn’t around as you only worried about whether your coupon accidentally ripped or the barcode was damaged. Luckily, there are still ways to purchase physical coupon books today. SaveAround sells coupon books that vary by state, starting at $15 per book.
3. Stickers
Whether you’re a child or an adult, receiving stickers always feels like a reward. Giving out stickers for performance has slipped into nostalgia. Often, as adults, the only time we may wear a sticker on our clothing is when we cast our ballot in an election. Emojis have become the new stickers. Receiving a heart eye emoji, a thumbs up, a laughing emoji or an exclamation point are the typical responses in a digital world. Instead of wearing stickers on our shirts, we celebrate in the comment section by responding to various emojis, applauding our looks, performances and more. The chance to return to analog is still out there, though. Etsy sells stickers with motivating messages that reward both children and adults.
4. Writing Checks
“Zelle, Cash App or Apple Pay me” has become a phrase used quite often among this generation of digital natives. So much so that it’s uncertain whether the majority of Gen Z and Gen Alpha know how to write a check. Writing a check is essential to adulthood. Many millennials and Gen Xers can relate to writing checks during their most important life moments, including buying a home, purchasing a car or opening a business. If this sounds like you, then you understand the essence of writing checks in an era where convenience is overruling. However, if you’re among the Gen Z and Gen Alpha members who don’t know how to write a check, you can ask for a checkbook at your local bank and practice writing checks for your benefit.
5. Dictionary
Autocorrect is truly a helpful tool, but honestly, when thinking twice, we have to question whether it’s a blessing or a curse. The number of people who are stumped by not knowing how to spell is immense, though we wouldn’t be able to tell because autocorrect saves them. Google also helps people avoid spelling errors and using words out of context. Before Google, there was the standard Merriam-Webster Dictionary, and there still is. If you’re looking to increase your vocabulary, strengthen your conversation skills or simply spark creativity, purchase a Merriam-Webster Dictionary.
6. Party Flyers and Promotions
For all the party animals, especially in the club scene, there has been a drastic change. The music, dances and atmosphere have all changed, but promoting a party has become a full-fledged internet trend. Most young people discover parties through social media apps such as Instagram and TikTok. And some people even go so far as to pay other influencers to promote their parties. Promoters have primarily used the internet in recent years to spread the word.
But if you recall, there was an era when discovering parties came solely from physical flyers hanging around your town. It’s time we get back to that, and here is a way you can make that happen. VistaPrint offers flyer printing starting at $8.99. VistaPrint is also running a promotion that offers $80 off purchases of $200 or more, $35 off purchases of $100 and $15 off purchases of $50. Act fast because the offer is expiring fast.
7. InClub Magazine
While we’re on the topic of promoting, why not promote ourselves not only as one of the best print magazines out there, but also as a magazine still defining the return to analog? InClub Magazine is an excellent read that steps outside the box and demonstrates that the Black experience can be unorthodox. It’s an alternative media for Gen Z and Millennial audiences that goes beyond stereotypes and metrics.
As posted on our website, “Think of us as the unofficial syllabus for thoughtful conversations about life, film, fashion, adulting and the planet for READERS ONLY with good taste.” InClub Magazine is certainly an exciting read. Our most recent cover features pop-punk group The Paradox Band on the December 2025 issue. This issue serves as a reminder that Black culture and creativity are vast and do not need to be boxed in. Head to the website www.inclubmagazine.com to grab your copy today, return to analog and also just read an excellently crafted magazine.
8. CDs and Vinyl Records
Collecting CDs and vinyl records is one of the more popular forms of physical media that has been revived over the years. Having a collection of my own, I understand the importance of returning to analog with physical music. Admiring the cover artwork in person is so much more intriguing than on a digital device. Streaming music is cool, but nothing beats the experience of listening to a CD or fresh pressed vinyl record. No worries about your device dying, breaking or losing music files.
Purchasing CDs and Vinyls also shows intention, opposed to coming across an album or project on the internet. Artists appreciate an audience that listens with intention. It serves as a two-way street for both the listeners and the musician. Rapper J. Cole is one of the musicians who’s returning to analog with his newest album, “The Fall-Off.” J. Cole has been spotted going state to state selling CDs for $1 out of a Honda Civic trunk. Highlighting pivotal moments of his early career, J. Cole is also influencing his audience to return to analog, whether intentionally or inadvertently. Target, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, Best Buy and many local vinyl record shops sell physical music.
9. Board Games
For all the Monopoly Go players, it’s time to put the phone down and bring out the boards. Grab your player pieces and physically count your monopoly money rather than having an app do it for you. Playing board games with family and friends is wholesome. Sharing memories with people you love while partaking in hands-on activities and laughing is unforgettable. It’s the moments that go beyond the phones that truly hold weight and meaning. Retailers such as Walmart, Target and Amazon house a plethora of Board Games available for purchase. Grab yours today!
10. Alarm Clocks
I’m sure when you think of the word analog, you may think of a clock, so it’s only right that we add alarm clocks to this list. Relying on our phones to wake us up has become the new normal. As a Gen Z’er for as long as I can remember, I’ve only used a digital device to wake me up in time for school and work. But there is always a time that calls for change. Physical alarm clocks are helpful in ways that a phone may not be. The first benefit is that, upon opening your eyes, you won’t reach for your phone. A physical alarm clock reduces your screen time, even if it’s just a few minutes. Those few minutes make a huge difference. Physical alarm clocks also reduce your reliance on technology. As we have all witnessed, technology can mess up, glitch or malfunction. Eliminate the need for struggle by purchasing an Alarm clock. Amazon sells a wide variety of alarm clocks for all ages and genders. There are alarm clocks to suit every need, even the deep sleepers.
You’re all set for your return to analog!
Featured image credit: Christian Agbede via Unsplash
