Recreating nostalgic recipes to picking up a paintbrush: 10 easy, grandma-approved hobbies to try this autumn
Trade doomscrolling for one of these cozy activities.
This autumn, instead of doomscrolling your way through the season, why not pick up a cosy new hobby? Better still, make it a grandma-approved one. 2026 has been the year of #grandmacore, but it's about much more than a trending hashtag. It reflects our growing longing for familiar comforts, a slower pace of life and more meaningful ways to spend our time. And after staring at screens for most of the day, old-school hobbies that don't involve notifications suddenly sound very appealing.
Grandmothers' pantries were always filled with jars of homemade pickles, jams and preserves, while birthdays and family celebrations meant beautifully decorated cakes made entirely from scratch. So, whether you're craving a little nostalgic comfort, fancy learning a new skill or simply want an activity to enjoy on your own or with friends, these grandma-approved hobbies are the perfect way to embrace autumn.
Try Needlepoint and Embroidery
Needlepoint and embroidery are seeing a huge resurgence in popularity. If the sound of a cross stitch or chain stitch sounds intimidating, it’s actually not as hard as it sounds. To make things easy, get yourself a beginner’s embroidery kit that includes all the essentials—an embroidery hoop, fabrics with pattern templates, thread, and needles.
Get Creative With Watercolour Painting
Rather than spending weekends on your phone, put paintbrush to paper and capture the beauty of the changing leaves through watercolour. Pick up a set of paints, a few brushes, a watercolour paper pad, and you’re all set. If you’d prefer a little guidance, try a paintable watercolour guidebook.
Pickle Veggies
If there’s a culinary technique that’s synonymous with grandma energy, it’s gotta be pickling. This autumn, try your hand at a classic dill pickle recipe. Not only is it fun to learn a new kitchen skill, there’s something deeply satisfying about displaying freshly pickled jars on your pantry shelves.
Scrapbook Favourite Memories
We all have thousands of photos on our phones but few actually get printed. This season, make it a point to preserve all the best of ‘26 in a good ‘ol scrapbook. We’re not talking digital scrapbooks—go old-school with printed photos, fun washi tape, and lots of stickers! Your future self will thank you.
Send Handwritten Cards
At a time when everything is digital, bring back the art of the handwritten card. Go to a greeting card store, pick out cards with friends or family in mind, and handwrite a “just because” note. With Christmas just around the corner, it’s a thoughtful way to send a little love and gratitude.
Make Jam
Turn your farmer’s market haul into homemade jams, jellies, and preserves perfect for spreading on toast or gifting. This grandma-approved hobby is the perfect way to fill your kitchen with a delightful aroma of homemade goodness. Take the traditional canning route or make a batch of our strawberry jam.
Bake Bread
There’s something inherently nostalgic and deeply soothing about the ritual of making bread. Between the kneading, rising, and actual baking, the process encourages slowing down. If you haven’t jumped on the sourdough bandwagon and aren’t sure where to start, try a classic challah or have fun with a flavoured focaccia.
Play Mahjong
If your friend group is looking for a new activity to got into this season, give mahjong a try. Besides being fun to play, the rummy-style game is a great way to bring people together and build community. Prepare your favourite snacks, mix up a cosy beverage, and let the games begin!
Whip Up a Nostalgic Recipe
Autumn calls for decadent comfort food and familiar favourites just like grandma used to make. If you’re lucky enough to have your grandmother’s recipes, make your way through the collection this autumn.
Learn the Art of Cake Decorating
Cake decorating is as much of a skill as it is an art. It’s something you take your time with and savour—both the process and the finished product! What better time to pick up this grandma-approved hobby than now—with all the approaching holidays, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy it.
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