Millennials Embrace "Granny Hobbies" to Escape Economic Stress and Uncertainty

In the face of ongoing financial volatility and economic uncertainty, millennials are embracing a surprising trend: swapping high-stress careers for "granny hobbies" like gardening, knitting, and quilting. This shift has become increasingly evident in the wake of the recent closure of the last remaining Joann Fabrics stores, which sparked a wave of nostalgia and distress among younger consumers.

The appeal of these slow, hands-on pastimes lies in their ability to provide a tangible escape from the constant market anxiety and doomscrolling that have become hallmarks of the millennial experience. As one Florida realtor, Kyle Williams, explains, "Being a realtor means constant market anxiety. Gardening lets me focus on something tangible, where effort directly translates to growth. It's the opposite of watching stock charts all day."

The data supports this trend, with the National Gardening Association reporting 18.3 million new gardeners in 2021, the majority of whom were millennials. Meanwhile, Etsy has seen a 350% increase in searches for quilt fabric and a 100% increase in searches for knitting supplies in 2022, reflecting the growing interest in these artistic, low-cost hobbies among young professionals seeking respite from economic stress.