Knitting, baking, gardening, and embroidery might sound like activities associated with grandparents, but a growing number of teenagers are discovering their appeal. The “grandmacore” trend is bringing old-fashioned hobbies back into fashion, offering young people a way to slow down, get creative, and spend less time staring at screens.
Social media has helped fuel the trend, with young creators sharing videos of themselves crocheting, baking bread, tending gardens, and making handmade crafts.
The movement is particularly appealing to teens who want alternatives to the constant stimulation of smartphones and social media. Rather than spending evenings scrolling, they’re finding satisfaction in activities that allow them to create something tangible and enjoy a slower pace of life.
Parents are also noticing the appeal of these activities as children look for ways to relax and express themselves. According to experts featured in Parents, traditional hobbies can provide opportunities for creativity, connection, and stress relief.
What Exactly Is Grandmacore, and Where Did It Start?
Grandmacore is an aesthetic and lifestyle trend inspired by the traditional grandmother’s home and hobbies. It embraces cozy surroundings, vintage decorations, homemade food, floral patterns, and activities like knitting, sewing, gardening, and embroidery.
The trend gained visibility through TikTok and other social media platforms, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z. A January 2025 report highlighted young creators embracing the lifestyle, including Madison Vaughn, whose Grandma Cottage TikTok account had approximately 65,400 followers.
For many participants, the appeal is also emotional and nostalgic. Embroidery entrepreneur Hannah Arnold explained, “I think part of it is … the desire to kind of find some slowness in your day,” describing how younger generations want to make room for hobbies rather than postponing enjoyment until retirement.
Is Grandmacore Actually Good for Kids and Teens?
Grandmacore can offer several benefits for children and teenagers, particularly when it encourages them to step away from screens. Activities like gardening, baking and crafting provide opportunities to concentrate, practice patience and develop practical skills.
These hobbies can also support emotional well-being by giving young people a productive way to manage stress. Completing a knitting project, growing vegetables or baking something from scratch provides a sense of accomplishment that doesn’t depend on grades, popularity or online attention.
Perhaps most importantly, grandmacore encourages families to spend time together while creating meaningful experiences. Parents can introduce children to hobbies they enjoy, encourage intergenerational connections with grandparents, and let kids experiment without worrying about being perfect.
