10 Wholesome Grandmacore Hobbies to Make Your Home Feel Like a Cozy Hug

There's nothing more comforting than Grandma's way of life—and if you agree, you've likely come across others on social media trying to channel it through "grandmacore." And with trends like the Martha Stewart aesthetic promoting homey hobbies, this doesn't come as a shock. These quiet, mindful activities are all about disconnecting, recharging, and flexing your creative muscles, often while working with your hands. From knitting a cozy blanket to baking a tray of warm cookies—they’re low-stress, high-reward, and oh-so nostalgic and cozy.

Here are 10 ideas worth trying if you’re looking for new ways to spend your nights in, from classic to creative—all approved by Grandma.

1. Baking

Is there anything more grandmacore than a plate of freshly-baked cookies or a delicious dessert loaf to accompany dinner? Baking is a relaxing yet fun activity that anyone can learn. Plus, from simple cookies and muffins to more complex pastries and cakes, there’s no shortage of ways you can enjoy this fun and fulfilling hobby. 

2. Making Sourdough

Yes, making sourdough is technically also baking—however, with its specific process, we think it deserves a mention of its own. Learning how to make sourdough is a skill that's both rewarding and delicious. All you need is flour, salt, and water to make your mouth-watering loaves come to life. Plus, once you have an established sourdough starter, you can make more than just bread. This homegrown yeast can be used to create a variety of other baked goods, including cinnamon rolls, banana bread, and even pizza.

3. Growing Flowers

Get growing like grandma. A vibrant flower garden offers you year-round cut flowers for bouquets, allowing you to bring the beauty of the outdoors indoors. From classics like roses and peonies to pollinator favorites like coneflower, bee balm, and milkweed, there's no shortage of options when it comes to flower gardening. 

4. Vegetable Gardening

Tending to your own produce allows you to connect with nature, reduce stress, and enjoy fresh, homegrown food. If you don’t have the space for a large garden, vegetable gardening doesn’t require acres of land. Even those with the smallest yards or patios can grow their own yummy vegetables with container gardens and clever space-saving options. 

5. Canning

Canning is a centuries-old skill that's become more of a hobby in modern times. Of all the ideas in this article, it's probably the most useful—your homegrown veggie and fruit harvest will last all year, and once you get the hang of it, you won’t be able to stop. While it may seem intimidating at first, canning is actually a relatively straightforward process, albeit with some specific rules and principles to follow. Once you know how to do it, you can use canning to preserve fruits and veggies, jams, soups, sauces, and more.

6. Keeping a Bird Feeder

It’s true what they say: A love of bird watching sneaks up on you as you age. Luckily, you don’t have to go far to spot some beautiful birds—your own backyard will do! Bird feeders are affordable, easy to set up, and a joy to maintain.  A bit of research goes a long way in setting up a successful feeder. Namely, getting familiar with some of the species in your area will help you choose an appropriate feeder along with seeds they'll like. Don’t forget to clean it regularly to keep your feathery friends coming back for more.

7. Sewing

A quintessential grandmacore staple, learning how to sew is truly the gift that keeps on giving—you’ll be amazed at what you can make with a basic understanding of how to operate a sewing machine. From creating your own clothes to making alterations and crafting your own home decor (hello, DIY throw pillow covers!), sewing is a hobby that everyone can enjoy and benefit from.

8. Embroidery

From personalizing pillows, curtains, and other linens around your home to making your own pieces of decor, embroidery is a fun and intricate hobby worth trying. While it may look complicated, embroidery is a relatively simple process that requires only time, patience, and dedication, with just a few knots and techniques to learn. Plus, you only need a couple of tools.

9. Knitting and Crocheting

Do you love working with your hands? Knitting and crocheting may your avenue for getting into grandmacore. Both of these handiwork hobbies are ideal for those looking for a mindless activity to enjoy while watching their favorite guilty pleasure show. After a bit of practice, you’ll be well on your way to making stunning handmade blankets, decor, clothing, and more.

10. Collecting Antique China

You can’t forget about this classic grandmacore hobby. Did everyone’s grandma have a collection of fine china, or just ours? Enjoyed alone or with friends (a group trip to the antique market, anyone?), start by identifying the type of china you want to collect. For example, are you interested in collecting a certain brand, or just specific pieces (i.e., Royal Albert china versus British-made teacups and saucers)? This will help you narrow down your search and curate your collection.