Solo Date: Spots For Entering Your Analog Era

2026 has been declared the year we return to analog. If your next question is, “What on earth does that even mean?” the short explanation is: doomscroll less. The long explanation: at its heart, this trend is about being more critical of our relationship with social media and technology. How much of our lives are consumed by social media algorithms and the latest microtrends? Are we too reliant on technology to define who we are and what we like? Digital natives (Millennials and Gen Zs) are going analog to slow down, have tangible experiences, and take a break from digital overload.

It’s not like nobody saw this coming. After all, 2025 was peppered with nostalgia-fueled trends: the resurrection of the digicam and vinyl records, the obsession with Y2K fashion, the rise of journaling and crafts-related activities, culminating in 2026’s first social media trend (ironic, I know): the analog bag (it’s a kit of offline hobbies like books, knitting, painting materials and the like).

Basically, people are starting to put their phones down in favour of activities that feel (literally and figuratively) more permanent and deliberate. After all, a physical journal won’t disappear with the swipe of a finger. Below, eight spots in Singapore to shop for supplies, engage with physical media, and officially enter your analog era.

THE BOOKSTORE BY BOOKS BEYOND BORDERS

Between buzzy SingLit and global debuts, to the ever-changing list of trending books on BookTok, searching for the perfect book is actually pretty hard nowadays. And if you’re entering your analog era, the last thing you should be doing is scouring the internet for book recommendations. Enter: Books Beyond Borders. Specifically: their ‘Blind Date With A Book’ corner.

Picking a book is simple: each book has a handwritten tab with its genre, and a sentence-long summary. That’s it. It’s the easiest way to pick a book without the overwhelming stream of TikTok videos telling you why you should or shouldn’t pick it up.

Address: #01-08, 33 Erskine Rd

Find them on: Instagram

CRAFUNE

If you’re trying to go analogue, you’ll definitely be using some stationery. In the spirit of embracing tactile experiences, why not make your own pencil case? At Crafune’s Haji Lane outlet (they have other outlets over at Funan Mall and New Bahru) you can attend leathercraft workshops to make your own wallet, passport cover, and even bags. With the guidance of Crafune’s leather craftsmen, and provided materials and tools, you’ll literally piece together and stitch your own pencil case for $115 per pax.

Address: #02-01, 38 Haji Lane

Book a slot on their website.

EVERNEW BOOK STORE

If you’re a bookworm who’s trying to stay offline, try book buying old school. Spend a few hours combing through shelves and discovering books you would’ve never thought to pick up, or rediscover books you previously couldn’t pick up but can now. A personal favourite of mine, this secondhand bookstore offers a wide range of fiction, non-fiction, biographies, classics, and more.

Address: #01-07, Bras Basah Complex, 231 Bain Street

CATALOG

At its core, going analog is about slowing down and being more deliberate with how you use your time and what you do. If you’re a design fiend or love collecting knick-knacks, engage with your favourite artists offline at Catalog. This tiny concept store is filled to the brim with knick-knacks designed by artists and creatives from Singapore and all over Asia. Sift through their rotating selection of art prints, stickers, posters, zines, crafts and more — touch them, sniff them, experience them.

Address: #02-34A, Golden Landmark Shopping Complex, 390 Victoria Street

Find them on: Instagram

JOVIAL.CO

If you’re looking for journaling essentials, this cosy store in Bras Basah Complex is full of materials designed by local artists and creatives. From planners, to notebooks, to washi tape, to pen straps, organisational stickers, and more, it’s got plenty of adorable journaling and planner supplies.

Address: #02-91, Bras Basah Complex, 231 Bain Street

Find them on: Instagram

CASUAL POET LIBRARY

When it comes to starting a new habit, the hardest thing is probably starting. While Casual Poet Library is known for its collection of books, for the analog-era-entering Gen Z or Millennial, their activities are perfect for learning how to get started and getting the motivation to continue their journey. They host frequent in-person events: from writing circles, picnics where attendees meet up and paint, and book clubs. It’s perfect for those who need a small push to officially enter their analog era.

Address: #01-110, 123 Bukit Merah Lane

Find them on: Instagram

OPEN DOOR STORE

For the art and design obsessed, this store stocks an amazing curation of one-of-a-kind prints, stickers, zines and more. After all, part of going analog is engaging with physical media; flip through the zines, check out their curation of prints by local artists and creatives, check out their stickers and stationery, and celebrate (and shop) physical media and design.

Address: #01-16B, Kapo Factory Building, 80 Playfair Road

BASHEER GRAPHIC BOOKS

After stocking up on stationery, creative inspiration is what you need. If your immediate reaction is to open up Pinterest, remember: we’re here to rely less on technology. Enter: Basheer, the ultimate IFYYK for all books design and art-related. They’ve got a range of art and fashion magazines, art books, architecture and design non-fiction, philosophy books and more. his store has all the physical books you need to find some creative inspiration.

Address: #04-19, Bras Basah Complex, 231 Bain Street