A growing number of adults are rediscovering their love for Lego, driving a sales surge that has boosted the Danish toymaker’s revenue by 21%. But Lego isn’t the only childhood pastime people are returning to. We spoke with people who have rediscovered old hobbies about what brought them back. For some, revisiting an old pastime offers an escape from the pressures of adult life, while for others it’s a chance to reconnect with a younger version of themselves.
‘I love the connection to nature and the disconnection from adulting’
“As a child, I spent more time outside climbing trees than watching TV. I was fairly wild as a kid; my parents never knew where I was, only that I was somewhere in the woods and most likely up a tree. I never really stopped, but life got busy and adult responsibilities took over for a long time. Then I had my daughter and realized I could get back into it through her. The rest, as they say, is history.
“I love the connection to nature and the disconnection from adult responsibilities. I love scaring myself and pushing myself out of my comfort zone. I’ve seen others returning to tree climbing over the past few years. People want a break from technology, to get back to nature, and to be present in an activity with their kids. I also love reconnecting with my childhood love of tree climbing.” — Jimmy Young, business director, Hampshire, UK
‘I was obsessed with miniature embroidery’
“My aunt taught me embroidery as a child and gave me all her silks. I was obsessed with hand-sewn miniatures, and my parents’ friends would buy them from me. At far too young an age — probably under 18 and speaking no French — I took myself by train from London to see the Bayeux Tapestry in Normandy. I really was obsessed.
“When my auntie died, I inherited her collection of African fabrics. My daughter-in-law and I learned how to quilt, and we made a dozen memory cushions embroidered with messages and political quotes. Every female member of the family and close friends of my aunt received one. Now I happily embroider anything on anything.” — Rachel Richman, community artist, Newcastle upon Tyne
‘It feels as if I’ve slotted in a puzzle piece into my identity that was missing for a long time’
“After being very strong in art in secondary school and trying to pursue various creative careers — and encountering many setbacks — I set art aside. I’m now rediscovering fine art as a hobby with no expectations, and it feels as if I’ve slotted in a puzzle piece into my identity that was missing for a long time. I still struggle with perfectionism and finding time in my busy adult life, but I’m determined to keep this going as much as I can.
“The constant bad news on social media can easily bring you down. I think adults, especially young adults and teens, are desperate for a comforting escape.” — Sarah, video game tester, Tokyo
‘Riding is a great way to relieve stress for me as I navigate academia’
“I rode horses as a kid but stopped after a big fall. I always meant to start riding again, but growing up in New Jersey, it was particularly expensive. When my now-husband and I moved to central New York during Covid, I realized I could try riding again. I took my first lesson and was hooked. Within a month I was leasing a horse, six weeks later I owned my own horse, and I even started going to shows and placing — something I always wanted to do as a kid.” — Sydney BauerPhotograph: Sydney Bauer
“We’ve since moved for my PhD, but my horse came with us. Riding is a great way for me to relieve stress while navigating academia. I think we’re all getting overstimulated by our screens. At this point, we’re almost too connected to everyone and everything online. We’re flooded with information and mostly negative news all the time. It’s natural to want to return to hobbies or activities that remind us of when we felt safer.”
Sydney Bauer, PhD candidate in art history, Apex, North Carolina
‘I was never going to be a real racing driver – this is a cute way to live out that fantasy’
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Pete Harper’s radio-controlled car. Photograph: Pete Harper
Harper, right, playing with a remote-controlled car when he was a teenager. Photograph: Pete Harper
“In my teens in the late 90s, I took up radio-controlled car racing with my dad. I’ve always loved motorsport. We raced at a purpose-built track in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire. I enjoyed the racing, and it was good getting out with my dad. We gave it up after he started working overseas again and sold all the gear. Twenty-five years later, still a motorsports fan, a post randomly appeared on my timeline about a new club opening on the other side of Edinburgh. I went along to a couple of meetings and used the spare club car for a few races. Turns out I never lost the knack for driving, so I bought my own car.
“Work and family life can be hectic, so it’s really great to have your own little thing on the side. I was never going to be a real racing driver, so this is a cute and low-cost way to live out that fantasy while also connecting with real people. You can play racing games online, but they can be quite toxic. There’s nothing better than real human connection and encouraging others when they do well.”
Pete Harper, small business owner, East Lothian, Scotland
‘It’s just fun for fun’s sake and that’s all I want in a hobby these days’
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For Bec, Lego feels like a detox. Photograph: Bec
“I’m one of the many adults who have rediscovered Lego. As a child, I always loved Lego. I rediscovered it slowly, first learning about adult enthusiasts through the TV show Lego Masters, then I had a child and suddenly had access and an excuse to play again. It didn’t take me long to realise I could also spend my adult money on Lego just for me. I didn’t have any active hobbies at the time due to the time commitment of work and parenthood – Lego fit comfortably into that.
“I wouldn’t say I’m particularly talented at it, but it’s just fun for fun’s sake, and that’s all I want in a hobby these days. It might just be a social media thing, but I can’t help but feel like the fun has been sucked out of everything I used to like because I’m not talented enough and/or I can’t monetise it. Lego has replaced scrolling, and building feels like a kind of detox. It’s a bit of a way to get back to me – the me before socials, I guess.”
Bec, teacher, Gold Coast, Australia
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs Adults Swapping Scrolling for Lego RC Cars Sewing
Getting Started
Whats this adults swapping scrolling for toys trend all about
Its a growing movement of adults replacing mindless phone scrolling with handson hobbies like Lego remote control cars and sewing Instead of doomscrolling at night people build race or stitch and many say they feel calmer and more accomplished
Why are grownups suddenly buying Lego
Because its relaxing creative and gives you a finished thing to show for your time The adult fans of Lego community is huge and sets are now designed specifically for grownups from flowers to architecture to Star Wars
Ive never sewn a button Can I still start
Absolutely Most beginners start with simple projects like tote bags pillowcases or hemming pants You only need a basic machine or a needle and thread to begin
Do I need an expensive RC car to join in
No Hobbygrade cars range from budgetfriendly to premium A 50100 starter car is plenty to learn the basics before upgrading
Whats the easiest hobby to start with zero experience
Lego Theres no skill barrier you just follow the instructions Sewing and RC cars have a slightly steeper learning curve but are still beginnerfriendly
Benefits
How does this actually help with phone addiction
These hobbies keep your hands and eyes busy so you cant scroll at the same time Many people also find the focus required puts them in a flow state similar to meditation
Is Lego really relaxing for adults
Yes The repetitive structured building process calms the mind and finishing a set gives a real sense of accomplishment Many adults use it to unwind after work
What are the mental health benefits of sewing
Sewing is meditative boosts focus and builds confidence as you create useful items Its also been linked to reduced stress and improved mood
Why do people say RC cars are good for stress relief
Driving something fast and physical gets you outside engaged and away from screens Its play and adults rarely give themselves permission to play
Can these hobbies improve my focus
Yes All three demand attention to detail which strengthens concentration over time the opposite
