"No matter how long it’s been trending, I’ll always have a soft spot for the coastal grandma aesthetic. For the past few summers, I’ve been aiming to match those elegant, cozy vibes by working on a timeless coastal grandma wardrobe and the restful mindset to match. But my next course of action is to pick up some hobbies that will keep me locked into that breezy, laid-back feeling of a Nancy Meyers movie. To really embrace the coastal grandma lifestyle, I’m trying out hobbies (both alone and with friends) that’ll keep me creative and connected.
these Mother’s Day gifts blow a basic bouquet out of the water
So, whether you actually live near the coast or not, here are some hobbies to pick up that will help you live in the moment and enjoy each day as it comes, coastal grandma style.
1. Gardening
Gardening is a classic coastal grandma hobby that’ll help you get closer to nature. It can also be super rewarding, whether you choose to grow some herbs, flowers, or a whole vegetable garden. Not only do you get to watch something grow before your eyes, but you might also learn some life lessons about consistency in care (RIP my houseplants, but I’m working on it). Plant some colorful flowers like hydrangeas for the classic coastal grandma-inspired bloom, or work on growing some herbs that you can use to take your cooking to the next level.
2. Thrifting
Thrifting is a great way to start building a collection of high-quality, timeless pieces without spending a fortune. Peruse your local thrift stores in search of classic tops, cozy sweaters, or vintage home decor. You can often find items that are one-of-a-kind and uniquely yours, which is perfect if you’re tired of trying to keep up with trends. It’s exciting and always a little bit different since you never know what you’ll find. Plus, it’s a hobby you can enjoy any time of the year, with a cute fit on and a coffee in hand.
3. Flower Arranging
I’ll admit that I’m a sucker for Trader Joe’s flowers. The next time you add a couple of bunches to your cart, try your hand at flower arranging instead of just plunking them in a vase when you get home. All you need is a few supplies: namely, a sharp pair of floral shears and maybe some wire netting or floral tape to help hold your blooms in place. Watch an online tutorial for tips on prepping the flowers and building an arrangement. Once you’ve got the basics down, play around with different flower combos and types of vessels to your heart’s content.
4. Watercolor Painting
Watercolor painting can be super meditative and is a fantastic way to tap into your coastal grandma side. It’s less messy than other art forms (like acrylic painting or pottery), so it’s a great hobby to take outside when the weather is nice. If you’re a beginner, start with an online tutorial or follow along with a workbook to learn the essential techniques. With a little practice, you’ll be creating beautiful watercolor paintings you can frame as art.
5. Interior Decorating
Curating the perfect home might seem like a never-ending project, so why not enjoy it as a hobby? Search your Pinterest boards for inspo and find the key elements you want your home to encompass. Start with small updates throughout each space, whether that means painting the walls, hanging artwork, or trying out a DIY project. Then watch as your home slowly becomes a space you feel proud of. For extra coastal grandma points, go for soft lighting, natural textures, and a mix of vintage and modern touches.
6. Baking
Now, when I say baking, I don’t mean those break-and-bake cookies from the grocery store. I’m talking flour, eggs, sugar—making the whole thing from scratch. There are endless options to choose from, whether you prefer bread, cakes, pies, or treats like cookies and bars. Start with some easy recipes to help hone your skills and build up your repertoire recipe by recipe. The best part about baking is that you likely have most, if not all, the ingredients already in your cupboards. Plus, everything tastes better when you’ve made it yourself.
7. Shell Collecting
If you actually live on the coast, first of all, I’m jealous. Secondly, you have the special opportunity of making shell collecting your new hobby. Head to the beach—preferably in the early morning or late evening, when the area is likely to be less busy—and keep your eyes peeled as you walk along the shore. The key to shell collecting is to look along the high tide line—this is where a lot of the best finds wash up! Don’t be afraid to get a little sandy because some of the best pieces might be buried. I store my favorite shell finds in clear jars at home, but you can also display them in bowls or even frame them in shadow boxes.
8. Soap-Making
I think we all know how amazing it feels to find products you truly love. But what if you made them yourself, from scratch? Try your hand at soap-making, and nail down the fresh, fruity, or floral scents you’re drawn to. Find a kit with your preferred soap base and get creative with swirled designs, color combinations, and decorations like dried flowers on top. Your friends and family will love receiving handmade soaps as gifts, or you could even try selling your soaps at a local market once you master your technique.
9. Scrapbooking
Scrolling through the photos app on your phone isn’t nearly as special as flipping through a physical book full of your favorite memories. Scrapbooking is both a fun hobby and a beautiful way to commemorate vacations, special events, or just good times with the people you love. To get started, print out some photos and gather supplies like stickers, patterned cardstock paper, washi tape, and fabric swatches. Then get creative designing pages dedicated to your favorite moments.
10. Frequenting the Farmers Market
There’s nothing quite like spending a slow morning at a local farmers market. Put on your favorite coastal grandma-inspired fit, grab a basket or tote bag, and peruse the booths full of fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts. Find a booth to buy weekly bread from, or challenge yourself to pick up everything you need for dinner that night. You can support your community while also picking out some delicious goodies and forging new connections.
11. Canning
Whether you’ve got a bounty of fresh produce from the farmers market or you’ve been growing your own, canning is a great way to preserve some of it for later. As far as hobbies go, it’s a fantastic, old-soul activity with even sweeter rewards (I’m dreaming of homemade strawberry jam). Enjoy the relaxing process of whipping up sauces, jams, or pickled veggies and labeling your jars accordingly.
12. Calligraphy
While some of us are blessed with good handwriting, others (myself included) have not been so fortunate. Luckily, it’s totally a skill you can learn. Pick up calligraphy as a hobby to make everything you write—from cards and letters to journal entries and to-do lists—look like a work of art. It’s meditative, surprisingly easy to start, and artistic without the need to be super crafty. Grab a calligraphy workbook to follow along with, or find a tutorial online and practice on your own.
Jenna Piotrowicz, Editorial Assistant
Jenna began working as an Editorial Assistant for The Everygirl in 2024. With her eye for detail, she assists the team with content creation, sourcing products and images, and works behind the scenes to support The Everygirl in uploading and updating content.