The “Dopamine Menu” & The Art of Slowing Down: Crafting Trends for 2025

Hello, friends!

I want to explore crafting trends for 2025.

It feels like an age since I last sat down to write to you all. If you’ve been following us, you might have noticed the radio silence since August. To be honest, we’ve been navigating a bit of a staff shortage here at Moshi Moshi HQ. It’s been all hands on deck just keeping the orders flowing, so the blog had to take a little nap. But we are back, refreshed, and ready to dive into all things stationery!

While I’ve been away from the keyboard, I’ve been observing some fascinating shifts in our world—specifically how we shop, live, and relax. You know I love exploring the curious side of life (remember that post about Dr. Masaru Emoto and whether water has consciousness?), so naturally, I’ve been digging into how our collective "vibe" is changing in response to the cost of living.

The "Underconsumption Core" Era

If there is one buzzword defining the mood of the 25–35 demographic right now, it’s Underconsumption Core.

Let's face it: the cost of living crisis has been tough, and it’s almost global in scope. But what’s inspiring is how young people are adapting. Gone are the days of massive "hauls" and excessive spending. Instead, we are seeing a move toward "Loud Budgeting"—where saving money isn't something to be ashamed of, but something to be vocal and proud about.

For us junk journalers and planners, this is actually good news. It marks a return to the roots of our hobby: using what we have. It’s about finding beauty in the "junk"—old tickets, packaging, and scraps—rather than constantly buying new supplies. It’s sustainable, creative, and incredibly wallet-friendly.

Hobbies as "Emotional Support"

In this rapidly changing environment, how are we coping? What are the crafting trends for 2025? We are seeing a massive rise in analog hobbies as a form of rebellion against digital burnout.

Young people are trading expensive nights out for "craft clubs" and cozy nights in. Crafting isn't just a hobby anymore; it's a holistic approach to mental health. We are seeing the rise of the "Dopamine Menu" trend. This involves creating a curated list (often beautifully illustrated in a journal) of activities that bring you joy—like "drinking a good coffee," "doing 10 minutes of collage," or "walking the dog." It’s a tool to fight the urge to doom-scroll, turning your planner into a genuine wellness companion.

What’s Looking Good in 2025?

So, what does this mean for our aesthetic?

• Coquette & Dark Academia: These styles are still going strong, offering a nostalgic, comforting escape.

• Sustainable & "Scrappy": The "perfect" aesthetic is out; the "lived-in," messy, and authentic look is in.

• Bold Retro: We are seeing a shift away from sad beige towards bold, 70s-inspired retro colours—optimism in colour form!

If you’re feeling the weight of the world a bit, I highly recommend starting a "Dopamine Menu" page in your journal this weekend. It’s a small, conscious step toward slower living.

Welcome back to the community, and happy crafting!