Grandma Era: Why Staying In is the New Going Out

story by Grace Thompson

A Friday night consists of a lit vanilla candle, my phone on Do Not Disturb, and my new favorite hobby.  No, I didn’t suddenly turn 60, I just leaned into my ‘Grandma Era.’ 

If you’ve been scrolling your Tiktok For You Page lately, you’ve probably noticed it too. Influencers are romanticizing their wellness routines, glamorizing cozy nights in, and proudly showing off their so called ‘grandma hobbies.’ Candle-lit reading sessions. Face masks and journaling. Kitting, crocheting, embroidery, scrapbooking. Staying in is officially the new going out, and honestly, I’m here for it. 

The shift depends on what Gen Z now defines as “fun.” For years, college culture has centered around going out, loud music, and a lack of routine. Now introverts are taking a stand and expressing that you can go out and have fun but staying can also be fulfilling. This “grandma core" vibe isn’t really about acting old. It’s about protecting your peace. 

Gen Z is redefining what a fun Friday night looks like. After years of chaotic party culture, constant social plans, and post pandemic burnout, a lot of us are craving slower, softer evenings. Tiktok has amplified the aesthetic: warm lighting, some tea and a cozy robe. 

You’ve probably seen influencers romanticizing the idea of enjoying your own company and being creative. 

For many girls in their 20’s, staying in has become a form of therapy. Crafting and other hobbies have been about just something to do, but they’re grounding. They force you to slow down. You can’t rush a crochet pattern, you can't multitask as you thread a needle. In a world that demands productivity, this helps us slow down.

What makes this different from just being lazy is the intention behind it. It’s lighting a candle instead of using the overhead light. It’s taking your time with skincare instead of rushing through it. It’s putting your phone down and actually meaning it. It’s choosing to make your space feel soft and safe. 

“But isn’t it boring?” That’s the funny part. We’ve been conditioned to think that if you’re not out, you’re missing out, or you're boring. But a lot of party scenes aren't as glamorous as it looks on Instagram. It’s loud, expensive and exhausting.  Grandma- core isn’t about rejecting fun, it’s about redfinding it.