Tech-Weary Consumers Spend Big on Screen-Free Activities
Consumers are increasingly moving offline and spending billions on real-life experiences and low-tech products.
Honest Art, a creative business founded in 2021, has experienced significant growth and sold six franchises within five years, according to chief executive Gabriel Cruz. The rapid expansion has been attributed to a broader trend of parents and consumers turning to screen-free activities and products, possibly due to concerns over social media and the impact of screen time on childhood development.
In 2025, screen-free activities for children were valued at $35.40 billion and are projected to reach $61.41 billion by 2034. Cruz's unique business model, which hires trained artists as teachers and offers flexible payment plans, has been a key factor in this growth. The company has seen a 50 percent increase in the past year, compared to the average 25 percent growth in previous years.
This surge in screen-free activities is also attracting adults, with U.S. landlords leasing more commercial space to service-oriented tenants, including experiential, wellness, and fitness businesses. Furthermore, toy sales have risen 17 percent in the first half of 2026, driven by products appealing to teenagers and adults. This trend, dubbed the "cozy culture," emphasizes low-tech and no-tech play, reflecting the demand for screen-free spaces for emotional regulation, creativity, and connection.
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