There’s a fascinating shift happening right now.
Gen-Z, the digital natives, are suddenly smitten with hobbies that were once the exclusive domain of Boomers.
It’s an unexpected discovery, these young tech-savvy individuals are gravitating towards pastimes that hark back to simpler times—and loving it.
But why? What’s drawing this generation back to Boomer hobbies? And which ones are they adopting with such gusto?
Let’s dive into the intriguing world of the seven surprising Boomer hobbies Gen-Z just can’t get enough of; they might just inspire you to put down your smartphone and try something unexpectedly old-school!
1) Vinyl records
Sure, Gen-Z could be streaming music on various platforms, but there’s something about vinyl records that’s capturing their interest.
Perhaps it’s the tangibility of holding a record, the vintage aesthetic, or the rich sound quality—vinyl seems to be making a comeback.
Interestingly, this return to physical music isn’t just about nostalgia.
It’s also a way for Gen-Z to disconnect from the digital world and enjoy a slower pace of life.
Sales numbers are backing up this trend as vinyl record sales have outpaced CD sales for the first time since the 1980s.
If you’ve still got your collection of classic records gathering dust in the attic, it might be time to dust them off.
They could be your ticket to connecting with younger generations in a surprising and meaningful way.
2) Gardening
I’ve got to admit, I was taken aback when my 19-year-old niece said she wanted a gardening kit for her birthday.
I was expecting her to ask for the latest tech gadget, but here she was, excited about growing her own vegetables.
She explained how she and her friends were getting into gardening, swapping tips on how to nurture seedlings and sharing the joy of their first harvest—she’s not alone in this newfound green-thumbed enthusiasm.
Gardening, a hobby that many associate with the Boomer generation, is experiencing a resurgence among Gen-Z.
It’s an opportunity to disconnect from digital screens, get physical, and engage with nature—not to mention the satisfaction of eating something you’ve grown yourself.
As an entrepreneur, this makes me think about how we can encourage employee wellness by perhaps introducing office gardens or plant swaps.
After all, a healthy employee is a productive one—it’s an old-school pastime that’s sprouting fresh roots in the digital age.
3) Board games
Gen-Z are trading in their virtual gaming experiences for real-life board games.
Despite the rise of gaming apps and consoles, board games are seeing a revival among the younger generation.
Board games offer a tactile and social experience that digital games can’t replicate.
They require face-to-face interaction, cooperation, competition, and often a good deal of laughter.
This trend is reflected in the booming board game industry.
The global board games market is expected to reach values of over $12 billion by 2023, growing at a CAGR of around 9% during 2017-2023.
Clearly, the appeal of sitting around a table with friends or family, strategizing and competing in a game of Catan or Codenames, is proving to be timelessly appealing, bridging generational gaps.
4) Knitting
It’s not just your grandma’s pastime anymore—knitting is seeing a resurgence among Gen-Z.
This classic hobby, once the domain of Boomers, is now being embraced by young people looking for a creative and calming activity.
Knitting provides a way to disconnect from digital distractions and offers a tangible end product that can be worn or given as a gift.
It’s also a hobby that’s portable and can be done anywhere, from coffee shops to parks.
Even more interestingly, knitting is becoming a form of social activism for some young people.
They’re knitting hats for the homeless or baby blankets for hospitals, using their hobby to make a difference in their communities.
Knitting—it’s trendy, it’s therapeutic, it’s socially conscious.
Who would have thought?
5) Cooking from scratch
I remember the first time I tried making pasta from scratch—it was a disaster!
Flour everywhere, dough too sticky, and the end result was far from the perfect al dente I hoped for.
But it sparked something in me—a passion for creating meals from scratch instead of just heating up a frozen pizza.
It seems Gen-Z are also being drawn to the kitchen, choosing to cook meals from scratch rather than opting for processed foods or takeaways.
There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from kneading your own dough or simmering a sauce all day.
Cooking from scratch is about more than just food as it’s also about learning patience, creativity, and an appreciation for quality ingredients.
It’s a life skill that’s making a comeback, and it’s heartening to see this younger generation embrace it with such enthusiasm.
6) Thrifting
Considered a Boomer’s way to save money, thrifting has become a trendy pastime for Gen-Z.
They’re bypassing fast fashion in favor of second-hand clothes, vintage accessories, and unique home decor.
Thrifting is more than just a way to find affordable items because it’s also a means of expressing individuality and reducing the environmental impact of fast fashion.
In fact, the second-hand clothes market is predicted to double in the next 5 years, reaching $64 billion.
Gen-Z is leading this change, with 40% of them buying used clothing last year.
The thrift store—it’s not just a place to find a bargain, but a treasure trove for those looking for unique pieces and sustainable shopping options.
7) Letter writing
Yes, you read that right!
In a world of instant messaging and emails, Gen-Z is rediscovering the art of letter writing.
There’s something about receiving a handwritten letter in the mail that can’t be replicated by a digital message.
It’s personal, thoughtful, and has a tangible quality that digital communication lacks.
Moreover, it’s a hobby that encourages patience and mindfulness, two traits that are often lost in our fast-paced digital world.
Don’t be surprised if you see a Gen-Zer picking out stationery or practicing their penmanship.
The art of letter writing is making a surprising comeback, and it’s a trend that adds a touch of charm to our modern world.
Connecting the generational dots
It’s fascinating to witness this generational fusion, with Gen-Z adopting hobbies once associated with Boomers.
But perhaps it’s not as surprising as it seems.
In an era of constant digital connectivity, these analog hobbies provide a sense of grounding and authenticity that can be hard to find in the virtual world.
They offer an escape, a chance to slow down, reconnect with our roots and our senses.
In doing so, they’re bridging generational gaps, fostering connections and understanding that transcends age groups.
The next time you see a Gen-Zer spinning a vinyl record or knitting a scarf, remember—it’s about finding balance in a fast-paced world and rediscovering the joy of simple pleasures.
It’s a testament to how the old can infuse life into the new, creating a blend that’s unique, engaging, and full of unexpected surprises.
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