7 old-school hobbies boomers grew up with that Gen Z is now obsessed with – VegOut

Trends have a funny way of circling back.

What your grandparents once did to pass the time is suddenly all over TikTok and Instagram. Some of these hobbies were seen as outdated, maybe even uncool for a while—but now they’re back in the spotlight, rebranded and thriving with a new generation.

Let’s dive into seven of the most surprising ones.

1. Vinyl collecting

There was a time when vinyl was considered dead. CDs were the future, then MP3s, then streaming. But here we are again, flipping through records at local shops or digging through crates at flea markets.

For boomers, records were everyday items—just how you listened to music. For Gen Z, it’s about slowing down, owning something tangible, and celebrating music in a way that feels intentional.

As Jack White once said, “Vinyl is the purest form of music you can get.” It’s less about convenience and more about ritual: sliding the record out, placing it on the turntable, and letting the needle drop. That kind of physical connection with music is something streaming just can’t replicate.

There’s also the social side. Record fairs and independent stores have become gathering places again, not unlike the way boomers once swapped LPs with friends. I’ve been to shows where the merch table includes limited-run vinyl pressings, and it’s clear the appeal isn’t nostalgia—it’s experience.

It’s more than nostalgia, too. Neuroscience shows that music strongly engages the amygdala and hippocampus—areas essential to emotional memory. That helps explain why a scratched Fleetwood Mac LP your parents played still hits differently than the same track streamed.

2. Film photography

I still remember the first time I developed photos in a darkroom back in high school. It felt like magic watching the image slowly appear on paper.

For a long time, digital cameras and then smartphones made film feel unnecessary. But Gen Z is bringing it back with gusto. They’re buying vintage cameras, experimenting with expired rolls of film, and posting grainy snapshots that feel more authentic than polished iPhone pics.

It’s not about getting the “perfect” shot—it’s about embracing imperfection, waiting to see the results, and valuing the surprise. There’s something deeply human about not being able to delete a bad photo right away.

As Susan Sontag once wrote, “All photographs are memento mori.” Gen Z seems to understand that intuitively. A film photo isn’t just an image; it’s proof of a moment, locked into physical form.

The patience involved matters too. In a world of instant gratification, waiting for film to develop introduces anticipation—something psychologists link to higher dopamine release when the final result finally arrives.

3. Thrifting and upcycling

Thrift stores used to be where boomers went out of necessity. Now they’re treasure hunts for Gen Z.

This generation has made secondhand cool again—not just for affordability but also for sustainability. They’re not just shopping thrift; they’re flipping clothes, repurposing furniture, and upcycling in ways that would make a 1970s DIY enthusiast proud.

I’ve mentioned this before, but the psychology of ownership changes when you’ve invested time in transforming something. That jacket you re-dyed or that chair you refinished? It’s not just yours—it’s part of your story.

Economists call this the “IKEA effect”—the tendency for people to overvalue things they’ve put effort into creating. Gen Z is applying that principle at scale, mixing fashion with identity and creativity with eco-consciousness.

And unlike boomers, they’re sharing the process online. TikToks of thrift flips regularly get millions of views, proving that the creativity is just as important as the finished product.

4. Gardening

Boomers grew up with backyard gardens partly out of practicality. Food prices were lower when you grew it yourself, and homegrown tomatoes always tasted better anyway.

Gen Z is rediscovering gardening too—but often for entirely different reasons. Beyond food, it’s become a mental-health ritual.

Experimental research in the Journal of Health Psychology found that just 30 minutes of gardening led to significantly stronger reductions in cortisol (the stress hormone) and a full restoration of positive mood compared to indoor reading.

Balcony gardens, indoor herb pots, even TikToks of “cottagecore” aesthetics—all point back to something boomers did without giving it much thought: connecting to the earth and growing your own food.

When I was traveling through Japan a few years ago, I noticed how many people maintained tiny balcony gardens in dense cities. That image stuck with me, and it’s the same trend I now see online: Gen Z carving out little sanctuaries of green in urban apartments.

The beauty of this trend is that it’s not only grounding (literally), but it also taps into a sense of self-sufficiency that’s psychologically reassuring in uncertain times.

5. Knitting and crocheting

Once dismissed as something only grandmothers did, knitting and crocheting are back with a vengeance.

Scroll through Etsy or Instagram and you’ll see handmade sweaters, funky hats, and creative designs that look nothing like the beige scarves of the past. Gen Z isn’t just following patterns—they’re reinventing them.

I picked up knitting while traveling through Iceland years ago, and there’s a kind of meditative flow to it. Loop by loop, row by row, you’re literally creating something from nothing. For a generation bombarded by screens, that slowness is a form of rebellion.

Clinical psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who coined the concept of “flow,” once noted that people feel happiest when fully absorbed in an activity that challenges them just enough. Knitting is a perfect example—it’s simple but demands focus, and the payoff is tangible.

Even better, the community aspect is alive again. Online forums, TikTok “stitch clubs,” and in-person meetups have turned what was once a solitary activity into a vibrant social movement.

6. Bowling

Bowling alleys used to be the quintessential Friday night outing for boomers. Then they went through a bit of a decline—replaced by multiplexes, malls, and later video games.

But now? Bowling is making a comeback. Retro aesthetics, neon-lit alleys, and even boutique “luxury” bowling venues have captured Gen Z’s attention. It’s social, it’s silly, and it’s refreshingly analog.

Psychologists note that group activities grounded in shared goals—like trying to knock down pins together—forge powerful bonds. Participating in light‑hearted, collective challenges like bowling encourages emotional cohesion and connection, especially in a generation that prioritizes experience over perfection.

I was reminded of this on a trip to Portland, where a friend dragged me to a vintage-style bowling alley complete with old-school scoring sheets and craft beer. The vibe wasn’t competitive—it was collaborative, goofy, and strangely wholesome. Exactly the sort of night Gen Z is hungry for.

7. Book clubs

Boomers joined book clubs to socialize, exchange ideas, and maybe drink a little wine. Gen Z is picking up that same tradition, only now it’s mixed with online communities, Discord servers, and TikTok’s famous “BookTok” trend.

I’ve seen twenty-somethings organize meetups around classics like Pride and Prejudice and contemporary works like Colleen Hoover novels. It’s less about academic analysis and more about connection—sharing emotional takeaways, swapping recommendations, and using books as a bridge to real conversation.

As noted by author Zadie Smith, “The very reason I read is so I can live more than one life in more than one place.” Gen Z has tapped into that sentiment in a big way, turning reading into both a personal and social ritual.

It’s also a reaction to digital fatigue. Reading, by its nature, forces you to focus on one narrative. When paired with a club or discussion, it satisfies two cravings at once: solitude and community.

The bottom line

What’s old is new again.

Gen Z isn’t simply copying boomer hobbies; they’re reimagining them through their own lens—sustainability, mindfulness, creativity, and connection.

It’s a reminder that trends don’t really disappear. They just wait for the right moment to be rediscovered.

So maybe the next time you’re tempted to dismiss something as “outdated,” ask yourself: is it actually timeless?