Millennials are known for embracing innovation and digital trends, but lately, many are looking backward for inspiration. Surprisingly, several habits once popular among Baby Boomers are regaining traction with younger generations. Nostalgia, sustainability, and the allure of simpler times are fueling this unexpected revival. From vintage fashion to DIY home skills, Millennials are discovering value in habits their grandparents practiced daily. Let’s explore seven trendy Boomer habits Millennials are bringing back into style.
1. Thrifting and Secondhand Shopping
Boomers were known for their thrifty shopping, frequently visiting secondhand stores to score bargains. Millennials are now embracing thrift culture with enthusiasm, partly to combat fast fashion and support sustainability. Apps like Depop and Poshmark have given thrifting a trendy digital upgrade, attracting young shoppers eager for unique, vintage finds. Millennials often proudly showcase their thrifted outfits on social media, making secondhand style both fashionable and environmentally friendly. Thrifting allows younger generations to save money while developing unique personal styles. The resurgence of thrifting is proof that responsible consumption can also be trendy.
2. Home Cooking and Meal Prep
Cooking meals at home used to be standard practice for Boomers, who rarely relied on takeout or convenience foods. Millennials, initially drawn to delivery apps, are rediscovering the joy of home-cooked meals and meal prepping. Popular platforms like TikTok are flooded with meal-prep recipes and kitchen hacks aimed at simplifying cooking. Millennials see home cooking as a healthier, more budget-friendly alternative to constant takeout. The rise of home cooking also aligns with the increased popularity of meal-kit subscription services. Embracing this habit has made Millennials more self-sufficient and confident in the kitchen, reviving Boomer-style culinary traditions.
3. Gardening and Growing Plants
Boomers frequently maintained gardens, growing vegetables, fruits, and flowers as a hobby and a source of fresh food. Millennials, especially those living in urban areas, have rekindled interest in gardening and plant care as forms of self-care and sustainability. Houseplants have become trendy home decor items, with millennials proudly sharing their thriving “plant babies” online. Gardening has also become a symbol of slowing down and appreciating simple pleasures amid fast-paced digital lives. Urban gardening trends, like balcony gardens or vertical gardens, are popular among younger city dwellers seeking tranquility. This habit not only provides mental health benefits but also reconnects Millennials with nature, echoing the practices of their grandparents.
4. Crafting and DIY Projects
Boomers were skilled at making, fixing, or repurposing household items rather than immediately purchasing new products. Millennials are increasingly adopting DIY and crafting as affordable and eco-friendly ways to personalize their homes. Pinterest and Instagram are hubs of inspiration, packed with tutorials for everything from furniture makeovers to handmade clothing. DIY projects are empowering Millennials to embrace creativity, resourcefulness, and financial independence. Crafting has also become a popular way to unwind and disconnect from digital distractions. This Boomer-inspired habit proves that old-school creativity never goes out of style.
5. Listening to Vinyl Records
Boomers cherished vinyl records, often gathering around a record player to listen to music. Millennials have revived vinyl, drawn to its warm sound quality and tangible experience of music ownership. Record stores and vinyl cafes are reappearing in trendy neighborhoods, becoming cultural hotspots for younger generations. Collecting records offers Millennials a deeper connection to their favorite artists compared to digital streaming. Social media posts featuring vinyl setups and record collections have made analog music trendy again. Vinyl’s resurgence highlights the Millennial appreciation for nostalgia and high-quality experiences.
6. Writing Letters and Journaling
Boomers communicated through handwritten letters and kept personal journals to document their lives. Millennials, accustomed to digital messaging, are rediscovering the emotional significance of physical letters and journaling. Bullet journaling, in particular, has exploded in popularity, combining organization and creativity in a tangible form. Letter-writing has become trendy, driven by the desire for meaningful connections amid superficial digital interactions. Etsy shops now offer beautifully designed stationery and journals tailored to Millennial aesthetics. This return to tangible writing helps Millennials reclaim deeper emotional connections and reflective practices reminiscent of Boomer habits.
7. Slow Travel and Road Trips
Boomers often favored leisurely travel experiences, including road trips and RV adventures across the country. Millennials, known for previously favoring fast-paced, Instagram-worthy trips, are shifting toward slow travel to fully immerse themselves in new places. Road trips have experienced a major comeback, offering Millennials flexibility, adventure, and authenticity. Van life and RV travel have become trendy lifestyles, highlighted on social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram. This shift represents a desire to unplug, explore offbeat locations, and create memorable experiences rather than rushing through crowded tourist spots. Millennials’ embrace of slower-paced journeys reflects their growing appreciation for Boomer-style travel adventures.
Why Millennials Are Embracing Boomer Habits
Millennials’ attraction to these seven Boomer habits underscores a desire for authenticity, sustainability, and connection in a hyper-digital world. These rediscovered traditions provide comfort, practicality, and nostalgia, appealing to younger generations looking for meaningful lifestyles. Whether it’s thrifting, gardening, crafting, or vinyl collecting, these habits blend timeless values with modern tastes. Millennials are demonstrating that some old-school practices are timelessly trendy, enriching their lives in unexpected and rewarding ways. As this revival continues, expect to see even more vintage habits making a comeback among younger generations seeking balance, creativity, and authenticity.
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Latrice is a dedicated professional with a rich background in social work, complemented by an Associate Degree in the field. Her journey has been uniquely shaped by the rewarding experience of being a stay-at-home mom to her two children, aged 13 and 5. This role has not only been a testament to her commitment to family but has also provided her with invaluable life lessons and insights.
As a mother, Latrice has embraced the opportunity to educate her children on essential life skills, with a special focus on financial literacy, the nuances of life, and the importance of inner peace.