Lately, I’ve been amused by how some generations are bringing back activities that were once used by “Boomers.” (Because anything “Boomer is bad, right? ((Insert eyeroll)) But honestly, I don’t think that’s a bad thing at all. There’s something really great about keeping those old-school habits alive before they disappear completely. What’s funny, is how influencers are soaking up all the praise for things that used to just be everyday life for our parents/grandparents. It’s not a trend—it’s more like a vintage revival. Let’s take a look at a few examples that fit this vibe.

Baking bread used to be a regular part of life, especially in small towns and rural communities. Before store-bought bread was the norm, making it at home wasn’t just something people did for fun—it was essential. My mother-in-law baked her own bread up until my husband was in high school. He hadn’t had commercially made bread until he was a teenager! I also clearly remember getting Amish Friendship Bread starter at school more times than I can count. It felt like that stuff never stopped making the rounds…

During the early days of COVID, sourdough starters were all over Instagram and TikTok. Now they’re making a comeback—and not just a small one. Google search trends show that interest in sourdough tripled in 2024, and King Arthur Baking Company has seen a noticeable spike in bread flour sales. Gen Z seems especially into it. Making bread—especially sourdough—has turned into a favorite hobby, with TikTok full of people showing off their bubbly starters with names like Yeasty Boys and Clint Yeastwood.

Besides being a fun, hands-on activity, baking your own bread comes with some solid benefits. You know exactly what’s going into it, which means fewer additives and a healthier option overall. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and usually tastes way better than store-bought. I’m totally here for this trend—it’s sparked some amazing flavors and seriously artistic loaves that are as impressive as they are delicious.

Homesteading wasn’t always a trendy lifestyle—it used to just be the norm. Back in the day, especially after the Homestead Act of 1862, people were given 160 acres of land to farm, and that’s just how life worked in less populated areas. It was all about living off the land and making do with what you had. That way of life stuck around until the Dust Bowl and Great Depression hit, which made things a lot tougher. Then in the ’60s and ’70s, the counterculture movement brought homesteading back into focus, with people turning to simpler, more self-sufficient living as a way to push back against consumerism.

These days, more and more folks are getting back to that lifestyle, aiming to be more self-sufficient and less reliant on outside systems. They’re reconnecting with the land and finding new ways to grow their own food and live more intentionally. According to a survey by Homesteaders of America, nearly 4,000 people identified as homesteaders, and almost half of them were Gen Z or millennials. So it’s definitely not just a throwback—it’s a growing movement among younger generations.

During World War I and II, crochet was part of the war effort, with women making “comforts” for soldiers. Fast forward to the 1960s and ’70s, crochet saw a major boom—clothing like dresses, vests, and even pants were everywhere, along with home décor. It even made its way into pop culture, with crochet pieces showing up in films, TV, and celebrity fashion.

Admist the pandemic, a lot of young people turned to crochet as a way to relax and cope with the stress of being stuck at home. The repetitive motion is super soothing and great for mindfulness, which made it the perfect hobby for those long, quiet days. The best part? Crochet is really easy to get into—all you need is some yarn, a hook, and a pair of scissors.

According to craftyarncouncil.com, about 15% of people aged 18 to 34 have picked it up, which is pretty cool for a craft that’s been around forever. There’s so much room to get creative too, whether you’re working on a temperature blanket, making book-inspired squares, or stitching up cute little stuffed animals.

Between the late 1940s and late ’80s, LP records really took the spotlight, especially during the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s. Before vinyl took over, 78 rpm records were the standard. By the ’60s, vinyl wasn’t just about the music—it became a whole experience. Artists started using album covers and packaging to express themselves creatively. The ’70s and ’80s are often seen as vinyl’s golden age, solidifying its place as the go-to format for music lovers.

Since 2016, sales have jumped from 13.1 million to 49.6 million in 2023—that’s almost a 300% increase. Altogether, over 224 million vinyl albums have been sold since then, which is pretty wild. A study from Vinyl Alliance found that 76% of young adults pick up a new vinyl at least once a month. Whether it’s tracking down a limited edition release or digging through bins at a local shop for hidden gems, vinyl collecting has definitely become a favorite pastime among younger music fans.

There was a time when sewing wasn’t a hobby—it was just something people did. Need new clothes? You made them. Got a rip or tear? You fixed it yourself. Everyone either knew how to sew or had someone close who did. Before fast fashion and cheap, ready-made clothing took over, sewing was just a regular part of life, not some special skill—just the way things were done.

Even before the pandemic, more and more young people were getting into sewing again. For a lot of Millennials and Gen Z, sewing isn’t just a fun hobby—it’s a way to push back against fast fashion and do something good for the planet. They’re becoming more aware of the downsides of mass-produced clothing and are choosing eco-friendly materials instead. Plus, sewing offers a creative outlet that fits into a more balanced lifestyle, where it’s not all about the grind.

It’s interesting to see how so many of today’s trends are really just old-school habits making a comeback. Whether it’s for the sake of sustainability, creativity, or just slowing down a bit, younger generations are putting a fresh spin on things that used to be everyday life. It goes to show that what’s “vintage” isn’t outdated—it’s timeless. And honestly, there’s something pretty cool about blending the past with the present in ways that feel both nostalgic and new.