The resurgence of retro hobbies from the baby boomer era is more than just nostalgia; it’s a cultural phenomenon reshaping how younger generations engage with leisure activities.
Influenced by mental health awareness and digital fatigue, Gen Z is embracing traditional crafts and pastimes that foster connection and mindfulness. Join us as we explore eight of these hip hobbies making stylish comebacks and uncover the motivations behind this revival.
Vinyl Records—A Sonic Revival
Vinyl records are experiencing an extraordinary resurgence, with sales hitting 43.6 million units in 2024. This marks the third consecutive year vinyl outsold CDs, showcasing a clear preference for physical media among younger generations.
According to the RIAA, this phenomenon signifies that physical ownership has become a cultural symbol for sophistication, reflecting a commitment to artistry that streaming often lacks. Is this a genuine appreciation or merely a trend?
The Growth of Vinyl Manufacturing
The vinyl revival has significantly accelerated production, with manufacturing increasing by 50% through mid-2025. As consumption rises, so does demand for unique pressings and artwork, which in turn fuels Gen Z’s desire for an authentic experience.
However, this raises questions about sustainability, particularly since vinyl production involves the use of PVC and generates transportation emissions. Music industry observers suggest that for many, owning records is a social signal of refined taste rather than a true devotion to the medium.
The Knitting and Crochet Craze
Knitting and crochet are making a comeback in the cultural mainstream, particularly among Gen Z, with 73% of enthusiasts falling within the 18-34 age range. As mental health professionals advocate for the therapeutic benefits of these crafts, sales of yarn supplies have skyrocketed by 75% since 2020.
The rise of TikTok influencers and wellness communities has breathed new life into these hobbies, making them appealing escapes from fast-paced digital life.
Crafting as Therapy
The benefits of knitting and crochet extend beyond mere recreation; they serve as practical tools for anxiety relief. Research on knitting’s therapeutic effects suggests that repetitive hand motions may engage neural reward systems, contributing to anxiety relief.
As one participant said, “I find knitting not only helps me relax but also connects me with others. It’s a mindful craft in a chaotic world.” Such sentiments confirm that these hobbies are more than just activities; they’re therapeutic rebellions against a digitized existence.
The Rise of Grannycore
Grannycore is taking the fashion scene by storm, characterized by vintage aesthetics like pearl necklaces and cardigans, particularly popular among Gen Z. What once seemed outdated has transformed into an aspirational statement of style.
This shift represents a nostalgia-driven trend where appreciation for past eras collides with contemporary values, encouraging young people to redefine fashion norms while embracing sustainability.
Thrift Store Inflation
As Grannycore gains traction, authentic vintage pieces are becoming increasingly scarce and costly. Since vintage manufacturing has declined drastically from 95% in the 1960s to under 3% today (according to the American Apparel & Footwear Association), thrift shops are now experiencing annual price hikes of 15% on trendy items.
Retailers report significant demand as young shoppers compete for these once-affordable treasures. The resurgence of Grannycore illustrates a broader economy of thrift where style is often gated by affordability.
Redefining Leisure with Sunday Driving
In 2025, a staggering 83% of travelers opted for driving over flying, breathing new life into an old pastime initially dismissed as “aimless cruising.” Now, termed “micro-trips,” these leisurely drives resonate with Gen Z’s desire for screen-free experiences.
As one traveler noted, “I prefer the road, where I can enjoy nature, music, and freedom without distractions.” This practical approach to leisure emphasizes slow travel as a means to promote emotional and economic well-being.
Economical Adventures on the Road
With gas prices averaging $12.25 for a quarter tank, driving presents a cost-effective alternative to traditional entertainment expenses. Boomers may view this nostalgia through a different lens, but for Gen Z, these trips redefine value by merging economic wisdom with mindful exploration.
It’s an evolution of leisure, steering away from commercial distractions to savor experiences that foster social connections and adventure.
Ayahuasca Retreats—The Wellness Frontier
Ayahuasca retreats have gained popularity, with over 62,000 Americans choosing to journey to retreat centers by 2019. Marketed as consciousness-expanding experiences, these retreats highlight a complex intersection of wellness and risk.
As one participant stated, “I went searching for enlightenment, but I didn’t expect the intense challenges that came with it.” The rise of such experiences among Gen Z pushes the boundaries of exploration and safety in the health tourism sector.
The Dual Nature of Psychedelic Tourism
The wellness industry is rapidly embracing psychedelics, with the Global Wellness Institute praising their healing potential. Yet concerns about safety and regulatory inconsistencies abound.
According to industry experts, “While the allure of psychedelics is powerful, it’s crucial to navigate these spaces with care.” This sentiment reflects the dilemma facing many seekers: balancing curiosity with the need for safety and ethical consumption in the evolving landscape of wellness.
The Digital Burnout Factor
With research suggesting that Gen Z spends a significant amount of daily time on digital screens, mental fatigue has led many to seek analog reprieves. Retreats to hobbies like vinyl collecting, knitting, or leisurely drives serve as antidotes to algorithmic exhaustion.
Therapists are witnessing a growing need for tactile experiences that enable genuine engagement, saying, “Activities free from notifications and distractions offer a much-needed break for today’s youth.”
Vinyl Records—Cultural Signaling
The ownership of vinyl records has emerged as a form of cultural capital among younger audiences. Vinyl collections now serve not just as musical archives but as visual statements of sophistication and identity, often showcased in social media backdrops.
This attractive paradox raises the question: is the allure of vinyl driven by genuine passion or by the need to project a curated cultural profile?
The Sustainability Debate
The vinyl resurgence poses environmental challenges, as pressing records requires the use of PVC, presenting a contradiction between physical ownership and sustainability. Many vinyl enthusiasts purchase records primarily for display rather than play, raising questions about whether ownership reflects genuine appreciation or aesthetic preference.
Some diehards argue the ritual of record listening fosters deeper connections with artists, sparking debates on the authenticity of analog passions in the face of environmental concerns.
Knitting Circles—Community Revival
Local yarn shops are reporting an increase in youth engagement, as knitting circles have evolved into social hubs that rival cafés.
As one young knitter shared, “I didn’t just come to knit; I came for the camaraderie.” Creating a space for real-life interactions, these gatherings embody the essence of community, blending creativity with connection to enhance the hobby’s appeal significantly.
Is Thrifting a Luxury Now?
Thrift store inflation poses challenges for low-income shoppers, pushing vintage items further out of reach. The once thriving database of affordable secondhand fashion is now gatekept by an elite group willing to pay high prices for sought-after items.
This creates an ironic twist in Grannycore’s appeal—an aesthetic democratized by economics but limited by availability.
The Future of Retrofuturism
The rise of retro hobbies highlights a broader cultural shift in which Gen Z reclaims traditional pastimes for contemporary relevance. Generational influences are redefining leisure and self-expression, pairing vintage crafts with digital platforms to create a unique blend.
As these hobbies continue to thrive, the connections made through shared experiences will likely shape new cultural narratives around the relationship between the past and the present.
Intergenerational Connections
The resurgence of these retro hobbies has sparked new dialogues between generations, fostering intergenerational connections as younger individuals learn from their predecessors.
Shared experiences, such as knitting or vinyl collections, create opportunities for storytelling and mentorship. As expressed by a proud grandmother, “I love teaching my granddaughter to crochet; it’s a bridge between us, weaving old traditions into new memories.”
A Comeback Story
In examining these retro hobbies from the baby-boomer era, we find that their resurgence isn’t purely nostalgic; rather, it embodies a proactive response to modern dilemmas such as mental health and social connection.
As we continue to navigate a world shaped by rapid change, these vintage pursuits remind us of the timeless value of creativity, community, and authenticity, ensuring they remain stylish commodities for years to come.
Call to Action
As the retro hobby movement gains momentum, consider exploring these activities yourself. Whether it’s diving into the warmth of knitting, unearthing vinyl records, or hitting the open road, these pastimes not only rejuvenate your spirit but also connect you with a larger community.
Embrace the blend of history and modern expression today, challenging the digital grip through analog passion and creativity.
Sources
RIAA 2024 Year-End Revenue Report
Key Production Vinyl Manufacturing Report
Craft Yarn Council Research
Fashion Magazine Grannycore Analysis
Hotel Agio Weekend Getaway Statistics
Global Wellness Institute Psychedelics Report
ICEERS Ayahuasca Tourism Documentation
Boston.com Gen Z Granny Hobbies Feature