For all the talk about how different boomers and Gen Z are, something funny is happening: Gen Z is actually bringing back a lot of old-school habits.
Granted, young people are putting their own twist to things, but it still counts. Whether it’s about saving money, slowing down, or valuing quality over trends, Gen Z is picking up on things their grandparents swore by. They’ve realised how much easier and more rewarding they make life, which is why they’re happily reviving these boomer habits. Who could blame them?
1. Thrift shopping like it’s a sport
Boomers used to hunt for bargains at secondhand shops out of necessity, but for Gen Z, it’s become a full-on lifestyle. Thrifting isn’t just about saving money; it’s about finding unique pieces and pushing back against fast fashion culture. Walking out with a one-of-a-kind jacket or vintage bag feels like a victory now, and Gen Z is proud to say they found it secondhand rather than bragging about expensive labels.
2. Cooking at home instead of eating out constantly
Home-cooked meals were a daily norm for boomers growing up. And while eating out exploded in popularity over the decades, Gen Z is swinging back to basics by learning to cook their own meals, even on a tight budget. Social media is packed with videos showing simple recipes, meal prepping, and budget cooking tips, proving that Gen Z sees the value in mastering the kitchen just like Boomers once did.
3. Fixing things instead of throwing them away
Source: Unsplash In boomer households, if something broke, you didn’t immediately replace it—you repaired it. Gen Z, tired of the waste culture, is bringing that mindset back with a passion for DIY repairs and upcycling. Whether it’s patching jeans, reupholstering a chair, or learning basic tech fixes, the idea of making things last longer is back in fashion, and it’s making sustainability cool again.
4. Saving money the old-fashioned way
Saving money used to be a given, not an occasional TikTok challenge. Gen Z, living through economic uncertainty, is serious about budgeting, side hustling, and even bringing back cash-stuffing methods boomers relied on before digital banking. It’s not about being flashy; it’s about building some security in a world that feels anything but stable. Boomers would definitely approve of that energy.
5. Gardening and growing their own food
Victory gardens were a big deal for boomers’ parents and stuck around as a point of pride for many families. Now, Gen Z is turning balconies, windowsills, and tiny backyards into vegetable gardens and herb patches. It’s not just about food security, though that’s part of it; it’s also about reconnecting with nature and taking pride in growing something tangible and real in an overwhelmingly digital world.
6. Prioritising practical skills over endless degrees
For boomers, practical skills like carpentry, sewing, and mechanical work were highly respected. After years of pushing uni degrees as the only path to success, Gen Z is circling back to the idea that trade skills are valuable—and sometimes more reliable. More young people are getting certifications, learning trades, and picking up practical skills on the side, realising that success doesn’t always require mountains of student debt.
7. Spending real time outdoors
Source: Unsplash Back in the day, boomers grew up playing outside until the streetlights came on. Now, after growing up glued to screens, Gen Z is making a point to unplug and head outdoors—hiking, camping, and exploring parks more than ever. Nature isn’t just a weekend activity anymore; it’s a form of self-care, a way to recharge, and a much-needed break from the constant buzz of notifications and online life.
8. Writing things down by hand
Before smartphones and laptops, everything was written down—lists, notes, letters. Surprisingly, Gen Z is bringing handwriting back, whether it’s bullet journaling, sending handwritten notes, or keeping physical planners. There’s something satisfying about putting pen to paper that digital apps just can’t replicate, and Gen Z is tapping into that slower, more mindful habit to stay organised and grounded.
9. Valuing community over constant competition
Boomers remember a time when knowing your neighbours and helping each other out was normal. Gen Z, burned out from hustle culture, is craving that sense of real community again. From local co-ops to online mutual aid groups, Gen Z is finding ways to build connections based on support and shared resources, not just endless competition or clout-chasing.
10. Repairing relationships instead of ghosting
While ghosting became common in the digital dating world, a lot of Gen Z is swinging back toward having hard conversations and trying to leave situations with some dignity intact, just like older generations once did. Talking things out, setting clear boundaries, and aiming for closure might not always be easy, but it’s a growing value again. Authentic communication is making a comeback, one awkward conversation at a time.
11. Investing in quality over quantity
Boomers often valued buying one good thing that lasted instead of several cheap versions that fell apart. Gen Z, frustrated with disposable culture, is returning to that mindset by saving up for fewer, better-made items. Whether it’s fashion, furniture, or tech, there’s a noticeable shift toward appreciating craftsmanship, durability, and buying once instead of replacing constantly.
12. Hosting low-key gatherings at home
Backyard barbecues, potlucks, game nights—Boomers perfected the art of simple, low-pressure socialising at home. Gen Z is bringing it back, favouring cosy nights in with friends over expensive nights out at loud bars or clubs. It’s not about impressing people with fancy setups. It’s about connection, laughter, and spending real time with people you actually like, without needing to post about it afterward.
13. Slowing down and choosing intentional living
Life used to move slower, and while technology sped everything up, Gen Z is starting to intentionally push back. From choosing slower career paths to prioritising mental health and setting better boundaries, intentional living is back in a big way. It’s not about laziness; it’s about refusing to burn out chasing someone else’s idea of success. In a lot of ways, Gen Z is rediscovering that slower, more mindful life that boomers once knew well, before the world sped up to a constant roar.
