1. Vinyl Records
Boomers never stopped loving vinyl—the crackle, the cover art, the ritual of flipping sides. Record players were once replaced by CDs and streaming, but Boomers held onto their collections with pride. They see vinyl as a tactile experience, not just a format. It’s music you feel, not just hear.
Gen Z, raised on Spotify, has circled back to vinyl with surprising enthusiasm. They buy reissues, hunt for vintage pressings, and even host listening parties. What was once “your dad’s hobby” is now a vibe. And yes, they still don’t know how to clean them properly.
2. Handwritten Letters
Boomers cherish handwritten notes for birthdays, condolences, and thank-yous. They see penmanship as personal, and stationery as an extension of care. A letter takes time—and that’s the point. It’s emotion in ink.
Gen Z, despite living on texts and DMs, finds handwritten letters charming and intimate. They use them for love notes, journaling, and aesthetic TikToks. The analog effort feels rebellious in a digital world. And yes, they buy wax seals now.
3. Classic Rock Radio
Boomers still tune into classic rock stations for Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, and Springsteen. It’s the soundtrack of their youth, and the riffs never get old. They know every lyric and every guitar solo. It’s comfort with distortion.
Gen Z, raised on algorithmic playlists, finds classic rock refreshingly raw. They wear band tees, learn guitar solos, and stream entire albums. The music feels authentic—and oddly rebellious. And yes, they know “Stairway to Heaven” is sacred.
4. Crock-Pots
Boomers love their slow cookers—set it, forget it, and come home to chili. It’s the original meal prep tool, perfect for potlucks and comfort food. Recipes are passed down like heirlooms. The lid fogs up with nostalgia.
Gen Z, obsessed with cozy cooking and budget meals, has rediscovered the Crock-Pot. They make soups, stews, and TikTok-friendly “dump dinners.” It’s low-effort, high-reward—and very aesthetic. And yes, they still call their mom for recipes.
5. Landline Phones
Boomers still keep landlines for emergencies, long chats, and habit. The ring is familiar, the cord is grounding, and the call quality is unmatched. It’s not about convenience—it’s about connection. The phone sits like a sentinel in the hallway.
Gen Z finds landlines oddly comforting and retro-cool. Some buy rotary phones for decor, others use them for unplugged weekends. It’s analog rebellion in a wireless world. And yes, they love slamming the receiver down.
6. Print Newspapers
Boomers still read the paper with coffee—folded, highlighted, and sometimes clipped. It’s a ritual that marks the day’s start with ink and intention. They trust the layout, the columnists, and the crossword. It’s news with weight.
Gen Z, despite living online, finds print journalism oddly grounding. They buy Sunday editions, frame headlines, and romanticize the smell of newsprint. It’s slow media in a fast world. And yes, they still skip the sports section.
7. Gardening as Therapy
Boomers treat gardening as meditation—planting, pruning, and watching things grow. It’s physical, seasonal, and deeply satisfying. They know the soil, the pests, and the rhythm of rain. It’s therapy with tomatoes.
Gen Z has embraced gardening as a mental health tool and aesthetic hobby. They grow herbs on windowsills, share plant hauls, and compost with pride. It’s grounding in every sense. And yes, they name their succulents.
8. Jigsaw Puzzles
Boomers love puzzles for focus, patience, and quiet joy. They spread them across dining tables and sort by edge pieces. It’s a slow burn of satisfaction. The final image is a triumph.
Gen Z finds puzzles soothing and screen-free. They stream puzzle sessions, buy artsy designs, and treat them like mindfulness exercises. It’s analog entertainment with dopamine. And yes, they frame the finished ones.
9. Station Wagons
Boomers still love the practicality and nostalgia of station wagons—road trips, tailgates, and family memories. They’re roomy, reliable, and oddly stylish in a retro way. The wood paneling was once peak suburban cool. It’s a car with character.
Gen Z sees wagons as vintage icons and ironic flexes. They post them on car forums, hunt for old Volvos, and dream of restoring one. It’s rebellion against SUVs and minimalism. And yes, they call it “dadcore.”
This post 9 Things Boomers Still Love That Gen Z Secretly Finds Kind of Cool was first published on American Charm.
