Something fascinating is happening across generations these days.
Walk into any craft store, community center, or even scroll through social media, and you’ll notice young people diving headfirst into activities that were the bread and butter of my generation growing up.
It got me thinking—why are these old pastimes suddenly cool again? Maybe it’s the digital fatigue we’re all feeling, or perhaps there’s something deeply satisfying about creating with your hands in a world that’s become increasingly virtual.
Whatever the reason, I’m delighted to see these timeless pursuits finding new life. Let me share seven hobbies from my era that are experiencing quite the renaissance.
1. Gardening and growing your own food
Remember when every household had a vegetable patch out back? My parents certainly did, and weekends meant helping tend to tomatoes, lettuce, and whatever else was in season.
Today’s younger generations are rediscovering this connection to the earth with impressive enthusiasm.
Urban gardening, container growing, and even indoor herb gardens have become trendy ways to combat rising food costs and reconnect with where our meals actually come from.
There’s something deeply therapeutic about nurturing a seed into something you can harvest and eat. As the saying goes, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” This wisdom applies to any garden, no matter how small.
The mental health benefits are backed by solid research too. Studies show that gardening can reduce cortisol levels and improve overall mood—something we intuitively knew back then but now have the science to prove.
2. Knitting, crocheting, and fiber arts
I’ll admit, knitting wasn’t exactly my forte growing up, but I watched my mother and grandmother work magic with yarn and needles.
Their hands never seemed to stop moving, creating sweaters, blankets, and scarves that lasted for decades.
Fast forward to today, and yarn shops are bustling with twenty and thirty-somethings learning these same skills.
Social media is filled with young people proudly showing off their latest creations, from chunky blankets to intricate lace patterns.
What draws them in? I think it’s the meditative quality of repetitive motions combined with the satisfaction of creating something tangible and useful. In our rush-rush world, there’s real value in slowing down and focusing on one stitch at a time.
Plus, there’s an economic advantage. A hand-knitted sweater that costs $200 in stores might cost $40 in materials and provide hours of enjoyable activity. That’s what we used to call a win-win.
3. Woodworking and furniture making
My father spent countless hours in his workshop, and the smell of sawdust still brings back vivid memories of childhood.
Back then, building your own furniture wasn’t a hobby—it was often necessity mixed with pride in craftsmanship.
Today’s DIY culture has breathed new life into woodworking.
Young people are setting up workshops in garages and basements, creating everything from cutting boards to custom dining tables. YouTube tutorials have replaced the apprenticeship model, but the satisfaction remains the same.
The environmental consciousness of younger generations also plays a role. Building quality pieces that last decades appeals to those trying to reduce their environmental footprint.
4. Bread baking and traditional cooking
This one was certainly accelerated by the pandemic, but it’s stuck around because people discovered the deep satisfaction of creating something nourishing from basic ingredients.
Sourdough starters have been passed between friends like precious heirlooms, and young bakers are experimenting with everything from ancient grains to fermentation techniques.
Beyond the obvious benefit of knowing exactly what goes into your food, there’s something almost spiritual about the process.
Kneading dough, waiting for rises, and timing everything just right requires patience and attention—qualities our fast-paced world often doesn’t reward.
The community aspect shouldn’t be overlooked either. Sharing homemade bread or a carefully prepared meal creates connections in ways that ordering takeout simply can’t match.
5. Board games and card games
Growing up, Friday nights often meant gathering around the kitchen table for cards or board games.
No screens, no distractions—just good old-fashioned competition and conversation.
This tradition is experiencing a remarkable revival. Board game cafes are popping up everywhere, and complex strategy games that would have impressed even the most dedicated players from my youth are finding devoted followings among millennials and Gen Z.
I can’t tell you I have all the answers, but I suspect this resurgence stems from a hunger for genuine social interaction. When everything else in life can be done virtually, sitting face-to-face over a game provides something irreplaceable.
Regular social interaction through activities like games can significantly improve mental health and cognitive function. We knew it felt good back then—now we understand why.
6. Reading physical books and collecting vinyl records
Digital convenience promised to make physical media obsolete, yet bookstores and record shops are thriving again.
Young people are choosing paperbacks over e-readers and vinyl over streaming, often paying premium prices for the privilege.
What’s driving this seemingly backwards trend? I think it’s the tangible connection these formats provide. There’s something about turning actual pages or dropping a needle on a record that engages multiple senses in ways that digital consumption can’t replicate.
Collecting adds another layer of satisfaction. Building a personal library or record collection creates a physical representation of your interests and experiences—something you can browse, share, and pass down.
7. Letter writing and journaling by hand
When was the last time you received a handwritten letter? For my generation, it was standard communication. Today, it’s so rare that getting one feels like discovering treasure.
Yet young people are rediscovering the power of putting pen to paper. Hand lettering has become an art form, and bullet journaling has transformed the simple diary into a creative outlet that combines organization, reflection, and artistic expression.
The benefits go beyond nostalgia. Studies show that writing by hand activates different parts of the brain compared to typing, potentially improving memory and comprehension. The slower pace of handwriting also encourages more thoughtful reflection.
There’s also something permanent and significant about handwritten words. They can’t be deleted with a keystroke or lost in a computer crash. They exist in the physical world, creating a different kind of connection between writer and reader.
Looking back to move forward
Watching these timeless activities find new appreciation gives me hope. In our hyper-connected digital age, people are instinctively reaching for experiences that ground them in the physical world and connect them to something larger than themselves.
These aren’t just hobbies—they’re practices that build patience, creativity, and genuine human connection. They remind us that sometimes the old ways endure because they fulfill fundamental human needs that technology can enhance but never fully replace.
What draws you to pursue something with your hands rather than a screen? The answer might just lead you to your next rewarding pastime.
