Gen Z’s embrace of baby boomer‑era hobbies signals a shift from digital overload to tactile, mindful pursuits, driven by mental health needs and a craving for authentic connections.
Vinyl Revival
Vinyl records have surged in popularity, with around 43.6–44 million units shipped in the U.S. in 2024, marking roughly the third straight year they outpaced CDs in unit terms. The RIAA notes this trend reflects growing preference for physical ownership, often seen as a mark of sophistication and deeper artistic engagement compared to streaming. Manufacturing output has risen to meet demand for unique pressings and artwork, though sustainability concerns linger as vinyl production relies on PVC and incurs shipping emissions. Observers question whether purchases signal true passion or serve as social displays of refined taste, with many records bought for aesthetics over repeated play.
Knitting and Crochet Surge
Knitting and crochet have entered the mainstream among younger adults, boosted by social platforms and influencers who promote these crafts as escapes from digital frenzy. Industry groups and market reports point to strong growth in yarn and craft‑supply sales since 2020, helped by online communities and wellness groups. Studies highlight therapeutic effects, with repetitive motions in crafts like knitting associated with relaxation and reduced anxiety, in line with broader research on mindful, repetitive activities. Local yarn shops now host knitting circles that double as social hubs, drawing younger people for camaraderie alongside crafting, positioning these hobbies as tools for mindfulness amid screen‑dominated lives.
Grannycore Fashion Wave
Grannycore aesthetics—pearl necklaces, cardigans, and vintage looks—have captivated Gen Z, turning once‑dated styles into symbols of aspiration and sustainability. The trend merges nostalgia with secondhand shopping and upcycling, challenging fast‑fashion norms but also contributing to higher demand at thrift and vintage stores. Analysts note that vintage and secondhand currently make up a small share of global apparel production compared with the mid‑20th century, making high‑quality older pieces relatively scarce. This shift can create tension: an increasingly popular, ostensibly inclusive style may strain affordability for lower‑income shoppers as certain categories of thrifted items become more expensive.
Sunday Drives Reborn
Leisurely road trips, often framed as “micro‑trips,” have become a favored getaway, with surveys showing that roughly 80% or more of people in recent seasons plan to drive to summer vacation destinations instead of flying, partly due to cost and flexibility. Younger travelers value these trips for screen‑free immersion in nature, music, and a sense of freedom. With relatively low fuel costs per short outing, they often function as economical alternatives to pricier entertainment. This slow‑travel mode emphasizes emotional well‑being and social bonds, evolving aimless drives into more deliberate adventures that blend thrift with exploration.
Ayahuasca and Analog Escapes
Ayahuasca retreats attracted an estimated 60,000–62,000 tourists in 2019 to centers in Amazonian countries and Costa Rica alone, reflecting a growing niche in psychedelic and wellness tourism. Research on ceremonial ayahuasca use in retreat settings has found associations with reductions in depression, anxiety, and global distress, though safety gaps and regulatory questions persist. Broader digital burnout fuels related trends: heavy screen time among younger generations prompts retreats to analog hobbies like vinyl collecting, crafting, or road trips for notification‑free relief. Therapists and researchers note that tactile, immersive activities can support well‑being and genuine engagement, while debates continue over how to balance curiosity with ethical, legal, and sustainable practices in psychedelic tourism.
As retro hobbies proliferate, they bridge generations through shared skills like crochet or record‑collecting tips passed between grandparents and grandchildren, weaving old traditions into modern narratives. This movement addresses isolation and environmental strains by blending vintage authenticity with digital savvy, even as issues like resource use, travel emissions, and rising thrift prices test its long‑term sustainability.
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