In an attempt to shift their attention away from their phones to analog hobbies they never considered before, Gen Z is busy rediscovering all kinds of old-school hobbies and interests.
As a result, many of the old-fashioned hobbies that Gen X kids loved are suddenly cool again as they are revamped and reimagined by young people who crave attention and novelty. Complete step away from social media can be destabilizing for them at first, but when they find themselves turning their attention to comforting hobbies that refocus their minds, they can thrive in a way they never did.
Here are 9 old-school hobbies Gen X kids loved that are suddenly cool again
1. Origami
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Gen Xers know better than anyone what it’s like to deal with boredom without many resources for entertainment. Origami and other crafts were popular when they were younger because it didn’t take a lot of money to produce exciting results.
Fortunately for all who a study from 2023 explains, origami can greatly benefit children’s cognitive, social and motor skills over time. So not only is it an incredibly accessible hobby and craft, but it’s also beneficial for all generations, especially those who are typically glued to their phones.
2. Go to the cinema
Many Gen Xers remember making plans to see movies regularly, with all kinds of $1 deals that made it affordable for the whole family to make a night out of it. While the cost of seeing a movie has risen dramatically for young people today is the hobby still becoming incredibly popular again.
Despite streaming options and cell phones at home, Gen Zers crave the community and intentionality of actually going to a physical theater. Fortunately, so is Gen Z driving modern box office growthto keep cinemas and films going after a tumultuous decade.
3. Collection of dolls and toys
While the toys and collectibles were very different for Gen Xers, like Care Bears, Strawberry Shortcake dolls, action figures and Polly Pockets, Gen Z is reviving the art of doll and toy collecting. Whether it’s squishes, Sonny Angels, or even Labubus, Gen Z appreciates physical, tangible collectibles.
Many people theorize that with all the doom and gloom in their lifestyles and doomscrolling habits, Gen Z is willing to invest in things that actually bring them joy and happiness. Even if it’s in small ways, as a collectible toy, it’s worth it.
4. Film photography
Despite having all kinds of more convenient digital options to take a picture Gen Z brings back film cameras and photography in a whole new way. For Gen Xers in many cases it was all they had, but for Gen Xers it is becoming a practice in intentionality and process.
In a world dominated by instant gratification and convenience, it’s no surprise that Gen Zers trying to take a step back and slow down are fascinated by hobbies like this. For most it is not even about the aestheticbut the process.
5. Handheld game
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Gen X had Atari and Nintendo Game Boys in their late teensthat is revolutionizing the handheld video game industry. They became an overnight sensation, and now they’re coming back into focus today with many Gen Zers in the form of Nintendo Switches and all sorts of other exclusive new devices.
Yes, this is partly due to their convenience factor, but also because they are replacing the time Gen Z would spend on their phones with something more light-hearted and personal. Especially when video games are often associated with better cognitive health and well-beingthey are a much better option than doomscrolling.
6. Wandering outside
Even if Gen Z is spends much less time outdoors than their Gen X counterparts did, disconnecting from phones and spending time in nature is still coming back into fashion. more than 63% of Gen Zers are even cutting back on screen regularly to make room for other, more mindful hobbies.
From help them manage their stress to support better overall health, these hobbies, such as cycling, running, hiking and even relaxing in a park on a blanket, are essential to the well-being of the younger generations.
7. Collection of physical media
From CDs to cassette tapes and vinyl, the 80s and 90s were all about collecting physical media. Despite all the shifts in technology, many Gen Xers continued to collect and use these physical alternatives, both nostalgically and in practical ways at home.
Surprisingly, it is over the last few years the vinyl market has grown by almost 20%largely because of young people. While some listen to records regularly, most invest in vinyl versions of their favorite albums and artists for aesthetic and decorative purposes. Even if they don’t actively listen to them, collecting them has become a hobby in itself.
8. Shopping in thrift stores
For many Gen Xers, it was saving clothes or buying used a form of individuality and expression. These stores were easily accessible and gave young people in the 70s and 80s opportunities to buy clothes that matched their aesthetic and experiment with their style, even when they didn’t have the financial freedom to do so with new clothes.
With sustainable ethics, financial struggles and a renewed desire for individuality, Gen Z revive this hobbyby using thrift stores to buy new clothes. While there are nuanced struggles to this new trend, esp around inflationary pricing and resaleused clothes and shopping are undoubtedly cool again.
9. Go treasure hunting
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From the mobile game Pokémon Go that took over a decade ago to online games like Geocaching which encourages children to get outside and explore their communities, treasure hunting is back in a big way. While it was largely a response to boredom for Gen Xers who were forced to play outside for hours on end, for Gen Z it’s a new and exciting change from constant screen time.
According to Mississippi State Universitytreasure hunting games like Geocaching are even helping younger generations learn more about the natural world than they typically do on their phones. Compared to Gen X who learned to read maps because there was no other option if you wanted to get around, today’s youth can make it fun.
Zayda Slabbekoorn is a senior editorial strategist with a bachelor’s degree in social relations & politics and gender studies, focusing on psychology, relationships, self-help and human interest stories.
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