Johann H
Time has a funny way of changing what’s trendy, cool, or even necessary. While baby boomers were obsessed with certain things that defined their era—think landlines, TV dinners, and collectible stamps—Gen Z is busy living in a world of smartphones, streaming, and memes. Let’s take a trip down memory lane to explore 30 things boomers couldn’t get enough of that simply don’t make the cut for the younger generation.
Cable TV
Back in the day, there was nothing better than flipping through cable channels and discovering random shows you didn’t know existed. The idea of “channel surfing” was basically a sport. Gen Z, however, prefers surfing through OTT. Why deal with a confusing bundle of channels when you can binge-watch an entire series without ad breaks?
Writing Checks
Checks were once a sign of adulthood—something you pulled out to pay bills, rent, or even groceries. For Gen Z, the idea of scribbling on a piece of paper and then waiting for it to “clear” sounds slow, tedious, and totally unnecessary. Venmo, Cash App, or Apple Pay gets the job done in seconds; no stamps are required.
Landline Phones
Remember the good old landline phone, with its coiled cord and the constant “Get off the phone, I need to use the internet!” For younger generations, the thought of being tethered to a wall while chatting seems prehistoric. They live in a world of smartphones, where they’re free to walk, text, or FaceTime wherever they please.
Encyclopedias
Before search engines, there were encyclopedias—large collections of knowledge that many still proudly displayed in their homes. If you wanted to know something, you simply opened up the correct volume. Gen Z? They turn to Google and Wikipedia, where answers come instantly, and no shelf space is required.
Department Stores
Earlier, there was nothing better than spending an afternoon at Sears or JCPenney, where you could buy a new suit, a blender, and some tools—all in one place. However, Gen Z prefers the one-stop shop called Amazon. Why trek to a store when you can order literally everything online and have it delivered by tomorrow?
Phone Books
There was once a time when people flipped through yellow books to look up phone numbers. Need a plumber? Check the phone book. Want to call your friend? It’s in there somewhere! Gen Z can barely comprehend why anyone would need a printed book when Google is right there.
Fine China
Boomers loved their fancy china sets, often passed down through generations and used only on special occasions. These delicate plates and teacups sat in glass cabinets, admired more than used. Gen Z, on the other hand, values minimalism and practicality. They’re more likely to eat off everyday plates than worry about fragile dishware.
Ironing
Earlier generations couldn’t leave the house without perfectly ironed clothes, and crisp shirts were non-negotiable. Gen Z is much more relaxed about wrinkles, embracing wrinkle-free fabrics or simply tossing wrinkled clothes in the dryer for a quick refresh. Ironing? Ain’t nobody got time for that.
Chain Restaurants
Places like Applebee’s, TGI Fridays, and Olive Garden were the go-to spots for dinner out. You knew what you were getting—no surprises, no thrills. Gen Z? They prefer unique, locally-owned spots or trendy food trucks. The idea of eating at a chain seems unimaginative, especially when there’s a farm-to-table bistro just around the corner.
Answering Machines
Before voicemail, there were answering machines. Boomers took great pride in crafting the perfect outgoing message, complete with the infamous “beep” at the end. Missed calls weren’t just sent into the void—they were saved on a cassette tape. Gen Z has never heard the anxiety-inducing beep of an answering machine or the frustration of a full tape.
Napkin Holders
Every boomer household had a napkin holder smack in the middle of the kitchen table, stocked and ready for every meal. But Gen Z prefers to grab a paper towel or even skip napkins altogether. Napkin holders are a rare sight in the homes of the younger generation, where convenience beats formality.
Cable News
Once, cable news was the primary source for staying informed. Many would tune in religiously, trusting familiar anchors to break down the day’s headlines. Gen Z doesn’t operate that way. For them, waiting for the nightly news seems inefficient, especially when they can get real-time updates directly from social media.
Buffets
Buffets were once a go-to for family meals, where you could pile on as much as you wanted. Gen Z, though, sees things differently. With a focus on fresh, made-to-order meals and concerns about food quality and hygiene, buffets just seem… off. The allure of food that has been sitting out for too long doesn’t exactly scream appetizing.
Car Magazines
Older generations loved car magazines. Flipping through glossy pages full of the latest models was a hobby in itself. But Gen Z prefers digital content—YouTube reviews, TikTok tours, and Instagram reels give them the same information in a more interactive format. Print magazines just feel outdated to them.
Printed Maps
Gen Z has never had to fumble with an oversized map or worry about getting lost on a road trip. With Google Maps providing real-time directions, they’ve got navigation down to a science. But for boomers, the adventure was in unfolding a paper map, plotting out routes, and flipping through pages to find the way.
Formal Dining Rooms
Boomers designed homes with formal dining rooms—spaces reserved for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and maybe a fancy dinner party or two. Gen Z sees this as unused space. They prefer open floor plans where the kitchen, dining, and living spaces flow together. Formal dining rooms have largely been replaced by casual, multipurpose areas.
Coupon Clipping
While coupon clipping still exists, the rise of digital coupons has made it easier to save money without ever touching a newspaper. The present generation relies on apps that automatically apply discounts to online purchases. To them, the only “clipping” they do is when they’re selecting sound bites for their next viral video.
The Yearbook Signing Tradition
People used to eagerly await the end of the school year to grab their yearbooks and get signatures, which included heartfelt messages or cringeworthy inside jokes. These scribbled notes were treasures to be cherished forever. For Gen Z, who lives in the age of Instagram DMs and digital shoutouts, physical signatures are cute but also unnecessary.
Casseroles
If boomers were hosting a party, you could bet there was a casserole involved. Whether it was tuna, green beans, or mystery meat, casseroles were the ultimate convenience food: throw everything in one dish, bake it, and voila! Gen Z is more likely to create a grain bowl or order takeout. Casseroles? Not on the menu.
Manual Windows in Cars
There was a time when rolling down your car window was an arm workout. Boomers remember cranking that little lever to catch a breeze. It wasn’t just a window—it was an experience. Gen Z, accustomed to tapping buttons for everything, probably wouldn’t know what to do if they encountered a manual window.
Fax Machines
Why email something when you can fax it?! Fax machines were the height of office technology, allowing people to send copies of documents with a delightful squeal of static. Gen Z has no idea what these infernal machines are or why anyone would fax anything instead of just attaching it to an email or uploading it to the cloud.
Waterbeds
At one point, sleeping on a waterbed was considered a luxury, providing a soothing, wave-like sensation with every move. Boomers swore by them, thinking they were futuristic and cool. But Gen Z is baffled by the impracticality of these sloshy monstrosities—how do you even sleep on something that moves?
Collecting Stamps
Stamp collecting was once a serious hobby for many. Previous generations could spend hours curating their albums, trading rare stamps, and researching postal history. It was the ultimate display of patience and focus. Gen Z, however, tends to focus on collecting social media followers and likes. Stamps? Cute, but no thanks.
Tupperware Parties
Hosting Tupperware parties to sell kitchen storage solutions was a classic pastime for many. These gatherings were like the original pyramid schemes but with food! Fast forward to today, and Gen Z would rather do a TikTok dance-off than sit through a pitch about containers.
Fixing Your Own Car
The complexity of modern cars, coupled with a lack of interest in DIY maintenance, has pushed the younger generation away from car repairs. However, for boomers, working on the car was a point of pride. It was a weekend ritual to change the oil, replace a tire, or fix a brake light.
Fanny Packs
Once an essential accessory for people setting on vacations, the fanny pack was a symbol of practicality. Just strap it on and off you go! While some fashion-forward folks are trying to revive this classic, most Gen Z-ers are more likely to scoff and say, “My phone fits in my pocket just fine, thanks.”
Home Shopping Channels
QVC and HSN were staples of many households back then, where live demos and easy phone orders made shopping from the couch a breeze. Gen Z? They shop on Amazon or check out influencers’ recommendations. Why watch a 30-minute infomercial when you can find what you need with a click?
Record Players
The soft crackle of vinyl as it spins lazily on a record player was the soundtrack of the lives of boomers. You could even flip the record for a surprise encore! Nowadays, Gen Z is all about instant gratification. If it takes longer than a Spotify playlist to get to their favorite song, it’s just not happening.
Matching Outfits
Coordinating outfits for family gatherings was a boomer tradition. There was something charmingly wholesome about everyone in pastel colors for Easter photos. Gen Z, however, believes in expressing individuality. You’re more likely to see a family photo where everyone looks like they stepped out of different decades.
Friendship Bracelets
Crafting colorful friendship bracelets was a rite of passage for previous generations, symbolizing loyalty and connection. While they’re still a cherished tradition today, Gen Z often opts for digital tokens of friendship, like Snapchat filters or inside jokes that disappear in 24 hours.
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