21 Things Baby Boomers Did Right That Gen Z Is Rediscovering

1. Cooking from Scratch

Gen Z is reigniting the art of home cooking, a staple of Baby Boomer households. According to Pew Research, 71% of Gen Z now cook at home regularly, echoing the frugal and wholesome traditions their grandparents valued. Scratch cooking not only saves money but also allows for healthier, more mindful meals. With rising food costs and a renewed interest in nutrition, Gen Z’s kitchens are becoming creative spaces—just like they were for Boomers—where health, savings, and tradition blend perfectly.

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2. Embracing Gardening

Backyard gardens, once a Baby Boomer hallmark, are thriving again as Gen Z digs into the soil—literally. Since 2020, there’s been a 40% surge in young people taking up gardening, driven by desires for sustainability, wellness, and food security. As reported by The New York Times, Gen Z is planting vegetables, herbs, and even flowers in urban spaces, echoing the Boomers’ self-sufficient spirit.
This hands-on approach reconnects them with nature and provides tangible rewards, from fresh produce to improved mental health.

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3. Early Retirement Savings

Gen Z is reviving the Baby Boomer habit of starting retirement savings early.
On average, today’s young adults are setting aside 10% of their income for retirement—mirroring the prudent mindset that helped many Boomers achieve financial security.
According to Fidelity and Pew data, this proactive approach offers long-term stability and the power of compound interest.
By prioritizing future financial health, Gen Z is laying a solid foundation for decades to come, demonstrating financial wisdom that transcends generations.

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4. Buying Quality over Quantity

Gen Z is making a conscious shift toward quality, echoing the Baby Boomers’ preference for durable, long-lasting products.
Instead of buying fast fashion or disposable goods, more young adults are opting for investment pieces that stand the test of time.
This move not only promotes sustainability but also saves money in the long run.
According to Forbes, Gen Z’s purchasing habits reflect a renewed appreciation for craftsmanship and value, bringing timeless consumer wisdom back into style.

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5. Learning Practical Skills

Gen Z is bringing back the hands-on, do-it-yourself spirit that Baby Boomers championed.
Skills like sewing, basic carpentry, and car maintenance—once passed down in family garages and kitchens—are now being learned through popular skill-sharing apps and online tutorials.
According to The Wall Street Journal, there’s a surge in young people eager to master practical abilities, from hemming pants to fixing leaky faucets.
This revival empowers Gen Z to be resourceful, independent, and confident in tackling everyday challenges.

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6. Prioritizing Work-Life Balance

Gen Z is redefining success by setting clear boundaries between work and personal life—an approach that mirrors the Baby Boomers’ commitment to family time and leisure.
Today’s young professionals are actively seeking flexible schedules and meaningful downtime, recognizing that burnout benefits no one.
Studies, such as those highlighted by Harvard Business Review, show that prioritizing work-life balance leads to improved satisfaction and overall well-being.
By valuing both career and personal fulfillment, Gen Z is restoring a healthier equilibrium once cherished by previous generations.

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7. Valuing Experiences over Possessions

Gen Z is following in Baby Boomers’ footsteps by seeking memorable experiences—like travel, concerts, and special events—over accumulating material possessions.
This shift reflects research indicating that spending on experiences brings greater happiness and long-lasting satisfaction.
According to CNBC, younger generations are investing more in adventures and social activities, echoing the Boomer tradition of prioritizing life’s moments.
By focusing on experiences, Gen Z not only builds lasting memories but also fosters deeper connections with others.

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8. Maintaining Long-Term Relationships

man in black suit standing beside woman in white coat — Source: Photo by bennett tobias on Unsplash

Gen Z is rediscovering the importance of long-term friendships and stable relationships, much like the Baby Boomers who valued strong social ties and community. This renewed focus is more than nostalgia—it’s connected to higher life satisfaction and emotional well-being. Recent findings by Pew Research highlight how young adults are investing in deep, lasting connections rather than fleeting interactions.
By prioritizing trust and loyalty in their relationships, Gen Z is creating support networks that echo the tight-knit communities of previous generations.

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9. Thrift Shopping and Upcycling

Thrift shopping and upcycling are back in style, with Gen Z turning to secondhand stores and creative repurposing just as Baby Boomers did in their youth.
Driven by both environmental concerns and financial savvy, young adults are embracing vintage finds and transforming old items into something new.
As NPR reports, this trend reduces waste and supports sustainable fashion, while also allowing for personal expression. Gen Z’s passion for thrifting mirrors the Boomer era’s practical, budget-conscious approach to style and sustainability.

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10. Homeownership Aspirations

Despite facing high prices and limited inventory, Gen Z remains determined to achieve homeownership—a goal that strongly echoes the Baby Boomers’ pursuit of the American Dream.
Young buyers are getting creative, exploring shared ownership, fixer-uppers, and remote locations to make buying a home possible.
According to The Wall Street Journal, this generation’s persistence and adaptability demonstrate their commitment to stability and investment, just as Boomers did in decades past.
Owning a home remains a powerful symbol of independence and achievement for Gen Z.

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11. Community Involvement

Gen Z is stepping up their participation in local volunteering, advocacy, and activism, reminiscent of the Baby Boomers’ spirited community involvement during the 1960s and 70s.
From food drives to grassroots organizing, young people are embracing civic responsibility as a catalyst for meaningful social change.
A Pew Research study highlights how Americans, especially younger generations, view civic engagement as key to solving pressing issues.
By strengthening neighborhoods and giving back, Gen Z is building on a legacy of active citizenship.

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12. Cooking and Sharing Meals Together

Gen Z is rediscovering the value of gathering around the table for shared meals, a cherished tradition among Baby Boomers.
Eating together fosters deeper family bonds and offers a sense of routine and support—elements that Boomers valued for decades.
According to The New York Times, regular family dinners are linked to better mental health and emotional well-being.
By prioritizing communal meals, Gen Z is reviving a simple yet powerful practice that benefits both connection and overall wellness.

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13. Financial Literacy and Budgeting

Gen Z is taking a proactive approach to financial literacy, mirroring the practical money management skills that Baby Boomers prioritized.
With the rise of personal finance apps and online courses, young adults are becoming increasingly savvy about budgeting, saving, and investing.
According to CNBC, many Gen Zers are seeking out financial education early, giving them a head start on building long-term security. This renewed focus on fiscal responsibility is helping Gen Z make sound decisions in an ever-changing economic landscape.

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14. Repairing Instead of Replacing

Gen Z is embracing the Boomer-era mindset of repairing rather than replacing household items and clothing. This practical, eco-friendly approach not only saves money but also reduces waste, reflecting both frugal and sustainable values.
The growth of repair cafes and the abundance of YouTube tutorials make learning these skills more accessible than ever.
As highlighted by BBC News, young people are reviving the tradition of fixing what they own, contributing to a more circular and responsible economy.

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15. Minimalist Living

Embracing minimalist living, Gen Z is drawing inspiration from the post-war simplicity that shaped many Baby Boomer households.
By focusing on essentials and eliminating clutter, young adults are finding freedom in owning less and prioritizing what truly matters.
This approach leads to lower stress, greater focus, and reduced environmental impact.
As noted by The New York Times, minimalist design and lifestyle choices are on the rise, reflecting both practical and mindful values that span generations.

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16. Investing in Education

Gen Z is deeply committed to lifelong learning, echoing the Baby Boomers’ belief in education as a pathway to personal and professional advancement.
This generation is seizing opportunities in both traditional higher education and alternative routes like online courses and vocational training.
Their openness to continuous skill-building reflects a flexible, forward-thinking mindset.
As highlighted by Forbes, Gen Z’s passion for education ensures they remain adaptable in a rapidly changing world, much like Boomers did decades before.

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17. Supporting Local Businesses

Gen Z is championing local and independent businesses, reminiscent of the Baby Boomers’ tradition of shopping at neighborhood stores and farmers markets. This support goes beyond convenience—it’s about building community resilience and fostering genuine connections with local producers. According to CNBC, young shoppers are seeking authenticity, quality, and sustainability, often favoring local shops over big-box retailers.
By investing in their communities, Gen Z is helping local economies thrive, while honoring values that have stood the test of time.

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18. Conscious Consumption

Gen Z is making purchasing decisions with ethics and sustainability in mind, mirroring the Baby Boomers’ environmental activism from decades past.
From seeking out organic foods to supporting eco-friendly brands, young consumers are prioritizing products that align with their values.
As reported by The New York Times, Gen Z’s conscious consumption is shaping the marketplace and pushing companies toward greater transparency.
This thoughtful approach to shopping reflects a desire not just for quality, but for a positive impact on people and the planet.

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19. DIY Home Projects

Gen Z is embracing do-it-yourself home improvement, drawing inspiration from the Baby Boomers’ tradition of hands-on homeownership.
More young adults are painting walls, assembling furniture, and tackling renovations with guidance from social media and online tutorials.
According to The Wall Street Journal, this DIY movement empowers Gen Z to personalize their spaces while saving money and gaining practical skills.
The satisfaction of creating something by hand connects them to the resourceful mindset of earlier generations.

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20. Outdoor Recreation

Gen Z is embracing the great outdoors, echoing the Baby Boomers’ enthusiasm for hiking, camping, and nature-filled getaways.
Spending time outside offers a break from screens and urban life, delivering proven benefits for both mental and physical health.
As Outside Online reports, young people are flocking to parks, trails, and campsites, rediscovering the restorative power of fresh air and adventure.
This outdoor revival is not just about fun—it’s about building resilience, mindfulness, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.

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21. Writing Letters and Journals

Handwritten letters and personal journals are making a comeback with Gen Z, echoing the reflective habits of the Baby Boomer era.
Young people are rediscovering the joy of penning thoughtful notes and documenting their thoughts, finding it a meaningful counterbalance to digital communication.
According to NPR, this analog revival is linked to improved mental health, increased mindfulness, and a boost in creativity.
By slowing down to write, Gen Z is nurturing deeper connections—with others and with themselves.

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Conclusion

Gen Z’s embrace of time-tested Baby Boomer habits is more than nostalgia—it’s a smart blend of tradition and modern values. By reviving practices like home cooking, financial literacy, and community involvement, this generation is building greater financial stability, well-being, and social connection.
Their choices reflect a recognition that wisdom often comes full circle, adapting to new realities while honoring the past.
As each generation learns from those before, we’re reminded of the enduring power of practical habits—and the value of passing them on.

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