Top 25+ Boomer Hobbies That Are Making a Comeback

#1: Gardening, #3: Embroidery and Needlepoint, #4: Crossword Puzzles, #6: Birdwatching, #7: Baking from Scratch, #9: Model Train Building, #10: Calligraphy, #12: Canning and Pickling, #13: Puzzle Building, #15: Rock Tumbling, #16: Letter Writing, #18: Playing Acoustic Guitar, #19: Sewing and Mending, #21: Astronomy, #22: Coin Collecting, #24: Playing Card Games, #25: Building Model Airplanes

When something is good, it transcends the barrier of time. Our parents or even our grandparents spent hours enjoying some activities that would make kids today raise an eyebrow, but there are some surprising activities from the past that are becoming trendy again among today’s youth. Maybe it’s time to put down the screens and go back to the basics.

#1: Gardening

#1: Gardening, #3: Embroidery and Needlepoint, #4: Crossword Puzzles, #6: Birdwatching, #7: Baking from Scratch, #9: Model Train Building, #10: Calligraphy, #12: Canning and Pickling, #13: Puzzle Building, #15: Rock Tumbling, #16: Letter Writing, #18: Playing Acoustic Guitar, #19: Sewing and Mending, #21: Astronomy, #22: Coin Collecting, #24: Playing Card Games, #25: Building Model Airplanes

Gardening helps us connect with nature, particularly for Boomers who found joy in planting flowers and vegetables. Back in simpler times, taking care of a garden was a great way to relax after a long day. Today, gardening is making a comeback as people are focusing on healthy living and also looking for sustainable ways to grow their own food or decorate their spaces with house plants. 

#3: Embroidery and Needlepoint

#1: Gardening, #3: Embroidery and Needlepoint, #4: Crossword Puzzles, #6: Birdwatching, #7: Baking from Scratch, #9: Model Train Building, #10: Calligraphy, #12: Canning and Pickling, #13: Puzzle Building, #15: Rock Tumbling, #16: Letter Writing, #18: Playing Acoustic Guitar, #19: Sewing and Mending, #21: Astronomy, #22: Coin Collecting, #24: Playing Card Games, #25: Building Model Airplanes

If you wanted to connect with Grandma, embroidery and needlepoint are a great way to do that. They were popular pastimes for many back in the day (women especially), offering a creative hobby and a chance to make beautiful handmade items that lasted for generations. In today’s fast-paced world, these crafts are coming back simply because people prefer mindfulness and creative expression. 

#4: Crossword Puzzles

#1: Gardening, #3: Embroidery and Needlepoint, #4: Crossword Puzzles, #6: Birdwatching, #7: Baking from Scratch, #9: Model Train Building, #10: Calligraphy, #12: Canning and Pickling, #13: Puzzle Building, #15: Rock Tumbling, #16: Letter Writing, #18: Playing Acoustic Guitar, #19: Sewing and Mending, #21: Astronomy, #22: Coin Collecting, #24: Playing Card Games, #25: Building Model Airplanes

Crossword puzzles have long been a brain-boosting favorite, often seen in newspapers and shared over coffee. For Boomers, completing a crossword was a daily ritual. Recently, these puzzles have been coming back because people want to challenge their minds and enjoy screen-free entertainment. Sure, many people are enjoying them in the form of apps, but as long as they’re solving puzzles, we’re not complaining about the medium.

#6: Birdwatching

#1: Gardening, #3: Embroidery and Needlepoint, #4: Crossword Puzzles, #6: Birdwatching, #7: Baking from Scratch, #9: Model Train Building, #10: Calligraphy, #12: Canning and Pickling, #13: Puzzle Building, #15: Rock Tumbling, #16: Letter Writing, #18: Playing Acoustic Guitar, #19: Sewing and Mending, #21: Astronomy, #22: Coin Collecting, #24: Playing Card Games, #25: Building Model Airplanes

Yes, we said birdwatching. The activity has captured the hearts of many, especially Boomers who enjoyed identifying birds in their backyards or local parks. Nowadays, birdwatching seems to be somewhat reviving. As people are starting to favor outdoor activities, looking for ways to relax and disconnect from screens, birdwatching is another hobby that might just make a comeback.

#7: Baking from Scratch

#1: Gardening, #3: Embroidery and Needlepoint, #4: Crossword Puzzles, #6: Birdwatching, #7: Baking from Scratch, #9: Model Train Building, #10: Calligraphy, #12: Canning and Pickling, #13: Puzzle Building, #15: Rock Tumbling, #16: Letter Writing, #18: Playing Acoustic Guitar, #19: Sewing and Mending, #21: Astronomy, #22: Coin Collecting, #24: Playing Card Games, #25: Building Model Airplanes

This beloved hobby for families was actually not that common in every household. Boomers can remember warm kitchens filled with the smell of freshly baked bread or cookies. It seems like, once again, younger generations have adopted trends emphasizing home cooking and comfort food, and baking is back on the rise. This trend has started mostly during the COVID-19 lockdown, but hasn’t subsided since. 

#9: Model Train Building

#1: Gardening, #3: Embroidery and Needlepoint, #4: Crossword Puzzles, #6: Birdwatching, #7: Baking from Scratch, #9: Model Train Building, #10: Calligraphy, #12: Canning and Pickling, #13: Puzzle Building, #15: Rock Tumbling, #16: Letter Writing, #18: Playing Acoustic Guitar, #19: Sewing and Mending, #21: Astronomy, #22: Coin Collecting, #24: Playing Card Games, #25: Building Model Airplanes

Boomers can easily remember creating elaborate layouts and complex details because of their model train-building skills. The joy of watching tiny trains travel across handcrafted landscapes stirred imagination and storytelling. Well, now it feels like we are coming back. The activity is attracting both kids and adults with its calm, engaging proposal. 

#10: Calligraphy

#1: Gardening, #3: Embroidery and Needlepoint, #4: Crossword Puzzles, #6: Birdwatching, #7: Baking from Scratch, #9: Model Train Building, #10: Calligraphy, #12: Canning and Pickling, #13: Puzzle Building, #15: Rock Tumbling, #16: Letter Writing, #18: Playing Acoustic Guitar, #19: Sewing and Mending, #21: Astronomy, #22: Coin Collecting, #24: Playing Card Games, #25: Building Model Airplanes

Calligraphy has fascinated many of us over the years, providing a lovely way to express words through beautiful handwriting. We used to practice in school or create thoughtful cards and invitations. Recently, people have been looking for personalized ways to connect. Calligraphy is now seen as a form of art and self-expression. 

#12: Canning and Pickling

#1: Gardening, #3: Embroidery and Needlepoint, #4: Crossword Puzzles, #6: Birdwatching, #7: Baking from Scratch, #9: Model Train Building, #10: Calligraphy, #12: Canning and Pickling, #13: Puzzle Building, #15: Rock Tumbling, #16: Letter Writing, #18: Playing Acoustic Guitar, #19: Sewing and Mending, #21: Astronomy, #22: Coin Collecting, #24: Playing Card Games, #25: Building Model Airplanes

Back in the day, many pantry staples were homemade. When you think about it, why not make your own pickles at home? As people are now starting to find out, it’s actually way easier than it looks. Canning and pickling traditions are making a strong comeback because more people embrace home-cooked meals and sustainable living. There are even online guides and community classes related to the hobby.

#13: Puzzle Building

#1: Gardening, #3: Embroidery and Needlepoint, #4: Crossword Puzzles, #6: Birdwatching, #7: Baking from Scratch, #9: Model Train Building, #10: Calligraphy, #12: Canning and Pickling, #13: Puzzle Building, #15: Rock Tumbling, #16: Letter Writing, #18: Playing Acoustic Guitar, #19: Sewing and Mending, #21: Astronomy, #22: Coin Collecting, #24: Playing Card Games, #25: Building Model Airplanes

This one was the classic and favorite pastime, particularly among families who enjoyed hanging around to solve puzzles together. Today, puzzle building is the most preferred screen-free activity. New generations never believed us, but now they are able to learn about this wonderful way to pass the time.

#15: Rock Tumbling

#1: Gardening, #3: Embroidery and Needlepoint, #4: Crossword Puzzles, #6: Birdwatching, #7: Baking from Scratch, #9: Model Train Building, #10: Calligraphy, #12: Canning and Pickling, #13: Puzzle Building, #15: Rock Tumbling, #16: Letter Writing, #18: Playing Acoustic Guitar, #19: Sewing and Mending, #21: Astronomy, #22: Coin Collecting, #24: Playing Card Games, #25: Building Model Airplanes

Rock tumbling is more satisfying than it sounds. There was nothing like discovering interesting rocks outdoors and transforming them into polished gems through a meaningful (and quite long) process. Now, rock tumbling is a trending, creative, and calming pastime for many young people.

#16: Letter Writing

#1: Gardening, #3: Embroidery and Needlepoint, #4: Crossword Puzzles, #6: Birdwatching, #7: Baking from Scratch, #9: Model Train Building, #10: Calligraphy, #12: Canning and Pickling, #13: Puzzle Building, #15: Rock Tumbling, #16: Letter Writing, #18: Playing Acoustic Guitar, #19: Sewing and Mending, #21: Astronomy, #22: Coin Collecting, #24: Playing Card Games, #25: Building Model Airplanes

This hobby has a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate the art of communication. Handwritten letters hit different, and they used to be exchanged between friends and family, creating special connections. Today, more people are starting to appreciate the personal touch of written correspondence. Texting? That is boring and superficial.

#18: Playing Acoustic Guitar

#1: Gardening, #3: Embroidery and Needlepoint, #4: Crossword Puzzles, #6: Birdwatching, #7: Baking from Scratch, #9: Model Train Building, #10: Calligraphy, #12: Canning and Pickling, #13: Puzzle Building, #15: Rock Tumbling, #16: Letter Writing, #18: Playing Acoustic Guitar, #19: Sewing and Mending, #21: Astronomy, #22: Coin Collecting, #24: Playing Card Games, #25: Building Model Airplanes

Music will always be an endless hobby, but there is something unique about acoustic guitars. Whether it was playing music around a campfire or improvising with friends, this hobby was the most popular one. Today, online tutorials are allowing beginners to easily learn their favorite songs. 

#19: Sewing and Mending

#1: Gardening, #3: Embroidery and Needlepoint, #4: Crossword Puzzles, #6: Birdwatching, #7: Baking from Scratch, #9: Model Train Building, #10: Calligraphy, #12: Canning and Pickling, #13: Puzzle Building, #15: Rock Tumbling, #16: Letter Writing, #18: Playing Acoustic Guitar, #19: Sewing and Mending, #21: Astronomy, #22: Coin Collecting, #24: Playing Card Games, #25: Building Model Airplanes

This one is not quite a hobby but rather a once-essential skill that many Boomers learned from family members. Whether it was making clothes or repairing beloved items, these skills were a must, especially for women. Nowadays, sewing is considered a cool activity, and people love the idea of sustainability and expressing individuality through fashion.

#21: Astronomy

#1: Gardening, #3: Embroidery and Needlepoint, #4: Crossword Puzzles, #6: Birdwatching, #7: Baking from Scratch, #9: Model Train Building, #10: Calligraphy, #12: Canning and Pickling, #13: Puzzle Building, #15: Rock Tumbling, #16: Letter Writing, #18: Playing Acoustic Guitar, #19: Sewing and Mending, #21: Astronomy, #22: Coin Collecting, #24: Playing Card Games, #25: Building Model Airplanes

In the past, we all could spend evenings stargazing and looking at the universe in amazement. We only needed a simple telescope or even just our eyes, and we could track constellations and celestial events. Well, modern advances in technology make it easier than ever to explore the cosmos through apps and telescopes. 

#22: Coin Collecting

#1: Gardening, #3: Embroidery and Needlepoint, #4: Crossword Puzzles, #6: Birdwatching, #7: Baking from Scratch, #9: Model Train Building, #10: Calligraphy, #12: Canning and Pickling, #13: Puzzle Building, #15: Rock Tumbling, #16: Letter Writing, #18: Playing Acoustic Guitar, #19: Sewing and Mending, #21: Astronomy, #22: Coin Collecting, #24: Playing Card Games, #25: Building Model Airplanes

Yes, we used to collect coins. The thrill of finding rare coins and the stories behind them was a source of joy for many. Today, this hobby is making a comeback simply because people want to connect with history and hold tangible pieces of the past. Whether for investment or enjoyment, coin collecting is a rewarding hobby.

#24: Playing Card Games

#1: Gardening, #3: Embroidery and Needlepoint, #4: Crossword Puzzles, #6: Birdwatching, #7: Baking from Scratch, #9: Model Train Building, #10: Calligraphy, #12: Canning and Pickling, #13: Puzzle Building, #15: Rock Tumbling, #16: Letter Writing, #18: Playing Acoustic Guitar, #19: Sewing and Mending, #21: Astronomy, #22: Coin Collecting, #24: Playing Card Games, #25: Building Model Airplanes

Who else remembers their grandma and grandpa playing bridge every night at the dinner table? This and many other classic card games have always had a way of bringing friends and family together (or tearing them apart when someone got too competitive!), providing fun and friendly competition. Even today, card games remain an engaging and social activity.

#25: Building Model Airplanes

#1: Gardening, #3: Embroidery and Needlepoint, #4: Crossword Puzzles, #6: Birdwatching, #7: Baking from Scratch, #9: Model Train Building, #10: Calligraphy, #12: Canning and Pickling, #13: Puzzle Building, #15: Rock Tumbling, #16: Letter Writing, #18: Playing Acoustic Guitar, #19: Sewing and Mending, #21: Astronomy, #22: Coin Collecting, #24: Playing Card Games, #25: Building Model Airplanes

Building model airplanes was a favorite hobby for Boomers. We could spend hours assembling intricate designs and flying them at local parks. Today, model airplane building is even better. With new materials and advanced technology, children and other enthusiasts are able to create impressive flying machines that reflect their passion. The activity also promotes patience and focus.