My grandmother has been knitting for fifty years. To her, it’s just a comforting routine she picked up young. She knits while watching TV, making sweaters and blankets without a second thought.
Now, I see Gen Z on social media reintroducing knitting as something more. They treat it as a form of self-care and sustainability. Expensive yarns, viral knitting influencers, and a focus on slow living have redefined this simple craft. For Gen Z, it’s about connection and intention.
This shift in meaning highlights how activities that once seemed ordinary to one generation can take on new life in another. Boomers engaged in hobbies out of necessity or enjoyment, while Gen Z reimagines them as conscious lifestyle choices.
Let’s look at some activities making this transformation:
1. Knitting and Crocheting
For Boomers, knitting was about practicality—making items that saved money. My grandmother, for instance, has created countless gifts for family. Today, Gen Z views knitting through a wellness lens. They focus on mindfulness and creating something personal in an overwhelming digital world. It’s a form of self-care, where each stitch has meaning.
2. Gardening
Boomers gardened mainly to save on groceries and enjoy the outdoors. My parents have had a vegetable garden for decades, producing fresh tomatoes and peppers. In contrast, Gen Z approaches gardening as a statement against industrial agriculture. They see it as a means of food sovereignty and political activism, crafting their gardens with intention.
3. Thrifting
For Boomers, thrift shopping often stemmed from financial necessity. My grandmother found quality items without breaking the bank. Gen Z now frames thrifting as sustainable fashion. They enjoy the thrill of finding unique pieces and emphasize environmental responsibility through secondhand shopping.
4. Baking Bread
Boomers baked bread for its taste and cost-effectiveness. My grandmother bakes weekly, incorporating it into her routine. Gen Z’s pandemic-era bread-making turned into an exploration of self-sufficiency. They share sourdough starter stories and celebrate the craftsmanship of bread as a form of mindfulness.
5. Letter Writing
Boomers relied on writing letters to keep in touch. For them, it was essential communication. My grandmother still writes to friends, a habit she has maintained for years. Gen Z, however, sees letter writing as an art form and a chance to disconnect from screens. They invest in pretty stationery and wax seals, viewing it as a meaningful connection.
6. Vinyl Record Collecting
Boomers collected vinyl simply because that was the way music was shared. I have boxes of old records from my past. Yet, Gen Z has turned vinyl collecting into a cultural experience, valuing album art and audio quality. They search for nostalgia in a fast-paced streaming world, often blending both habits.
This generational pattern is clear: what was once normal life for Boomers is now reimagined by Gen Z as intentional living. There’s a shift in consciousness, with Gen Z seeking meaning in activities previously seen as routine.
Interestingly, this shift sometimes leads to misunderstandings. Boomers might view Gen Z’s deep reflections as overcomplicating simple joys. Conversely, Gen Z might see Boomers as lacking awareness of the cultural significance in these activities.
Yet, they’re both engaged in the same practices. My grandmother knits without much thought, while Gen Z embraces it as a symbol of sustainability and care.
Recognizing this generational lens can help bridge communication gaps. Understanding the motivations behind these activities allows for a richer conversation about values and definitions of fulfillment across generations.
If you’re engaging in any of these activities, your perspective likely reflects where you stand generationally. Understanding this difference in framing could lead to conversations that enrich our shared experiences.
