Baby boomers grew up in a world without smartphones, streaming, or even the internet. Their pastimes reflected a simpler era, full of creativity, social connection, and hands-on activities. But as times have changed, many of their favorite hobbies have fallen out of favor. Here are some of the hobbies the older generation loved that are now nearly forgotten.
Model Airplane Building
This was more than a hobby, it was a rite of passage. Building model airplanes involved meticulous attention to detail as enthusiasts assembled and painted them piece by piece. Today, with video games and virtual reality dominating the leisure space, the patient art of model building has largely faded away.
Stamp Collecting
One of the most popular hobbies among boomers was stamp collecting. It attracted millions of enthusiasts as collectors sought out rare and unique stamps from around the world, cherishing them as miniature works of art that told stories of far-off places.
Now, with fewer people sending mail and digital communication taking over, stamps are of little interest to youngsters, leaving this once-thriving hobby to a dwindling number of diehard fans.
Rock Polishing and Collecting
The fascination with geology often started with rock collecting and polishing. Post-war kids and adults alike enjoyed finding unique stones and transforming them into smooth, shiny treasures using tumblers. The hobby required time and patience, but the results were deeply satisfying. These days, the pastime has lost its sparkle, overshadowed by technology-driven activities.
Woodburning Art
Woodburning, or pyrography, was a popular craft that combined artistic expression with hands-on skills. Baby boomers used heated tools to etch designs into wooden surfaces, creating everything from decorative plaques to functional items like cutting boards. While it still has a niche following, woodburning no longer holds the mainstream appeal it once did.
Playing Marbles
The simple joy of this game has all but disappeared. Marbles weren’t just toys, they were the center of competitive games that required skill and precision. Young boomers spent hours perfecting their shots and collecting marbles with unique designs and colors. The games often took place outdoors and brought kids together in a way that few modern activities do.
Macramé Crafting
During the boomer era, macramé was everywhere. Plant hangers, wall art, and even clothing featured intricate knot designs. This craft required patience and creativity as crafters tied and twisted cords into beautiful patterns.
While macramé has seen a small resurgence in recent years, it’s still far from the cultural phenomenon it was in the past.
CB Radio Chatting
Before cell phones and social media, CB radios were the ultimate way to communicate. Boomers used them to talk to friends, make new connections, and even listen in on truckers’ conversations. With unique “handles” and a language all their own, CB culture was vibrant and exciting.
Cake Decorating
For that generation, cake decorating was a creative outlet and a practical skill. Intricate frosting designs, sugar flowers, and piped borders transformed ordinary cakes into edible works of art. Professional cake decorators still exist, but very few people take this up as a personal hobby.
The rise of pre-decorated desserts and quick-and-easy baking kits has largely replaced the need for such detailed handiwork in home kitchens.
Collecting Coins
When cash was king, coin collecting was another hugely popular hobby. Every coin told a story, whether it was a rare minting or a piece of foreign currency. Enthusiasts took pride in building their collections and learning the history behind each piece. Nowadays, with digital transactions and cryptocurrency, physical coins hold less significance.
Ballroom Dancing
The mix of elegance, romance, and rhythm of ballroom dancing attracted millions of baby boomers. The foxtrot, waltz and cha-cha were dances that enabled them to connect and have fun. While ballroom dancing still exists, it’s no longer the widespread cultural phenomenon it once was.
Younger people tend to gravitate toward more casual forms of dance, leaving ballroom mostly to older enthusiasts.
Amateur Photography with Film
Before the age of smartphones and digital images, taking photos was an intentional process. The older generation often spent weekends with film cameras, capturing moments that mattered to them. Developing the film added an element of anticipation and excitement as people waited to see how their pictures turned out.
Today, photography is instant and effortless, with the art of shooting and developing film a niche hobby.
Embroidery and Needlepoint
Crafts like embroidery and needlepoint require focus, creativity, and patience. Boomers spent hours stitching intricate designs onto fabric, creating decorative items like pillowcases and wall hangings. Some folk still enjoy these crafts, but they’re no longer as widespread as they were in the past.
Kite Flying
The fun of watching a colorful kite soar against the blue sky used to bring crowds of people together on breezy afternoons. For them, kite flying wasn’t just a fun outdoor activity, it was a moment of pure joy. Today, it’s a rare sight, often reserved for special events or festivals.
Collecting Vinyl Records
Long before digital streaming and even CDs, the baby boom generation built extensive collections of vinyl records. Searching for the perfect album, organizing their collections, and enjoying the warm sound of a turntable were all part of the experience. Vinyl has made a minor comeback among audiophiles, but it’s nothing compared to the passion boomers had for it.
Soap Carving
So you’ve never heard of soap carving? You’re obviously not from the boomer generation, who loved this quiet, creative hobby in their youth. Taking an ordinary bar of soap and transforming it into a delicate sculpture required skill and imagination. It was an inexpensive way to pass the time, but as other hobbies became more popular, soap carving became a lost art.
Letter Writing as a Hobby
If you’re used to bashing out messages in seconds on your phone, you probably won’t understand the attraction of letter writing. But for boomers, it was more than just a way to stay in touch, it was an art form. They’d choose beautiful stationery, compose thoughtful messages, and then seal envelopes with care.
Sadly, the rise of email, texting, and social media has seen the charm of handwritten letters all but disappear in today’s fast-paced world.