Things Boomers Keep Buying That Their Grandkids Will Never Use
Boomers grew up in households where hosting guests mattered and every space was arranged with care. Those early habits still influence what they like to buy for their homes today. Their grandkids usually live with fewer possessions, often in smaller apartments, and rarely feel attached to the same items. With that contrast in mind, here are ten things Boomers continue to pick up that younger generations simply do not use.
Fine China Sets
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The whole fine china tradition really peaked in the mid-20th century when companies like Noritake and Lenox marketed full sets as wedding must-haves. Many Boomers received 8 to 12 place settings as gifts and kept them untouched for decades. Younger adults don’t want fragile dishes that can’t go in dishwashers or microwaves, especially when the average apartment kitchen is under 100 square feet.
Crystal and Fancy Glassware
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A shelf full of crystal rarely appeals to younger buyers today, and most see it as something that takes space without adding real use. The pieces look elegant, but they are heavy, chip easily, and don’t fit everyday routines. Even estate liquidators struggle to move them, often reporting that most crystal sets receive little interest. The contrast is clear when you compare it with the popularity of tempered glass, which is lighter, sturdier, and far easier to replace.
Silver Flatware
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Many Boomers still hold onto full silver sets that once felt like long-term investments. At the time, brands encouraged families to buy sterling pieces with the idea that their value would grow. The market moved in a different direction. Most sets now sell close to their scrap rate, often around twenty to thirty dollars per ounce. Younger households choose stainless steel instead because it’s easy to wash, durable, and doesn’t require regular polishing.
Decorative Pillows
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Adults these days are trending toward minimalism. According to interviews in major outlets such as The Washington Post and Real Simple, as well as donation intake reports from organizations like Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity ReStore, throw pillows were among the frequently donated home textiles. Home decor catalogs in the 1990s encouraged layering, so now, some Boomers’ living rooms feature so many pillows that sitting down is an obstacle course.
Formal Dining Furniture
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Large dining sets were once standard because the average single-family home built in 1975 had more square footage dedicated to formal rooms, including dining areas. Now, nearly 30% of young adults live in apartments under 1,000 square feet, making oversized tables and hutches unrealistic. Furniture movers report that formal dining sets are some of the most frequently abandoned items during relocations, simply because they won’t fit through doorways or into elevators.
Collector Figurines and Souvenirs
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Boomers often collected figurines and commemorative plates from brands like Precious Moments and Royal Doulton. Many believed these items would appreciate in value. Instead, prices have tanked. A 2023 resale report showed that full Hummel collections frequently sell for under $10 per piece, despite originally costing $50 to $200 each. We don’t see people collecting physical souvenirs the same way because most of their memories live in photos and videos on their phones.
Paper Files
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Stacks of folders once felt necessary because every bill, statement, and receipt needed a physical copy. Boomers grew up at a time when written records were the safest way to resolve disputes, especially after federal rules in the 1970s encouraged people to keep documentation on hand. Today, banks store years of statements online, and most tax records only need to be saved for a limited period. Estate organizers often find entire drawers of paperwork that were never opened again.
Cable TV Packages
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Cable subscriptions hit their peak around 2012 with roughly 105 million U.S. households subscribed. Many Boomers still pay for bundled packages costing over $120 per month. Younger viewers rely on streaming services, and the shift is dramatic. Nielsen reported that streaming surpassed cable in total viewing time in July 2022.
Golf Memberships
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Golf enjoyed a massive boom in the 1990s, with more than 16,000 courses operating across the U.S. Memberships offered networking opportunities and social prestige, which appealed to Boomers. Younger adults aren’t joining as frequently because the average annual membership can cost $5,000 or more, excluding equipment and other fees.
Magazines and Newspapers
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In 1990, weekday newspaper circulation in the U.S. was over 60 million. By 2022, that number had dropped below 22 million, according to Pew Research. The younger generations rely on digital news alerts and social media for real-time updates. Rising printing and delivery costs have prompted many publishers to transition to online formats or eliminate their print editions.