15 Hobbies Millennials Are Embracing and Loving
If there’s one thing millennials have mastered, it’s taking something basic and turning it into an Instagram-worthy lifestyle trend. Sure, Boomers may have played golf and Gen X loved their grunge rock, but millennials? They’ve perfected the art of adopting (or rebranding) hobbies that are equal parts aesthetic and self-care. Because, really, what’s the point of a hobby if it doesn’t look great on your social media feed? But beyond the filters and hashtags, millennials are genuinely into activities that help them de-stress, get creative, or just escape the existential dread of… everything. Yes, the generation known for killing off napkins and shopping malls is also reviving some pretty cool pastimes—some you’d expect and others that might surprise you.
From knitting to fermenting their own kombucha, millennials are showing that hobbies don’t have to be lame—or expensive. They’ve embraced everything from digital detoxes to side hustles that are practically hobbies in themselves. Here’s a look at 15 hobbies millennials are fully leaning into, embracing with open arms, and, let’s be honest, making cooler than we ever thought possible.
Knitting & Crocheting
Forget about your grandma’s old-fashioned knitting needles. Millennials have transformed knitting and crocheting into a chic, cozy pastime that involves sustainable fashion, DIY creativity, and, of course, bragging rights on social media. It’s not just about scarves anymore; now, it’s custom sweaters, reusable market bags, and eco-friendly blankets. Bonus points if it’s made out of organic, sustainably sourced yarn.
Urban Gardening
Nothing screams “I’m a millennial” quite like having a mini jungle in your apartment. Urban gardening has taken off as millennials swap house parties for houseplants. Whether it’s succulents, herb gardens, or full-on vegetable patches on their balcony, this generation is all about growing their own produce (or at least pretending to). After all, why buy cilantro at the store when you can grow it and forget to water it for weeks?
Podcasting
In true millennial fashion, if you have a hobby, you might as well turn it into content. Podcasting has become one of the most popular hobbies for millennials because, clearly, everyone needs to hear your opinions on pop culture, true crime, or why the world is probably ending. It’s a creative outlet, a side hustle, and a way to connect with a niche audience of like-minded folks who also think avocado toast is worth the hype.
Mixology
Why go to a bar when you can mix a craft cocktail at home and post about it on Instagram? Millennials are becoming expert mixologists in their kitchens, crafting cocktails with artisanal ingredients like lavender syrup and elderflower liqueur. It’s the perfect blend of sophistication and DIY spirit (pun intended), and the fact that it saves money on overpriced bar drinks? Just another perk.
Vinyl Collecting
Yes, they still use Spotify, but nothing beats the crackle of a vinyl record for a generation that romanticizes nostalgia. Millennials are embracing vinyl collecting like it’s the ’60s again, curating collections that are as much about aesthetics as they are about sound quality. Whether it’s Fleetwood Mac or Tame Impala, spinning records has become a ritual, a vibe, and, let’s face it, another way to show off their impeccable taste.
Fermenting Everything
Why just eat food when you can ferment it first? From kombucha to sourdough to kimchi, fermenting has become a full-on hobby, because, obviously, millennials love nothing more than making things more complicated than they need to be. Fermenting isn’t just about the food—it’s about the process, the culture (pun intended), and the sense of accomplishment that comes with successfully keeping a scoby alive for months.
Astrology
Remember when astrology was just a thing in the back of magazines? Millennials took that and turned it into a full-fledged hobby. Reading natal charts, studying moon phases, and learning about retrogrades are all part of this cosmic trend. It’s not just about checking your horoscope; it’s about a deep dive into your sun, moon, and rising signs—and then reminding everyone during every Mercury retrograde that, yes, everything is falling apart.
Meditation & Mindfulness
Life is stressful, and no generation knows that better than millennials. Meditation and mindfulness have become key hobbies for this anxiety-ridden age group. With apps like Headspace and Calm, they’re diving into daily meditation practices, mindful breathing, and even silent retreats. It’s the ultimate way to zen out and pretend the world isn’t burning (at least for a few minutes a day).
Upcycling
Millennials are all about sustainability, so it’s no surprise that upcycling has become a popular hobby. Whether it’s turning old furniture into something fresh and trendy or transforming thrift store finds into fashion statements, upcycling taps into creativity and eco-consciousness. Plus, it’s a lot cheaper than buying new, which is always a win in a generation plagued by student loan debt.
DIY Beauty Products
Store-bought skincare? Nah, millennials would rather make their own. DIY beauty products have become a full-blown trend, with everything from homemade face masks to essential oil-infused lotions. It’s the ultimate blend of wellness and creativity, with a touch of “look what I made” energy. Plus, they can claim they’re using natural, non-toxic ingredients, which is peak millennial vibes.
Board Games
Move over, Monopoly—millennials are into board games, but with a twist. From strategy games like Catan to cooperative ones like Pandemic (ironic, right?), this generation loves a good game night. It’s all about spending quality time with friends, flexing some mental muscles, and showing off their obscure gaming knowledge. Plus, it’s a good excuse to unplug and pretend smartphones don’t exist for a few hours.
Journaling
Journaling is no longer just for angsty teens—it’s now a legit hobby for millennials trying to process their feelings. Whether it’s bullet journaling, gratitude journaling, or just plain old diary writing, this generation loves to put pen to paper and get those thoughts out. It’s therapeutic, it’s creative, and it’s another way to justify spending way too much money on fancy notebooks and gel pens.
Thrifting
Why buy new when you can find something cool, vintage, and way cheaper at a thrift store? Millennials are all about thrifting, not just for the fashion but for the thrill of the hunt. It’s eco-friendly, budget-friendly, and provides endless opportunities for bragging rights. “Oh, this? I found it at a thrift store for five bucks” is practically the millennial anthem.
Coding
Coding has gone from a nerdy skill to a millennial hobby that’s actually useful in the digital age. Whether it’s building websites, creating apps, or just learning the basics of HTML and CSS, millennials are diving into coding as a side hobby that can also double as a side hustle. Because who doesn’t want to say, “Yeah, I can build that” when a friend needs a website?
Hiking
Yes, millennials will hike for the ’gram, but they’ll also hike because, well, nature is a good way to escape the chaos of everyday life. Hiking has become a favorite hobby for this generation, especially since it checks multiple boxes: exercise, adventure, and an excuse to post scenic views on social media. Plus, nothing says “I’m balanced,” like a well-curated shot of you at the top of a mountain.
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