Ever wondered why your parents or grandparents have certain shopping habits that seem outdated or peculiar to younger generations? Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, have distinct preferences when it comes to what they buy and how they spend their money. Some of their purchases seem like they shouldn’t even be a thing anymore, and you almost wonder where they are shopping, but old habits die hard. These are 18 things that Baby Boomers still shell out money for.
Traditional Breakfast Cereals
Remember waking up to the sound of cereal boxes being opened? Baby Boomers still enjoy classic breakfast cereals like Corn Flakes, Cheerios, and Rice Krispies, which they grew up with and find comforting. Sugar cereals are still taboo to them, but the old grains can’t be left behind.
Formal Dinnerware and China Sets
Baby Boomers often invest in formal dinnerware and china sets, valuing the tradition of setting a proper table for special occasions and holiday gatherings. Some even go to thrift stores to pick up what they might not have been able to afford back in the day.
Wall Calendars with Nature Scenes
While digital calendars are convenient, Baby Boomers appreciate wall calendars featuring scenic landscapes or wildlife photography, adding a touch of nature to their home decor. Most of us use nothing more than our Google calendars and alerts, which we would be lost without.
Personalized Stationery
Writing letters and thank-you notes on personalized stationery is a practice Baby Boomers cherish, preferring the elegance and personal touch it adds to their correspondence. They are from a time when a thank you note was not just appreciated, from most it was expected. It was also a time when the post office delivered in a timely manner.
Department Store Loyalty
Baby Boomers are more likely to frequent department stores like Macy's or JCPenney, where they can find a variety of products under one roof and enjoy personalized customer service. Although they hate being tracked and aren’t fond of signing up for cards and rewards, they will still shop at the same old familiar stores offering a discount for being around forever.
Photo-Developing Services
Despite digital cameras and smartphones, Baby Boomers still use photo-developing services to print and preserve their photographs, enjoying the physical memories they can hold. Most of us didn’t even know that was an option. Shutterfly is about the only service that we would wait to get our pictures from, but that is on a specialty product.
Fixed-Rate Mortgages
Baby Boomers tend to prefer fixed-rate mortgages over adjustable-rate ones, valuing the stability and predictability of monthly payments throughout the life of their loan. Interest rates are more predictable, and we have discovered that, over time, things tend to equal out, or there are other alternatives.
Traditional Desk Accessories
In their home offices, Baby Boomers often use traditional desk accessories like wooden pencil holders, leather desk pads, and classic desk lamps for a timeless work environment. Nowadays, everything is digital, not disposable.
Encyclopedias and Reference Books
While younger generations rely on Wikipedia and online resources, Baby Boomers still appreciate having encyclopedias and reference books on hand for reliable information. Yes, there are still some who want to look at the table of contents to find what they need.
Newspaper Subscriptions
In addition to online news sources, Baby Boomers continue to subscribe to physical newspapers, enjoying the routine of reading news over breakfast or with a cup of coffee. They long for the actual feel and smell of print over a digital tablet.
Season Tickets to Cultural Events
Baby Boomers are more likely to purchase season tickets to cultural events like symphonies, theater productions, and opera performances, valuing the experience of live entertainment. The people who are always prepared to pull out their zoo memberships are usually over 70.
Traditional Home Décor
Baby Boomers favor traditional home décor styles characterized by rich fabrics, classic furniture designs, and heirloom pieces that reflect their personal history and taste. They aren’t about ordering from Mayfair or Overstock, they believe in long term and name brand.
Landscaping Services
Baby Boomers invest in professional landscaping services to maintain their lawns and gardens, appreciating the expertise and care that professionals bring to outdoor spaces. They also care about things like shrubs and how to prune them.
Branded Apparel
Baby Boomers are loyal to established clothing brands like Levi's, Ralph Lauren, and Eddie Bauer, valuing quality craftsmanship and classic styles over fast fashion trends. They are from a time that Marshall Fields and Woolworth was all the rage.
Home Security Systems
With a focus on safety and peace of mind, Baby Boomers are more likely to invest in comprehensive home security systems that include alarms, cameras, and monitoring services. They want someone to install a system not deal with this new fangled wifi stuff.
Annual Magazine Subscriptions
Baby Boomers enjoy subscribing to magazines that cater to their interests, whether it's gardening, cooking, travel, or health, appreciating the in-depth articles and expert advice. They still have their publications delivered via snail mail.
Retirement Planning Services
As they approach retirement age, Baby Boomers seek professional retirement planning services to ensure financial stability and prepare for life after their careers. They aren’t into taking retirement trading and allocation into their own hands. They prefer to leave that to the professionals.
Traditional Sports Equipment
Baby Boomers prefer traditional sports equipment like Wilson tennis rackets, Spalding basketballs, and Callaway golf clubs, appreciating the quality and reliability of established brands. They wouldn’t dare stop at Target to pick up a no-name piece that relied on just athletic talent.
Every Generation Has Their Consumer Habits, and Old Habits Die Hard
Understanding what Baby Boomers continue to buy sheds light on their values, preferences, and the influences that shaped their consumer habits. Whether it's the comfort of a familiar breakfast cereal or the elegance of formal dinnerware, these purchases reflect a generation that values tradition, quality, and enduring style. So, next time you wonder why your parents or grandparents choose certain products, remember—it's not just about what they buy, but the memories and values associated with those purchases that matter.
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