11 Things We Used To Think Were Obsolete But Are Making A Comeback Now
Sometimes the past really does know best.
Stock-Asso / Shutterstock For years, it felt like certain things were being quietly left behind. Technology marched forward, trends changed faster than ever, and anything that felt even slightly old-fashioned got tucked away or tossed out. We traded slow for instant, physical for digital, and simple for sleek. But now, something interesting is happening. Some of those forgotten things are finding their way back.
Maybe it’s nostalgia, or maybe it’s a reaction to how exhausting the modern world can be. Either way, people are rediscovering the comfort, charm, and usefulness of what we once considered outdated. And instead of just romanticizing the past, we’re reimagining it — mixing old and new in a way that actually works.
These are 11 things we used to think were obsolete but are making a comeback now
1. Flip phones
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Once ditched in favor of smartphones, flip phones are now making a slow but steady return, especially among people who want fewer distractions. They’re compact, durable, and oddly satisfying to close with a snap, but more than anything, they represent a step back from constant notifications and endless scrolling.
Some people are even using them as a digital detox device, keeping their smartphones on standby and reaching for a flip phone when they want to be present. While they used to scream dated, they now whisper peace of mind.
2. Vinyl records
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For a while, vinyl was mostly seen as a collector’s item or something your parents boxed up in the attic, but in the last few years, it’s become a beloved part of music culture again.
There’s something about the physicality of putting on a record — the sound, the cover art, the ritual — that streaming just can’t replicate. Younger generations are discovering this for the first time, while older ones are dusting off their turntables. It’s less about being a music snob and more about reconnecting with the full experience of listening.
3. Film photography
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When smartphones made taking and editing photos instant, film seemed like it was headed for extinction. But now, it’s back, and it’s being embraced by pros and casual users who want something real.
Film photos have texture, depth, and imperfections that can’t be filtered. There’s also the magic of waiting to see how a roll turns out, which feels surprisingly exciting in a world of instant gratification. Even disposable cameras are making their way to weddings and vacations again, adding a little nostalgia to the mix.
4. Handwritten letters
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Texts are quick, and emails are easy, but more people are starting to remember how deeply meaningful a handwritten note can be. There’s effort and emotion in writing something by hand, and it tends to say more than a screen ever could.
Whether it’s thank-you cards, birthday notes, or just a simple “thinking of you,” these little gestures are making a comeback. In a digital world, tangible words suddenly feel rare, and rare things get treasured.
5. Physical books
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E-readers and audiobooks have their perks, but for many, nothing replaces the feeling of holding a real book. And lately, more people are choosing paper over pixels. Maybe it’s the smell of the pages, the satisfying weight, or the joy of seeing your progress without a battery icon.
Libraries are seeing a resurgence, independent bookstores are thriving, and people are even curating bookshelves again, not just as decor, but as an extension of identity. Reading is becoming a ritual, not just a pastime.
6. Board games
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For a while, game night meant tapping on screens in the same room, but now, classic board games are making a serious return to living rooms and dining tables. People are craving face-to-face interaction that doesn’t involve Wi-Fi.
Games bring conversation, laughter, and a break from passively consuming content. They invite people to connect in real time, with real reactions, and that’s something even the best multiplayer app can’t fully recreate.
7. Slow cooking
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In the age of meal kits and air fryers, slow cookers felt like a relic from another era. But the act of preparing food over several hours is finding new fans, especially among people craving calm and comfort.
There’s something grounding about letting a soup simmer or a roast cook all day, filling the house with warmth and scent. It's all about creating a rhythm, slowing down, and finding joy in something that takes its time. Instead of feeling outdated, it now feels like self-care.
8. Sitting on the porch
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For years, porches were left unused while we sat inside with screens. But now, more people are heading outside with a cup of something warm and a desire to watch the world go by.
According to the National Association of Homebuilders, "Of the roughly 950,000 single-family homes started in 2023, the SOC data show that 67.7% were built with porches. This is four full percentage points higher than the 63.7% reported for patios, and marks the first time the share of new homes with porches has surpassed two-thirds since the re-design of the SOC in 2005."
There’s peace in the quiet observation of birds, neighbors, and sunsets. It’s an invitation to be present without pressure, to enjoy small talk or no talk at all. In a world full of overstimulation, the porch has become a soft landing spot again.
9. Sewing and mending your own clothes
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Fast fashion made it easy to toss and replace, but now a growing number of people are turning back to mending their own clothes, or even making them from scratch.
It’s part sustainability, part creativity, and part reclaiming a sense of agency. Repairing a hole or altering a shirt gives people a small but meaningful sense of control. And in a world where everything feels disposable, the ability to fix something feels powerful.
10. Paper planners
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Digital calendars are convenient, sure. But paper planners are making a noticeable comeback, especially among those who want to slow down and reconnect with their day.
Writing things by hand helps with memory, focus, and mindfulness. It creates a personal rhythm to the week that typing into an app doesn’t replicate. Plus, checking off a to-do list with actual pen and paper just feels better. Organized no longer has to mean hyper-digital.
11. Real conversations
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For a long time, sitting around without phones felt unnatural. But lately, more people are putting them away on purpose, just to talk and truly listen. It doesn’t require a rule or a social media post, just presence.
Once people remember what it feels like to be fully engaged in conversation without background distractions, they often don’t want to go back. We thought attention spans were gone for good, but it turns out, they just needed to be invited back to the table.
Sloane Bradshaw is a writer and essayist who frequently contributes to YourTango.
