5 Old-fashioned Gifts That Should Make A Comeback

Old-fashioned gifts, songs, and traditions speak louder to my sentiment than whatever we have going on today.


The clear message from marketing is that if we have anything other than the newest edition we will be left behind. This leads us to just keep buying and consuming more and more.


If you’re looking for frugal gift ideas, I have some homemade gifts and old-fashioned gift ideas you might appreciate.

There are plenty of things that never go out of style. Time with loved ones never becomes outdated. Old poetry, songs, and stories never lose their value.


Yes, technology is newer and convenient, but it is not always better. It’s better to connect face-to-face than online. It’s better to sit in front of the fireplace than it is to watch Netflix.


The best gifts are the ones that can’t be wrapped. A concert, a trip to the museum, or any experience with a loved one, is far more valuable than any physical item.


Maybe it’s time we take a hint from previous generations on sharing and exchanging gifts. I put together a list of gifts that people used to exchange, that I think we should bring back.


While they might not be popular, expensive, or tech-based they provide a deeper gift for the recipient. They help you to enjoy your life, and your health, and help you focus on your priorities.

Jarred fruit

1. Something in a jar

Everyone appreciates a homemade gift, and you’ll never go wrong with food. There’s just something personal about sharing a harvest, even if it came from the farmer’s market. Jams and jellies are always a hit.


I like to include a loaf of homemade bread or crackers. If I’m giving tomato sauce, I’ll give it with some pasta. In previous generations, they’d label and date the jars and cover the lid with a piece of fabric. This creates a stunning presentation on anyone’s kitchen shelf.

Smartwatch

2 Analogue wristwatch

For the past couple of years, I have been wearing a smartwatch. I thought it would be convenient for work, and it truly has been helpful in that area of my life.


But, outside of work, it stresses me out to have something on my wrist that is constantly vibrating or dinging, pulling my attention in too many different directions.


Another issue is that after wearing my smartwatch for just a couple of years it is rendered inoperable because the software gets outdated.


In essence, the watch becomes a digital shell and I am forced to upgrade. This is a cycle I want to break out of because it screams needless consumption.


When it comes to watches, older is better than newer. I can just replace the batteries and it will be as good as new. A classic watch will last generations, as opposed to just a couple of years.

China tea set

3. Tea set

I truly believe that tea time can help you enjoy life. I know stopping for tea can sound insane with our busy lifestyles, but it just proves the point that taking time to relax requires some discipline.


Building time in your schedule to consistently relax is proven to help you enjoy life, improve your health, and focus on your priorities.


Taking time to break from routine so you can relax, will help you create mental space to think, reflect, and count your blessings.

Tying apron

4. Aprons

Before the 1970’s, aprons were a standard accessory for many occupations both in and outside the home. When clothing became easier to produce, aprons lost their popularity. This makes me sad because I love aprons.


Putting on an apron is kind of like when a superhero puts on their cape. It provides a signal that you’re about to work with purpose and intention. It helps bring your focus and attention towards the work you’re doing.

Oil lamp

5. Oil lamps

I love oil lamps for several reasons. You can control how bright they are by adjusting the size of the flame. They are also easily portable. You can move them whenever, wherever without having to worry about spilling wax.


They are also clean burning. Your oil candle will burn without polluting the air. It’s a convenient way to save on electricity too.


Old-fashioned gifts

These were some of my favorite old-fashioned gift ideas. Do you have any old-fashioned gifts you love to give? Leave me a comment with your recommendations on what we should bring back and why it should be revived.

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  • Madelyn Madelyn on Jan 30, 2024
    Love this page! Helped give me some ideas. Thank you 😊
  • C L D C L D on Jan 30, 2024
    Thanks for sharing your 5 things to bring back ! I agree 1000% with you on all 5 ! The things I’d like to add to this list of 5 things is a friends and/or family card game, board game afternoon, or evening once a month or more ! Also, real books, made from paper once in a while; not a magazine, a book that brings laughter and joy into your life; and word find, word searches.
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