Sometimes, things are best left as they were. ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,’ as they say. To celebrate the past, we’re looking at 19 old items that were better than modern alternatives and cheaper as well.
Cast Iron Skillets
A cast iron skillet can last generations if you care for it properly, whereas non-stick pans will only last a few years at most. Their superior heat retention leads to more efficient cooking, and they lack the chemicals found in pan coatings.
Vinyl Records
2023 saw an impressive 12.3% increase in physical music sales compared to the 10% drop the year before, according to Now Spinning. It appears as if the younger generation is coming around to the idea of the superior sound quality and satisfying collectability of the vinyl record.
Fountain Pens
Nobody really likes a biro, or at least they won’t when they’ve tried writing with an actual fountain pen. It’s a more enjoyable and much smoother writing experience, and while fountain pens may not be cheaper straight off the bat, they last longer than biros, so they may be cheaper in the long run.
Mechanical Watches
Here’s another item that might not seem cheaper at first glance compared to digital watches but may well last longer. In fact, a good mechanical watch can last for hundreds of years if looked after right, so they can become heirlooms. And they’re pretty beautiful!
Film Cameras
Yahoo! Life recently reported a 900% increase in film camera sales over the past 8 years as people have come back around to the beautiful aesthetic of film photography with its wonderful grain. Despite this, hardly anywhere develops film, which is a sad thing!
Leather Bound Books
The timeless look of leather-bound books is one thing, but once you open one up to feel and smell the leather, it becomes an amazing sensory experience. On top of that, leather is much more durable to protect the pages within, although it’s not exactly sustainable.
Manual Typewriters
It’s not ideal that editing your work when writing with typewriters is impossible, but there are a few benefits that people miss from them. The tactical feedback of the keyboard is one thing that computer keyboards have never really managed to replicate, and the analog reliability is unmatched.
Hand Tools
Tools used by hand were built to last, whereas electronic tools often break after a few years of using them at most. Of course, they were cheaper to buy as well, although they’re harder to find now as most DIY stores have replaced them with their electronic counterparts.
Paper Notebooks
There’s a lot to be said for actually writing down your notes on a piece of paper from a notebook instead of saving it to the notes app on your phone. It’s easier to retain the information, whereas it tends to get lost with all the other data on your smartphone.
Acoustic Instruments
Electronic music is an exciting prospect for many people, but it’s expensive to buy a synthesizer or even the setup for an electric guitar, which also requires cables and an amp. Acoustic instruments are cheaper and, for many people, even more satisfying.
Analog Alarm Clocks
A market research report by Precision Reports on LinkedIn anticipates an unlikely comeback for analog alarm clocks. Why? Well, the simplicity due to the lack of features is one reason. Plus, these devices are more reliable, and they don’t emit blue light, leading to better sleep.
Wool Blankets
Real genuine wool for a blanket is something we truly miss. You won’t find a warmer material that’s also breathable! There are other benefits to wool blankets, too: they’re biodegradable and recyclable, and they’re more durable than cotton. This makes wool blankets a win-win.
Rotary Phones
Rotary phones’ simple and reliable mechanics hardly require any maintenance, yet if something goes wrong with your smartphone or even your digital landline phone, it can be super expensive to repair. Rotary phones are still worth using for this reason, and they have an attractive vintage aesthetic.
Wind-Up Clocks
Another item that provides a satisfying vintage feel but is actually more practical than its digital version in many ways is the classic wind-up clock. They’re super durable and very precise, plus there’s no need to charge them or use batteries.
Manual Can Openers
Let’s be honest: electric can openers are quite impractical for anyone who is able to physically use a manual one. Manual ones are genuinely easier for most people, and they’re much more affordable and compact for your kitchen.
Visiting Local Libraries
Taking books out of libraries took a massive dip around 10-20 years ago when people started to read more and more content online, and the world’s attention span dipped. But all hope is not lost. Statistics from Statista show that library usage is on the rise once again.
Classic Board Games
Digital gaming has made today’s kids less social creatures, as they’d prefer to play solo rather than around a board with friends or family. Board games also encourage strategic thinking and problem-solving more than many video games, which is good for development.
Cooking with Traditional Techniques
Some people argue that food tastes better when cooked using traditional methods like slow cooking or fermentation. Whether you agree with that or not, these techniques can be both healthier and more affordable than modern cooking.
Reading Physical Books
Physically turning the pages of a book rather than scrolling through an Amazon Kindle or similar product is not only a lot more satisfying but can also help with focus. This leads to a greater understanding of the book and, therefore, more enjoyment of it.
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