20 Items Boomers Refuse to Let Go Of—But Never Actually Use

Julie Ann - June 27, 2025

There’s a special kind of magic in the objects we keep from the past. For many boomers, certain items linger in closets, attics, and drawers—not because they’re useful, but because they carry memories. These treasures evoke nostalgia, reminding us of simpler times, family traditions, or milestones long since passed. While practicality often suggests it’s time to let go, sentimentality wins out. Get ready to discover the quirky, endearing, and sometimes puzzling things boomers just can’t seem to part with—no matter how little they use them.

NEXT >>

1. Fine China Sets

Fine china sets are the crown jewels of many boomer households, yet they rarely see the light of day. Delicate patterns and gilded edges make them too precious for everyday meals, so they stay locked away, “just in case” someone hosts a grand dinner party. Ironically, these beautiful dishes mostly serve as decorative keepsakes, evoking memories of family gatherings gone by. Their true value lies in their sentimental power—more cherished for their history than their function.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

2. Silverware for ‘Special Guests’

Polished silverware, nestled in velvet-lined boxes, waits patiently for the elusive “special guest.” The ritual of polishing and the need for gentle hand-washing make these utensils impractical for daily meals. Often inherited, these ornate sets are displayed with pride but rarely used, as their upkeep outweighs their convenience. Like fine china, silverware for special guests stands as a symbol of tradition—honored, admired, but seldom called into action at the family table.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

3. VHS Tapes

Stacks of VHS tapes are a familiar sight in many boomer homes, even as technology leaves them behind. Home-recorded family moments, favorite movies, or even old TV specials cling to shelves and boxes, often without a functional player nearby. Though streaming and DVDs have taken over, the thought of losing those irreplaceable memories keeps these bulky tapes around. They serve as time capsules—gathering dust, yet treasured for the nostalgia and hope that someday, someone will press play again.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

4. Encyclopedias and Reference Books

Towering encyclopedia sets once stood as the cornerstone of learning in many homes. Now, they mostly serve as impressive decor, with their gold-embossed spines and classic covers adding a scholarly touch to any room. Thanks to the internet, these hefty volumes see little action, their pages barely turned in years. Still, they remain—symbols of a time when knowledge was collected, not just clicked—occupying shelves out of habit and a lingering sense of pride.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

5. Sewing Machines

Sewing machines frequently find themselves tucked away in closets or showcased as vintage treasures. Originally bought or inherited with practical intentions—fixing a hem or crafting a quilt—they now mostly gather dust. Modern conveniences and tailors have replaced the need for DIY repairs, leaving these machines largely unused. Some are even displayed as nostalgic décor, reminders of a time when sewing was a cherished household skill rather than a rare necessity.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

6. Crystal Vases

Crystal vases often sparkle behind glass doors or rest safely in storage, rarely fulfilling their intended purpose. Whether received as wedding gifts or passed down through generations, these elegant pieces are deemed too delicate for fresh bouquets. Their intricate patterns are admired from afar, but worries about chips or cracks keep them sidelined. For many boomers, crystal vases are cherished more as beautiful heirlooms than as functional decor for the home.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

7. Fondue Sets

Fondue sets evoke memories of lively gatherings and retro dinner parties, but now they mostly collect dust in cupboards. The idea of dipping bread or fruit into bubbling cheese or chocolate sounds fun, yet the hassle of setup and cleanup is a major deterrent. Still, these sets linger, kept on hand for a nostalgic night that rarely arrives. For many boomers, fondue sets are a quirky reminder of a trendier, more communal era of entertaining.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

8. Rotary Phones

Rotary phones, with their satisfying clicks and sturdy build, remain fixtures in some boomer households. Though landlines have largely disappeared, these vintage devices are often displayed proudly on shelves or side tables. They spark conversation and nostalgia, recalling days when a phone call meant sitting down and taking your time. While they’re almost never used for calls now, rotary phones persist as charming reminders of a slower, more deliberate era of communication.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

9. Recipe Boxes

Recipe boxes packed with handwritten cards sit quietly in kitchen drawers or cupboards, their contents mostly untouched. While family favorites and secret ingredients reside within, the convenience of digital recipes means these treasures are seldom consulted. They come out for special occasions—perhaps when a beloved holiday dish is requested—but otherwise, they serve as nostalgic keepsakes. For boomers, these boxes hold more than recipes; they preserve memories of family, tradition, and meals lovingly prepared.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

10. Exercise Machines from the 80s

Bulky exercise machines like stationary bikes and stair climbers from the 1980s often occupy basements or spare rooms, rarely used for their intended purpose. Instead, they become convenient spots for hanging laundry or storing odds and ends. Despite modern, space-saving alternatives and accessible gyms, many boomers hold onto these relics, clinging to the dream of a fitness comeback. These machines stand as silent witnesses to countless New Year’s resolutions and the ever-present hope for healthier habits.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

11. Cassette Tapes & Players

Cassette tapes and their chunky players are stashed away in countless boomer homes, treasured for the memories they hold. Though streaming services and digital playlists have made them obsolete, these tapes represent favorite bands, cherished mixtapes, and moments from youth. Rarely played anymore, they sit in boxes or drawers—kept not for convenience, but for sentimental value. These relics linger as tactile reminders of a time when music was something you could hold, rewind, and share.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

12. Decorative Towels

Decorative or “guest” towels, often embroidered with intricate patterns, are a familiar sight in boomer bathrooms and linen closets. These towels are for display only—family members know better than to touch them, reaching for the regular ones instead. Their untouched, immaculate state is a source of pride, even if it means they’re never actually used. For many, these towels symbolize hospitality and tradition, even if their true purpose is purely ornamental.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

13. Holiday Sweaters

Holiday sweaters featuring bold colors, jolly patterns, or even jingling bells are stashed away for “just the right occasion.” Despite their cheerful appearance, these festive garments spend most of the year folded in closets or storage bins. They might make a rare appearance at a themed party or in a family holiday photo, but otherwise, they’re seldom worn. Holiday sweaters linger as whimsical reminders of celebrations past and the hope for future festive gatherings.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

14. Tupperware Lids Without Containers

Drawers overflowing with mismatched Tupperware lids and orphaned containers are a classic feature of boomer kitchens. Despite the endless search for a matching set, many of these lids and bottoms never reunite, yet they’re rarely thrown away. Kept with the hope that their pair will magically appear, they serve as a quirky tribute to the era of leftovers and homemade lunches. Their abundance is a sign that practicality sometimes gives way to wishful thinking.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

15. Record Albums Without Turntables

Vinyl record albums line shelves in many boomer homes, celebrated for their iconic cover art and connection to cherished memories. Yet, without a working turntable, these records are seldom played—serving more as decorative keepsakes than sources of music. For many, the albums represent a personal soundtrack of youth and favorite artists. Their continued presence is a nod to the tangible joy of collecting music, even if their grooves remain silent for years.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

16. Porcelain Figurines

Delicate porcelain figurines, often collected one by one across the years, line shelves and curio cabinets in many boomer homes. Rarely touched or moved, these small sculptures are treasured for their sentimental value and the traditions they represent. Some depict milestone moments, while others were gifts or part of a beloved collection. They remain on display not for function, but because they’ve always been a part of the home’s fabric—surviving every move and makeover.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

17. Old Greeting Cards

Boxes filled with greeting cards—saved from birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions—are tucked away in drawers and closets. While these cards are seldom revisited, their true value lies in the memories and love they represent. Each handwritten note or signature becomes a keepsake, a tangible connection to friends and family both near and far. Over the years, these heartfelt mementos accumulate, creating a quiet archive of cherished moments and relationships.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

18. Travel Souvenirs

Travel souvenirs—snow globes, miniature landmarks, quirky shot glasses—find their way home from vacations but soon lose their place of honor. Though each piece recalls a special trip or adventure, most end up tucked away in boxes or gathering dust on forgotten shelves. These keepsakes serve as physical reminders of journeys and wanderlust, yet their practical use is minimal. For many boomers, the memories matter far more than the objects themselves.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

19. Old Cameras and Film

Analog cameras and undeveloped rolls of film lie hidden in drawers, relics from a pre-digital world. Many boomers hold onto these items, dreaming of one day developing those old films and reliving captured memories. Yet, the process often feels daunting or is simply forgotten as newer technology takes over. These cameras and films serve as time capsules, quietly preserving moments that may never be seen, but are too precious to discard.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

20. Instruction Manuals

Instruction manuals for long-gone appliances and outdated gadgets fill drawers and file folders in many boomer households. Kept “just in case” they’re needed, these booklets are rarely, if ever, actually referenced—especially now that digital versions are a quick search away. Still, they persist as a comfort, a tangible backup in a world that’s gone paperless. Their presence is a quiet testament to the desire for preparedness, even when practicality says otherwise.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Holding On or Letting Go?

Whether driven by sentimental value, nostalgia, or the hope of future usefulness, these cherished items remain a part of many boomer households—even if they rarely serve their original purpose. Each object tells a story, connecting us to family, past experiences, and traditions. As you look around your own home, consider what you’re holding on to and why. Perhaps it’s time to let go of a few things, or maybe these mementos deserve their place as meaningful chapters in your personal history.

<< Previous