Millennials have rewritten the spending rules, and some industries didn’t survive the purge. What once seemed essential is now just a waste of money, time, or common sense. Rumor has it that they’re slowly ditching overpriced traditions and useless gadgets! Wanna know more? Here’s a deep dive into everything millennials have ghosted—no nostalgia, no regrets, and definitely no receipts.
Diamonds: “Why Buy a Rock When We Can Buy Experiences?”
There was a time when spending three months’ salary on a tiny, overpriced rock was a sign of love. Millennials, however, took one look at their student loan debt and said, “Eh, let’s just get matching tattoos instead.”
Instead of dropping thousands on a diamond, millennials opt for moissanite, lab-grown gems, or skipping jewelry altogether. Eternal love doesn’t need a 30-year financing plan.
While boomers clutch their pearls (or, more accurately, their overpriced diamonds), millennials prioritize travel, financial stability, and avocado toast over an outdated engagement tradition. Honestly, that’s good for them.
Cable TV: “Paying for Commercials? Yeah, No.”
Remember flipping through 500 channels only to realize nothing was worth watching? Millennials do, and that’s exactly why they dumped cable like a bad ex.
Cable companies tried to trap them with bundles that included landlines no one wanted and channels no one requested. But millennials weren’t fooled. Instead, streaming services, password-sharing, and “totally legal” VPN tricks won.
Now, cable execs are panicking, realizing that no amount of dramatic weather coverage will bring back the customers they lost to Netflix and YouTube. RIP, cable TV. You had a good run.
Paper Napkins: “Because Apparently, Sleeves Exist”
At every dinner table, there used to be a neat little stack of paper napkins. Millennials, however, took one look and thought, “How about using my sleeve?”
Brands have tried everything—cute patterns, extra absorbency, even marketing them as “vintage.” But millennials aren’t throwing money in the trash for something a kitchen towel can do better.
Big Napkin isn’t going down without a fight, but millennials see a scam when they smell one. Overpriced, glorified tissue paper isn’t making a comeback anytime soon.
Cereal: “The Casualty of Brunch Culture”
Cereal was once the undisputed king of breakfast, a crunchy, sugar-packed meal pretending to be healthy. But millennials dumped it faster than you can say “brunch mimosa.”
The milk situation didn’t help. Many millennials no longer drink regular milk—oat milk, almond milk, and “whatever was on sale at Trader Joe’s” have taken over.
Why rush through a sad bowl of cereal when you can sip overpriced coffee, eat curated avocado toast, and call it self-care? Cereal simply can’t compete with the brunch aesthetic.
Fabric Softener: “Because We Like Our Towels Scratchy”
Somewhere along the way, fabric softeners became a necessity. However, companies have long failed to convince Millennials of its importance. “Wait, why are we paying for this?“
Skipping fabric softener doesn’t make clothes disintegrate—in fact, it probably makes them last longer. Plus, millennials aren’t thrilled about dumping extra chemicals into their laundry.
Fabric softener brands tried guilt-tripping them (“Don’t you want the softest sheets for your family?”). Millennials responded with a resounding “Nope.” Their towels may be rough, but their wallets are slightly less painful to look at.
Fast Food Drive-Thrus: “Why Leave the House When We Can Pay Extra for Delivery?”
Fast food used to be the ultimate lazy meal. Then, delivery apps arrived, and suddenly, driving for five minutes felt like too much effort.
Sure, ordering McDonald’s through an app costs three times as much, but convenience is priceless. Millennials will happily pay absurd fees just to avoid human interaction. (As introverts, we felt that way.)
Fast food chains are desperately trying to lure them back, but as long as delivery exists, drive-thrus might just go the way of Blockbuster—fondly remembered, but completely irrelevant.
Golf: “A Sport That Takes Too Long and Costs Too Much”
Golf was once the pinnacle of status sports. Fancy clubs, sprawling greens, and an unspoken rule that you must dress like a country club dad.
But millennials saw the price tag and time commitment. So, yeah, no thanks!Club memberships, equipment, and half a day spent in the sun? Hard pass.
Mini golf? Sure. Topgolf? Absolutely. But traditional golf? That’s strictly a “dad sport” now. Millennials aren’t wasting their weekends chasing a tiny ball.
Homeownership: “A Fairy Tale Millennials Will Never Star In”
Boomers love to complain that millennials aren’t buying houses anymore, as if grilled cheese sandwiches are responsible for a broken housing market.
Honey, it’s the skyrocketing prices, stagnant wages, and interest rates that make souls cry, are the real culprits. Even dual-income households can barely scrape together a down payment!
Millennials didn’t choose to kill homeownership—homeownership ghosted them first. Until the market stops being a rich person’s playground, millennials will happily keep renting.
Phone Calls: “Just Text Me, I Beg You”
The sound of a ringing phone is millennial horror movie material. It’s sudden, invasive, and worse—it means you have to actually talk—energy-draining!
Why suffer through small talk when you can just send a well-thought-out text with an edit button? Millennials have mastered the art of dodging calls with “Sorry, I fell asleep!”
Boomers call it rude; millennials call it self-preservation. If it can’t be said through a voice note, meme, or emoji, does it even need to be said?
Cash: “If You Can’t Venmo It, Does It Even Exist?”
Millennials abandoned paper money like a VHS tape at a Blockbuster closing sale. If a business doesn’t take cards, they’re simply not getting millennial money.
Watch a millennial at a “cash only” restaurant—they’ll leave before they find an ATM. Coins? Forget about it. Dropping a penny? That’s a full loss.
Cash is dirty, inconvenient, and worst of all—it doesn’t come with cashback rewards. Unless businesses evolve, millennials will continue swiping left on cash.
Luxury Handbags: “Why Spend Rent Money on a Leather Sack?”
Once a status symbol, designer handbags are now struggling to stay relevant because millennials would rather afford groceries and go thrifting! Still fashionable minus hunger!
Brands have tried “affordable luxury” (translation: still stupidly expensive), but millennials aren’t falling for it. If it can’t fit a laptop, a reusable water bottle, and emergency snacks, it’s useless.
Recently, luxury brands have been catering to boomers, and influencers are desperately trying to convince millennials that a bag is worth more than financial stability. It’s just not.
Checkbooks: “The Forgotten Relic of an Ancient Time”
Checkbooks were once a household staple—a simpler time before Venmo, PayPal, and Apple Pay took over. But seriously? They’re just pure inconvenience.
Who even accepts checks anymore besides landlords stuck in 1995 and that one relative who refuses to use online banking? Even banks seem annoyed when someone actually deposits one.
Currently, checkbooks exist solely for emergencies—like paying a pet sitter who only takes cash or check. Otherwise, they sit forgotten in a dusty drawer.
Physical Maps: “GPS Exists, and We’re Never Going Back”
They used to be road trip essential, but now… they’re only useful as emergency toilet paper or ironic wall décor. Millennials have zero patience for giant, impossible-to-fold sheets of outdated information.
Instead of frantically flipping through a map while someone yells “Just read the road signs!” from the driver’s seat, millennials just plug in the address and let Google Maps do the work.
Boomers insist knowing how to read a map is important, but if Google Maps fails, millennials won’t reach for a Rand McNally atlas. They’ll just sit in their cars and panic.
Wedding Registries: “We Already Own a Blender, Thanks.”
Wedding registries were created in an era when couples actually needed household basics. Millennials don’t need that because they mostly get married after living together, so they don’t need another toaster.
Instead of forcing guests to buy monogrammed towels, millennials opt for cash gifts, honeymoon funds, or skipping the registry altogether. Who needs a gravy boat when student loans exist?
Boomers call this “lazy.” Millennials call it “not making people waste money on stuff we don’t need.” Honestly, wedding registries are fading fast—and that’s a win for everyone.
Hotel Chains: “Why Stay in a Beige Box When We Can Sleep in a Treehouse?”
Traditional hotels used to be the go-to for travel, but being experience-driven penny-pinchers, millennials now prefer Airbnbs, boutique stays, or sleeping in a yurt.
Hotel chains, with their sterile décor, overpriced mini-fridges, and $15 WiFi fees, simply can’t compete with the charm of converted school buses or off-grid cabins.
Hotels are trying to adapt, but unless they start offering quirky stays, unique experiences, and free artisan coffee, they’ll keep losing ground. Millennials want vibes, not bland corporate rooms.
Top Sheets: “Millennials Have Officially Canceled Them.”
Boomers love their multi-layered bedding setups, but millennials? They’re all tired of it. They woke up and realized they no longer need top sheets on their beds.
It’s just an extra step that ends up bunched at the foot of the bed after one night. Millennials prioritize simplicity, and top sheets don’t fit the vibe.
Hotels and linen companies are still clinging to them, but millennials aren’t returning. The bed should be easy to make, easy to sleep in, and easy to wash.
Formal Dining Rooms: “Let’s Just Turn This Into a Home Office.”
We’re still seeing houses with dining rooms today, but we’re afraid they’ll be gone soon. Why? Millennials, ever the practical generation, see them as wasted space that should be repurposed.
Instead of fancy table settings, millennials are turning dining rooms into home offices, game rooms, or creative studios. Why dedicate an entire room to a table we’ll never use?
Boomers insist on keeping the tradition alive, but millennials have evolved. If a space isn’t useful daily, it’s getting repurposed or demolished.
Plastic Water Bottles: “Millennials Have Declared Them Trash (Literally).”
It used to be a symbol of convenience but eventually became a symbol of environmental guilt. Millennials want sustainability, and single-use plastic is the enemy.
Brands like Hydro Flask and Stanley Cups have become status symbols, while plastic bottles gather dust in grocery stores or roll around in back seats. After all, reusable bottles are much safer!
Water bottle companies are panicking, but millennials aren’t budging. If it’s not reusable, aesthetic, and capable of keeping water ice-cold for 12 hours, it doesn’t belong in their hands.
Greeting Cards: “Just Text Me, It’s 2025.”
Remember the times when you need to buy a $6 greeting card, write a generic message, and then watch the recipient toss it in the trash? Ah, millennials are now rejecting the idea!
Instead of wasting money on folded cardstock, millennials send memes, GIFs, or—if they’re feeling fancy—a digital e-card. It’s cheaper, faster, and less wasteful.
Boomers might call this lazy and insincere, but nowadays, no one actually enjoys writing holiday cards because of digital media. A text does the job just fine.
Buffets: “The Least Trustworthy Way to Eat.”
Buffets used to be the dream—unlimited food, no judgment, and a chance to mix sushi with mashed potatoes. But millennials? The day has come to say not to trust communal food.
First of all, sanitation. Millennials know too much about germs, sneeze guards, and that one guy who always double-dips. Plus, buffets aren’t even cheap anymore.
Millennials would rather go to a quality restaurant, order one solid meal, and not worry about mystery meat. Buffets had their time—but that time is over.
Business Cards: “Just Add Me on LinkedIn.”
We’ve lived it—the time when handing out business cards was considered a power move. Yet, the world has changed, and those tiny rectangles of paper are instantly lost and entirely pointless.
Why carry a physical card when you can connect instantly online? LinkedIn, QR codes, and plain old texting have made business cards as obsolete as fax machines.
They were once a professional necessity, but millennials just know better. If your entire networking strategy relies on a piece of cardstock, you’re probably doing it wrong.
Gym Memberships: “Why Pay for a Treadmill When the Sidewalk is Free?”
Gym memberships used to be a flex, proof that you were at least pretending to care about fitness. But taking a hard look at that monthly fee? Millennials just know it’s time to let go.
Between YouTube workouts, fitness apps, and TikTok exercise challenges, millennials can get fit without overpriced gym contracts. Plus, fluorescent lighting and grunting strangers? Not the vibe.
Gyms are desperate to lure them back, but millennials aren’t biting. If they can get the same results for free, why would they fork over $50 a month to pretend they’ll use a treadmill?
Physical Alarm Clocks: “We Have Smartphones, Thanks.”
OMG. We all owned this—a clunky alarm clock next to our bed! Of course, this is not the case for millennials because their phones replaced alarm clocks ages ago!
Why settle for a jarring “BEEP BEEP BEEP” when your phone can wake you up with a calming playlist, a fake sunrise, or a celebrity voice? It’s a no-brainer.
Even the fancy “gradual wake-up” alarm clocks aren’t fooling anyone. Millennials aren’t returning to single-purpose devices when their phones do everything better.
Bar Soap: That Slippery, Slimy Relic of the Past
Bar soap apologists argue that soaps are more eco-friendly, cheaper, and last longer. But millennials, forever haunted by memories of that one time a sibling left a mysterious indent in the family soap bar, remain unmoved.
The convenience of a pump bottle and a loofah trumps nostalgia every time. They’re way more superior, and a non-germ-sharing alternative. And that’s why Big Soap is sweating.
Of course, fancy artisanal bar soaps still exist for aesthetic purposes, but those are just overpriced shower decorations. Millennials might buy them, but they’re not actually using them. So, what’s the point?
Postcards: The Most Expensive Way to Say “Wish You Were Here”
People once traveled to new places, found a gaudy postcard with a generic scenic view, scribbled a few words, and mailed it, hoping it would arrive sometime before the next century.
On the other hand, millennials asked, “Why not just post a picture online for free?” Yes, social media killed postcards, plain and simple.
Why spend money on a piece of cardboard when you can take a selfie in front of the Eiffel Tower and instantly send it to everyone? Most people don’t even read postcards!
Fabric Tablecloths: “Why Cover a Table If You’re Just Going to Eat on It?”
Millennials see tablecloths for what they are—extra laundry waiting to happen. If a table isn’t good enough to be seen, why buy it?
Millennials are now switching from fancy linens to minimalist, easy-to-clean tables. There is no need for delicate cloth that stains immediately. It’s not really practical, folks.
Tablecloths are trying to make a comeback, but unless they can resist wine spills and crumbs, millennials aren’t interested. You keep working on your marketing more.
DVDs and Blu-rays: Streaming Has Entered the Chat
Remember when owning a huge DVD collection was a flex? Millennials do, but they also remember the horror of moving apartments with 200+ plastic cases. So, naturally, they ditched physical media for the cloud.
With streaming services offering instant access to everything (except the one movie you want to watch), the idea of physically inserting a disc into a player feels prehistoric.
Boomers might argue that owning a DVD means you always have access to it, but millennials don’t own much of anything anymore. They rent their movies, their music, their furniture, and sometimes even their pets.
Fancy Perfume: “Body Spray Does the Same Job for a Fraction of the Price.”
Boomers love investing in designer perfumes that cost as much as a utility bill. So, choosing the other way, millennials decided to stick with body spray and scented lotion instead.
Why drop $100+ on a bottle of fancy-smelling chemicals when a $6 body mist does the same job? Come on, most perfumes smell like fake flowers!
Luxury perfume brands are trying to stay relevant, but millennials aren’t buying them. If a perfume costs more than dinner and doesn’t last all day, it’s not worth it.
Fax Machines: “Why Is This Still a Thing?”
Nothing triggers millennial rage quite like being told to fax something. In the year 2025. “Seriously? Why do we have to do this? We’re in a very digital age!”
Why are fax machines still around when email, scanning apps, and digital signatures exist? The fax era should’ve ended with dial-up internet.
Companies still forcing fax usage are fighting a losing battle. Millennials will go to absurd lengths to avoid using one, and fax machines should be extinct by now.
Disposable Razors: “Why Keep Buying Trash When One Razor Lasts Forever?”
Your bathroom is not a bathroom if it wasn’t overflowed with plastic razors that got tossed after a few uses. Millennials just don’t like to waste and take an action to do better.
Enter safety razors, electric shavers, and subscription blade services. Instead of constantly buying overpriced disposables, millennials are investing in razors that last. Bonus points if they’re eco-friendly.
Big Razor tried fighting back with fancy moisture strips and neon colors, but millennials aren’t impressed. Why pay for a lifetime of disposable razors when one good blade can last forever?
Fancy China Sets: “We’re Not Hosting a Royal Dinner Party.”
Did you know that owning a set of fancy china meant you were a real adult? Of course, millennials disagreed. How come fragile and high-maintenance plates measure that?
Hand-washing delicate dishware after a dinner party that probably involved takeout? Not happening. Millennials prefer dishwasher-safe, everyday plates that won’t induce anxiety over potential breakage.
Now, entire generations of china sets are collecting dust in thrift stores because nobody wants them. Millennials aren’t killing fine dining traditions—they’re just rejecting unnecessary stress.
The Concept of Owning a Car: Gas Prices Killed the Dream
Actually, considering the pricey car payments, insurance, gas prices, and maintenance costs, we understand the Millennials’ choice of Uber! Everything is just so expensive.
With rideshare apps, public transportation, and biking culture on the rise, car ownership is becoming optional, especially in cities with limited parking.
And for those brave enough to own a car, many opt for used or electric options rather than going into debt for something that loses value the second you drive it off the lot.
Printed User Manuals: “We Can Just Google It.”
Remember when every new gadget came with a giant paper manual that no one actually read? Millennials don’t, because they immediately Google everything.
Why flip through 200 pages of instructions when YouTube tutorials exist? If a product requires a physical manual to understand, it’s probably too complicated anyway.
Companies still printing book-length instructions are wasting paper. Millennials aren’t reading them—they’re searching for a five-minute TikTok explainer instead.
Travel Agents: “We Have the Internet, Thanks.”
Oh, those days when booking a vacation required a professional travel agent, but it was not until Millennials figured out that Expedia and Google Flights existed.
With apps, price trackers, and DIY travel blogs, millennials can plan entire trips themselves—for FREE. The idea of paying someone else to do it? Laughable.
Travel agents are trying to stay relevant by offering “curated experiences.” But millennials will stick to the internet unless they can get flights for half price.
Bedskirts: “Just Let the Bed Frame Exist in Peace.”
Boomers love a neatly tucked bedskirt, but millennials? They’ve collectively loathed the idea that beds need an extra layer of unnecessary fabric.
Bedskirts serve no real purpose besides hiding the stuff you’ve shoved under the bed. Millennials aren’t wasting money on them when storage bins and minimalist frames exist.
Retailers are still selling them, but millennials aren’t purchasing. If it doesn’t add comfort, function, or aesthetic value, it doesn’t belong in the bedroom.
Doorbells: The Most Unnecessary Piece of Home Technology
Ringing a doorbell was a normal thing. But thanks to texting, millennials have decided it’s actually way more polite to just send a “Here” message than to startle everyone with an unexpected chime.
Think about it: When did you last use a doorbell instead of just calling or knocking? Exactly. Millennials have turned doorbells into a decorative feature rather than a functional one.
Be honest. Half the time, they don’t even work! Now, with video doorbells taking over, the traditional “ding-dong” is on life support. Millennials didn’t kill doorbells—technology did.
Souvenirs: “We Have Photos, That’s Enough.”
Are you the type of person who loves to collect souvenirs from every trip—magnets, shot glasses, tiny figurines? Apparently, that’s not the case for millennials. They prioritize experiences more over clutter.
A photo on Instagram holds more memories than a cheap keychain ever will. Millennials aren’t stuffing their suitcases with junk they’ll eventually throw away.
Tourist shops are struggling because millennials have learned lessons and aren’t interested in overpriced memorabilia. It doesn’t serve a purpose, so it’s not coming home.
Landline Phones: “Why Would We Pay for This?”
The fact that landline phones still exist is one of life’s great mysteries. Millennials do not understand why anyone pays for a phone they never use. You just see them slowly covered in dust.
If millennials hear a landline ring, their first reaction isn’t “I should answer that”—it’s “Who still calls landlines?” The only people using them are telemarketers and scammers.
Boomers claim landlines are for emergencies. Millennials know the truth—if there’s an emergency, they call 911 instead directly on their phones.
High Heels: “Why Choose Pain When Sneakers Exist?”
Millennials love looking good, but not at the expense of comfort. The era of sky-high stilettos is fading, and chunky sneakers have taken over.
Why choose to suffer through blisters and foot pain when sneakers now go with every outfit? Even formal occasions welcome flats and stylish loafers.
Shoe brands are still making high heels, don’t get us wrong. But until when? Maybe if they find a way to make them feel like clouds, millennials will buy those again!
Full-Sized Wallets: “We Only Need Three Cards, Max.”
Gone were the days when we carried wallets the size of small purses, stuffed with cash, receipts, and 20 different loyalty cards. Millennials? They’ve downsized to cardholders and phone wallets.
With the rise of contactless payments, Apple Pay, and digital IDs, there’s no need to carry a leather brick in your pocket. In fact, you can just forget it exists now.
Millennials don’t need compartments for everything. If it doesn’t fit in a pocket or phone case, it’s too big. Can luxury wallet brands still adapt to this inevitable change? We’ll see.
Curtains: Why Bother When Blinds Exist?
Yes, people used to spend hundreds of dollars on fancy curtains, decorative rods, and those little tiebacks that serve no real purpose! But it’s time to end, said the millennials!
Why? Because blinds exist. They’re cheaper, easier to clean, and don’t require an interior design degree to install. It’s a simple pull-string that does the same job as curtains.
The only millennials who do buy curtains are the ones tricked into thinking they’re necessary. But within a year, they’ll realize they’ve been scammed and quietly replace them with blinds like everyone else.
Ironing: Because Wrinkles Are Just Fabric’s Natural Expression
Back then, neatly pressed clothes were a sign of being a responsible adult. Those wrinkles on your shirt? That speaks a lot about you. You’re not a real adult.
But now, you have to scratch that. Life’s too short to spend precious minutes battling an iron and an inconveniently collapsible board. Wrinkles? They’re a fashion statement now.
Even when wrinkles do become too much, millennials have found superior alternatives. Steamer? Quick and easy. Hanging clothes in the bathroom while taking a hot shower? Super nice.
Business Suits: “Why Would I Dress Like a 1950s Banker?”
Millennials have fully embraced business casual and are never going back. Stiff suits are too expensive, too uncomfortable, and too pointless.
Thanks to remote work and relaxed office cultures, dressing up for work feels unnecessary. If you can do your job in joggers and pajamas, why suffer?
Suits still have their place, but unless you’re a lawyer, politician, or trying really hard to impress Grandma, they’re fading fast. We’re in the era of OOTDs!
Marriage: A Once-Popular Institution Millennials Are Ghosting
We lived in a time when getting married was just what you did. You found a partner, threw an expensive party, and signed a legally binding contract because… tradition?
Yet, millennials became more critical of it and decided that maybe, just maybe, they don’t need to rush into a lifetime commitment before their student loans are even paid off.
For one, weddings are absurdly expensive. So, there’s a rise of long-term partnerships without legal paperwork. Also, it proves that love doesn’t have to come with a marriage certificate.
Department Stores: Why Walk Miles When You Can Click “Add to Cart”?
Department stores were the place to shop. You’d walk in, wander through endless racks, and maybe find something decent that wasn’t wildly overpriced until millennials discovered the magic of online shopping!
Suddenly, the thought of stepping foot into a giant, poorly lit store became a nightmare. Why spend hours searching for the right size when you can filter results in two seconds?
Millennials don’t have the patience for perfume-spraying sales associates or mall walkers blocking every aisle. So, department stores are fading into irrelevance. Millennials will continue clicking “Buy Now” from the comfort of their couch.