Hey millennials! Are you tired of being told that you lack practical skills? Well, it’s time to face the facts: our baby boomer parents and grandparents have some serious DIY chops that many of you just haven’t quite mastered yet.

From changing a tire to canning their own preserves, baby boomers grew up in a time when self-sufficiency was a way of life. They didn’t have YouTube tutorials or Amazon Prime to bail them out – they had to figure things out on their own and get their hands dirty. So, put down that avocado toast and listen up! Here are 15 DIY skills that every baby boomer mastered that millennials could stand to learn a thing or two about.

Changing a Tire

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Baby boomers know that a flat tire can happen anywhere, anytime, and they’re prepared to handle it. They can swap out a flat for a spare in minutes, all while wearing their Sunday best. Millennials, on the other hand, often rely on roadside assistance or a friendly passerby to save the day. Learning to change a tire is a valuable skill that can save you time and money in a pinch.

Sewing and Mending Clothes

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Back in the day, baby boomers didn’t just toss out clothes when they got a little worn or torn. They knew how to sew on a button, patch a hole, and even make their own clothes from scratch. Millennials may be more likely to buy new clothes or take them to a tailor, but learning some basic sewing skills can help you extend the life of your favorite garments and save you money in the long run.

Basic Home Repairs

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Baby boomers are often handy around the house, able to tackle minor repairs like fixing a leaky faucet or replacing a doorknob. They grew up watching their parents and grandparents do these things, and they learned by doing. Millennials may be more likely to call a professional or look up a tutorial online, but learning some basic home repair skills can save you time and money on small projects.

Growing and Preserving Food

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Many baby boomers grew up in a time when growing your own food and preserving it for later was a way of life. They know how to plant a garden, can their own fruits and vegetables, and even make their own jams and jellies. Millennials may be more likely to buy their produce from a grocery store or farmers market, but learning to grow and preserve your own food can be a rewarding and sustainable hobby.

Basic Car Maintenance

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Baby boomers often know how to perform basic car maintenance tasks like checking the oil, changing a filter, or replacing a battery. They learned these skills out of necessity, as cars were less reliable and required more frequent maintenance. Millennials may be more likely to take their car to a mechanic for even minor issues, but learning some basic car maintenance skills can help you save money and keep your vehicle running smoothly.

Knitting and Crocheting

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Knitting and crocheting may seem like old-fashioned hobbies, but they’re actually making a comeback among millennials. However, many baby boomers have been knitting and crocheting for decades, creating everything from cozy blankets to intricate sweaters. Learning these skills can be a great way to relax, express your creativity, and even make thoughtful gifts for loved ones.

Basic Woodworking

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Baby boomers often have a knack for basic woodworking, able to build and repair furniture, shelving, and other household items. They may have learned these skills in shop class or from a family member, and they take pride in their ability to create something useful with their own hands. Millennials may be more likely to buy furniture from a store, but learning some basic woodworking skills can help you create custom pieces that fit your space and style.

Baking from Scratch

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While millennials may be more likely to buy baked goods from a store or use a boxed mix, baby boomers often know how to bake from scratch. They grew up in a time when pre-made mixes and store-bought treats were less common, so they learned to make their own cakes, pies, and bread. Learning to bake from scratch can be a fun and rewarding hobby that allows you to control the ingredients and quality of your baked goods.

Basic Electrical Work

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Baby boomers may be more comfortable with basic electrical work, like replacing a light fixture or installing a ceiling fan. They often learned these skills from their parents or through trial and error, and they’re not afraid to get their hands dirty. Millennials may be more likely to hire an electrician for even minor tasks, but learning some basic electrical skills can help you tackle small projects around the house.

Canning and Preserving

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Canning and preserving food is a skill that many baby boomers learned from their parents and grandparents. They know how to safely can fruits, vegetables, and even meats to enjoy throughout the year. Millennials may be more likely to buy canned goods from the store, but learning to can and preserve your own food can be a great way to save money, reduce waste, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Basic Plumbing

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Baby boomers are often handy with basic plumbing tasks, like unclogging a drain or replacing a faucet. They may have learned these skills out of necessity, as calling a plumber can be expensive and time-consuming. Millennials may be more likely to rely on a professional for even minor plumbing issues, but learning some basic skills can help you tackle small problems on your own.

Darning Socks

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Darning socks may seem like a lost art, but it’s a skill that many baby boomers have mastered. Instead of tossing out socks with holes, they know how to carefully mend them to extend their life. Millennials may be more likely to simply buy new socks, but learning to darn can help you save money and reduce waste.

Basic Carpentry

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Baby boomers may have learned basic carpentry skills in shop class or from a family member. They know how to use tools like saws, hammers, and drills to build and repair things around the house. Millennials may be more likely to hire a professional for carpentry projects, but learning some basic skills can help you tackle small projects on your own.

Sewing Curtains and Drapes

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Many baby boomers know how to sew their own curtains and drapes, often using fabric remnants or repurposing old clothes. They may have learned this skill out of necessity, as custom window treatments can be expensive. Millennials may be more likely to buy curtains from a store, but learning to sew your own can help you create custom looks that fit your style and budget.

Soap Making

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Some baby boomers even know how to make their own soap, using natural ingredients like herbs and essential oils. This skill may have been passed down from previous generations, who made their own soap out of necessity. Millennials may be more likely to buy soap from a store, but learning to make your own can be a fun and creative hobby that allows you to control the ingredients and scents.