5 Times When Old-Fashioned Is Just Better

Technology is evolving more quickly than any consumer can justifiably keep up with. Just as a new product is being released, the next version of that product begins development. It can be enough to exhaust even the most progressive consumer on occasion. Sometimes you just need to take a break from the cutting edge to return to simpler times.

Here are five old-fashioned items that simply can’t be beat:

Homemade bread. If you take a walk down the bread aisle at your local grocery store, you’ll notice that there are an overwhelming amount of options. Low-fat, high-fiber, cinnamon-swirl… you name the need, and there is a bread to fill it. Still, there is just something wonderful about homemade bread. Whether you make it for your own family or to give away as a gift, bread is one category where old-fashioned is just better.

Library books. With the popularity of e-readers, many people are deciding to download reading material rather than physically turn pages. While there are benefits to electronic reading, sometimes it does the soul good to thumb through a library book. It is also good for the mind to have to navigate the Dewey decimal system and actually track down the book that is wanted. If you are lucky, you may find notes and markings from a reader before you to help enhance your reading experience.

Straight Razors. For men who want a clean shave without all the bells and whistles of contemporary uber-razors, a straight razor is a great commodity. Shaving supplies make great gifts, especially labels like Thiers Issard. You can find an array of straight razors and other shaving supplies at online retailers.

Records. Okay, so most people do not actually own working record players anymore. But let’s face it–an old LP has more character than a gift card for online downloads (plus, most new records come with a code to download the digital version at no extra cost). If you are a music lover, or have one that needs a gift, consider visiting online auction sites and tracking down some cool records in original covers. Set the needle on the vinyl and listen for that first warm crack before your favorite song begins–there’s nothing quite like it.

Road trips. Flying is considered to be the most convenient form of travel when you need to go any long distance, but road trips can be a lot more fun. Map out your route and plan for several stops at tourist attractions along the way and even some unplanned detours. Make sure that the company is good and bring along some classic road trip tunes. Make sure you bring a camera along–as an old-fashioned bonus, make that an analog camera. The joy of getting back those much-anticipated prints is an adventure in itself!