From Potato Water to Depression S'mores: Surprising Frugal Hacks You Didn’t Know You Needed

The Great Depression was a time of economic struggle, but those challenges forged a unique culture of frugality that has been passed down through generations. Today, Boomers and Gen Xers are reminiscing about the resourceful habits their grandparents developed during those tough times. From saving everything—including potato water for soup—to making “depression s’mores” from saltines and marshmallows, these stories reveal a legacy of creativity and resilience.

Many of these frugal practices sound nostalgic, but they also provide important lessons for today’s consumers. The tradition of keeping an orange in a Christmas stocking originated from scarcity, but it’s this kind of simple gesture that brought joy and made memories. It raises an interesting point: can something so small remind us of bigger values, like appreciating what we have? As everyone re-evaluates their consumption habits, perhaps these clever hacks from the past can inspire a new wave of resourcefulness today.