Cath -
Well, if you have a stand mixer, you don’t have to sift. It doesn’t need much help! If I am doing something with flour and cocoa, I’ll often just measure it into a large mesh strainer, placed on top of a bowl, and tap it through, into the bowl. I guess that’s my version of a sifter.
And if you are making biscuits by hand, I often just give a few quick stirs with my hand like a claw, fingers down, to fluff up the flour, mix in the baking powder and salt and make it happy. Sifting the dry ingredients would do that as well, with much more dignity 
And yes, having and using our mom’s (or Dad’s!) tools? Priceless.
