13 Nostalgic Gifts That’ll Make Anyone Feel Good (Including the Cutest Snoopy Mug!)

Morgan PryorShopping Writer, Lifestyle
Morgan PryorShopping Writer, Lifestyle
I cover shopping trends and must-have home products — from organizers to sofas to vacuums. I also put them to the test to see if they're really worth spending your money on. I’m based in New York, NY.
updated Dec 18, 2024
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
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Credit: Photo: Sidney Bensimon; Prop Styling: Carla Gonzalez-Hart

Who doesn’t love a good throwback? When you’re at a loss of what to buy for a loved one — it happens to the best of us — going the nostalgic route is always a solid bet. Not only are you likely to give them a gift that stands out from everything else they received this year, but you’ll likely also remind them of fond memories. Not to mention, retro has been making a comeback in everything from fashion to home decor, so why not lean into it?

Instead of scouring thrift stores for your gift, there are plenty of brand-new gems that you can find online that evoke the same feeling of nostalgia. We’ve narrowed down 13 retro items, ranging from a vintage-style board game to a customizable viewfinder, that are sure to be a hit and show them that you care. (Plus, prices start at $15, so one is bound to work for you!)

Crosley Milton Radio Bluetooth Speaker
$40

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a speaker more stylish and retro-looking than this one. Available in white and mint green, it also has simulated vacuum tubes that add to its visual appeal and change color to show what mode you're in: FM radio, aux input, USB playback, or Bluetooth.

$40 at Anthropologie
Cat’s Cradle Activity Kit
$16

The Witch’s Broom? Jacob’s Ladder? Cup and Saucer? For your friend who always likes to have something to do with their hands, the OG Cat’s Cradle Activity Kit is a surefire way to test their muscle memory and take them straight back to recess at the same time.

$16 at Amazon
RETRADISC
$75

Just because CD players seem to be going obsolete in computers and cars, it doesn't mean all those discs you've collected over the years have to collect dust. KICKBACK, a trendy brand that's bringing back beloved tech inspired by the '90s, has restocked the editor-loved RETRADISC CD player. This bluetooth-enabled player has a stylishly transparent design and modern sound to make it as current as possible — it's even compatible with AirPods! "When I realized I didn't have anymore CD players at home, I couldn't believe it because I have so music at home!" says commerce editor Britt. "The RETRADISC is like an upgraded version of my old Walkman, and its retro aesthetic instantly takes me back to listening to music nonstop (anywhere I went) as a kid."

$75 at Kickback
WS Game Company Scrabble Vintage Bookshelf Edition
$42$40

This gem will remind your recipient of how much fun they had playing board games growing up, and the bookshelf case allows it to blend right into their decor. Beyond Scrabble, there’s also Monopoly, Clue, Candy Land — you get the gist.

$40 at Amazon
Tamagotchi Original
$20$18

This throwback virtual pet is a great gift for anyone looking to relive their childhood or keep busy — though it might be best for someone with a lot of extra time on their hands. Tamagotchi now has over 40 designs modeled after the original to choose from, making them a fantastic stocking stuffer or a whimsical gift for yourself.

$18 at Amazon
Furbish Studio Mini Needlepoint Pillow
$88

This adorable needlepoint pillow, which comes in several different phrases, will instantly remind your giftee of their grandma’s house (in a good way). You can choose the quirky saying and color that suits them best!

$88 at Anthropologie
Portable Cassette Player
$20

Shopping for a music enthusiast? Snag them this classic cassette player, which they’ll bring along with them everywhere. Pair it with a few tapes from their favorite artists, and you’ll have the perfect gift.

$20 at Amazon
Kit Cat Klock Gentlemen The Original
$70$60

Kit-Cat Klocks have been around for decades, adding a whimsical flair to any room, so your home decor-obsessed loved one is bound to appreciate receiving one. There are over a dozen colors to choose from!

$60 at Amazon
Camp Snap Screen-Free Digital Camera
$65

A staple of the Y2K era, digital cameras have been making a comeback recently. This gift will allow them to capture all of the memories that you make together, and it doesn’t just look vintage — its photos also have a vintage film-style quality to them.

$65 at Urban Outfitters
JAMBO 16" Liquid Motion Lamp
$40$29

Lava lamps had a resurgence in popularity in the ’90s, and that decade’s style has been everywhere lately. If your giftee is all for the throwbacks, they’re sure to admire this top-selling option on Amazon, which makes for a great night-light.

$29 at Amazon
Create Your Own Reel Viewer
$35

A viewfinder is nostalgic on its own, but this version is even more so because you can create a reel of your favorite memories. Your recipient can look back on all of your photographs together and reminisce. (It has over 700 five-star reviews, too!)

$35 at Uncommon Goods
Peanuts "Christmastime is Here" Ceramic Mug
$15

You're not imagining things: Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and all of their friends are everywhere right now! Even editors have been stocking up on Peanuts gear, including this wintery 14-ounce mug that features art inspired by A Charlie Brown Christmas. The cutest detail — Woodstock making a snow angel — can even be found inside! Believe it or not, it gets better: This festive mug is available in a complementary set that you can grab here.

$15 at Amazon
Retro Typewriter Keyboard
$85

Your giftee can give their at-home office a retro upgrade with this keyboard, which also is available in pink and white. Every time they press a key, it emits a satisfying click sound like a real typewriter. Any student or writer is sure to fall in love with it!

$85 at Amazon

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