Gift Edit 2024

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

published Nov 5, 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

This feature is part of Apartment Therapy's Gift Edit, our editor-curated collection of gift ideas. Need more inspiration? Check out all our guides here.

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 15 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 $10, so one is bound to work for you!)

1 / 15
Anthropologie
$40.00

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.

2 / 15
Amazon
$9.95
was $12.99

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.

3 / 15
Anthropologie
$88.00

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!

4 / 15
Amazon
$22.84

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.

5 / 15
Amazon
$39.99
was $42.99

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.

6 / 15
Amazon
$19.99

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.

7 / 15
Amazon
$59.99
was $69.99

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!

8 / 15
Amazon
$12.56
was $13.99

There’s no reason a grocery list can’t get written in pretty pastel colors — bonus points if you get some dark paper to match because these colorful gel pens will have no trouble showing up! Use them for journaling, art, to-do lists, or just as a way to pass the time. This 10-pack includes silver, copper, blue, purple, red, green, pink, emerald, and two gold pens to make your writing extra special.

9 / 15
Urban Outfitters
$65.00

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.

10 / 15
Amazon
$25.99
was $39.99

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.

11 / 15
TJ Maxx
$129.99

Another Y2K-esque find that makes for a stellar gift is this Hello Kitty-shaped swivel chair, which is the perfect addition to a vanity or desk. Even though its adorable look is its main selling point, the chair’s padded seat is sure to keep them comfortable, too.

12 / 15
Uncommon Goods
$34.95

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!)

13 / 15
Amazon
$14.99

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.

14 / 15
Amazon
$75.99
was $84.99

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!

15 / 15
Amazon
$59.95

This adorable TV allows your giftee to transfer their own videos — so you can look back on memories together — movies, or shows using the included converter and a USB-C cable. They can adjust the volume and operate it with a mini remote, too!

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