10 Y2K-Inspired Gifts for Those Who Love a Little Early Aughts Nostalgia

Danielle BlundellExecutive Director of Home
Danielle BlundellExecutive Director of Home
As Apartment Therapy's Executive Home Director, I head up our decorating, trends, and designer coverage. I studied Media Studies at UVa and Journalism at Columbia and have worked in media for more than a decade. I love homes, heels, the history of art, and hockey — but not necessarily in that order.
published Dec 19, 2023
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Pastel rainbow wall behind bed with bear plush, patterned pillow, and rainbow lamp on side table.
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Credit: Marisa Vitale

Left some of your holiday shopping to the last minute? You’re not alone. I, too, am trying to fill a few gaps on my list this year, and for silly friend gift exchanges — and for some of my younger relatives — I’m going with a fun Y2K-themed present or stocking stuffer. If you came of age in this decade, getting or giving these pieces might be a joy-inducing deja vu. And for those who don’t remember the Hello Kitty craze of the late ‘90s and early ‘00s (that never truly went away), the obsession with all things hot pink and lime green, and the smell of Bath & Body Works’ iconic Cucumber Melon body spray, well, that giftee on your list is in for a real treat with this selection of perfectly retro presents, starting at just $8.50!

Y2K Baby Throw Pillow
$39

Sure, this throw pillow literally spells out your Y2K cred with its “2000s Baby” message, but it also whispers it, too, thanks to its velvet construction and Old English-looking font, which feel at once retro and futuristic. It’d be the perfect finishing touch atop a bed or accent chair.

$39 at Urban Outfitters
Women's Watch Ring Two-Hand Rose Gold-Tone Stainless Steel Watch 22mm
$100

Remember watch rings? Fossil has made this stainless steel design feel extra cute and whimsical with its heart shape and rose gold finish. Whoever you gift this to will have a back-up way to tell time right at their fingertips, should their smartwatch or phone happen to run out of juice.

$100 at Macy's
Ridley’s 2000s Pop Music Trivia Card Game
$12

You will win your White Elephant gift exchange with this under-$10 Y2K pop music trivia set. It comes in other decades, too, if those feel more on-brand for your circle.

$12 at Amazon
Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy
$68

With its hot pink bow and floral-meets-fruity scent, it’s amazing how on-trend Juicy Couture’s Viva La Juicy perfume still feels, despite having launched in 2008. Gift it to your bestie — it’ll smell just as good as it did back in high school.

$68 at Kohl's
Sophie Faux Fur Throw Blanket
$98$69

Speaking of hot pink, you couldn’t escape that color — or baby blue — in the early aughts. This throw blanket marries those two Y2K color trends with the decade's faux fur craze perfectly and will be extra cozy for the colder months.

$69 at Anthropologie
Hapny Home Smiley Knob
$16

Smiley faces are back in style again, but they popped during the mid- to late-‘90s and early ‘00s as well (and in the ‘60s and ‘70s before that). If you have a DIYer on your list who is looking to redo a dresser or nightstand, these are the drawer knobs they need.

$16 at Afternoon Light
Angel Hello Kitty Notebook
$15

Hello Kitty’s a total Y2K icon, and your teenage niece will never forget it once you give her this Angel Hello Kitty Notebook. The spiral, binder-like design allows for pages to be removed — in case she wants to pass an old-school note during class (not that you condone that behavior).

$15 at Forever 21
Cucumber Melon Fine Fragrance Mist
$17

Is there another scent that captures the essence of Y2K so well? Bath & Body Works’ Cucumber Melon was born in 1998 and was the best stocking stuffer, whether you scored the shower gel, lotion, or the fine fragrance mist.

$17 at Bath & Body Works
Easy Microfiber Bean Bag Chair
$159$144

Every Y2K-inspired space needs a bean bag chair, and this lime green stunner fits the bill. It’d be great to gift anyone moving into their first apartment or looking for a little bit of nostalgia in their basement or living room design.

$144 at Bed Bath & Beyond
Rainbow Neon Sign
$95

There’s something delightfully Y2K about neon lights, and this rainbow design will make you — or your giftee — smile every time you switch it on.

$95 at Dormify

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