It could be argued that the ’80s and ’90s are enjoying a bit of a comeback. From ‘90s Halloween costumes to nostalgic ’90s toys for kids hitting the shelves once again, those of us who lived through those times are having a bit of a deja vu.
But who says the kids should have all the fun?
We found all the throwback gifts for adults that will totally bring back the decades when we donned Doc Martens, highlighted our hair at home, and definitely indulged in too much bronzer.
What Made the 80s and 90s So Good?
As someone who lived through the 80s and 90s, I can’t give you an official answer for this, but I will give you my theory: the 80s and 90s were so good because people got to live authentic lives without performing for others. There was no social media, no constant recording, no making a “brand” of your personal lives.
We all had life and lots of downtime without a constant barrage of information and sales pitches, and influencers.
I also think the ’80s and ’90s were so good because we all just had less stuff. I cherished the few possessions I had, and anything that I bought for myself was a process that sparked joy. First, I’d visit it several times in the store, looking at it firsthand and dreaming of the day I’d be able to own it. Then, I’d save up for it, little by little, until I could finally reach the coveted day of being able to go to the store and purchase it.
To buy something, you got to hold it in your hands, breathe it in, and take it home with you. There was no click-and-go. Everything back then was a full, immersive experience, and I do think a part of us misses that today, especially those of us who once lived it.
That’s not to say there weren’t problems in the past, too, of course, but remembrance is often rosy-colored.
So to recapture some of that nostalgia of a simpler time, we’ve rounded up some throwback gifts perfect for anyone who lived through — or just loves — the ’80s and ’90s.
Portable Cassette Player Recorder with Bluetooth Transmitter
Old meets new in this portable cassette player. Capable of streaming your favorite tunes via Bluetooth, this player works with real cassette tapes and includes a headphone jack, dual speakers, and is powered by USB or AA batteries.
It’s a blast from the past with a modern twist!
Sparkly Mini Butterfly Clips
Tell me we shouldn’t bring these back instantly?
Butterly clips were the look of the early 2000s, and as both a millennial mom and the parent of daughters, I vote they need to make a comeback. (Also, side note, these have over 15.7K reviews on Amazon, so someone is clearly buying them!)
Vintage Y2K Pink Motorola Razor Mobile Flip Cell Phone
I’ll be honest with you — there’s no way on earth I’m spending this much money on an old phone, but I had no idea that you could purchase vintage phones as a throwback gift.
I definitely wasn’t cool enough to have the coveted pink Razor flip phone back in the day, but for over $100, I could be today!
Cucumber Melon Lotion
$14.95
from
Bath and Body Works
Remember this lotion? This was definitely the scent of my entire teen years. I can just smell the nostalgia. Incredibly, Bath and Body Works still sells this same familiar scent, even in familar packaging.
Although I don’t quite remember it costing $15, yikes! Can we also get a throwback to the prices of the 2000s, please?
Puka Shell Necklace
Puka shells were the look for a while in the popular crowd of many high schools across the country. (Spoiler: I never owned a pair.)
But this set from Amazon includes all the cool kid looks in one: puka shell choker, a shell bracelet, a shell necklace, and a pearl necklace to finish off the ensemble.
Cherry Tree Collection Gemstone Bracelet
I seem to recall a lot of these beaded bracelets in the 2000s, and seeing this picture was like an instant flashback.
I remember the stones always felt cool on my wrist, but truth be told, I found them slightly uncomfortable. Still, a girl had to try to stay in style.
Authentic Adjustable Smiley Face Mood Ring
I am almost 99.99% positive that I owned this exact smiley-faced mood ring in the 90s, and I loved it.
Will it rust on your finger and discolor? Absolutely. But will it be worth the $8 of joy it brings to you and your friends? 100%.
Hasbro Gaming Mall Madness Board Game
I’m not even sure kids these days know what a mall is, but you can introduce them to the fun of the mall once again in this throwback game from Hasbro.
The object of the game is to be the first to get all 6 items off your shopping list. Choose your character, use an ATM card to take out cash, and shop sales that the board announces. Let the shopping games begin!
American Girl Doll Magazine
$0.00
from
American Girl
Listen, I don’t know who needs to hear this, but anyone can request a free American Girl Catalog online to be added to the mailing list, so it’s sent to your home.
They don’t check if you have kids or not, or how old you are, or if you’re actually going to buy anything, or just browse for the nostalgia. You can just get it, no strings attached, and recreate all the hours we spent poring through the pages at home as kids.
You’re welcome.
ModRetro Chromatic + Tetris Bundle Gameboy
According to its maker, Chromatic is the “ultimate cartridge console for people who simply want to game. No downloads, no logins, no interruptions–just plug in a cartridge and start playing. It’s gaming the way it used to be: simple, focused, and fun.”
Plus, it comes in a bunch of different colors, so it’s great for gifting.
Chia Pet Alf with Seed Pack
Last but not least, I have a lot of memories watching the show “Alf,” which centers around an alien living in a suburban home, and while I still can’t tell you if I actually like the show or not, I can say this throwback gift is instant nostalgia for anyone who knows who “Alf” is.
Or, what a chia seed pet is, for that matter.
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, CafeMom.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
