Remember the thrill of waking up to your favorite Saturday morning cartoons, or the joy of playing with your very own virtual pet? Whether you’re a 90s or 2000s kid, those memories never fade. If you’re looking for the perfect way to bring a bit of that nostalgia into the holidays, throwback gifts are a great way to surprise your friends and family with something that sparks joy.
From old-school gadgets to retro fashion, we’ve rounded up some of the best nostalgic gift ideas that will take you back in time!
Tamagotchis & Virtual Pets
Back in the day, taking care of a Tamagotchi was like a full-time job. Feeding it, playing with it, cleaning up after it—it was all part of the experience! If you had one of these in the 90s or 2000s, you probably remember sneaking it into school, hoping it wouldn’t “die” during class. Today, you can relive that same fun with modern versions of Tamagotchis or other virtual pets like Giga Pets and Nano Pets.
These small, pocket-sized friends make for perfect throwback gifts, especially for a Secret Santa gift exchange. The great thing about virtual pets is that they’re small, affordable, and still just as fun as they were back then. Whether it’s for a friend who had one as a kid or someone who missed out, they’re bound to appreciate this blast from the past.
Pro tip: Consider using Elfster’s Secret Santa generator to keep your holiday shopping organized and stress-free!
Digital Cameras
Before smartphones became the go-to for snapping photos, digital cameras like the Canon PowerShot and Kodak Pixpro were all the rage. Whether it was documenting a school trip or capturing memories with friends, these digital cameras were a staple in the 2000s. Compact enough to fit in your JNCOs and super easy to use, they made photography accessible and fun for everyone.
Today, gifting one of these throwback digital cameras is a great way to relive that nostalgia while giving someone a practical tool they can still use. Updated models are available, offering higher resolution and modern features while keeping that retro feel. These cameras are perfect for someone who loves photography or just wants a break from using their phone for everything.
Pro Tip: Pair the camera with a memory card and a fun carrying case to create a full gift package. It’s one of those nostalgic gift ideas that will make capturing memories even more special!
90s & 2000s Fashion
Let’s talk fashion! The 90s and 2000s were filled with bold and quirky trends that are making a comeback today. Think scrunchies, butterfly clips, chokers, platform shoes, and the aforementioned JNCO Jeans. Whether you rocked a mini backpack or couldn’t leave the house without your slap bracelet, these accessories defined an era.
Throwback fashion makes for great gifts, especially when you want to add a fun and nostalgic twist. Imagine gifting a friend a set of velvet scrunchies or some retro-inspired sunglasses! It’s a small but thoughtful way to say, “Remember when?” And if you’re looking to create a themed gift basket, throw in a few other classic items like jelly shoes or a fanny pack for the ultimate nostalgia overload.
Classic Video Games & Consoles
For many of us, video games were a major part of our childhoods. Whether you spent hours trying to defeat Bowser in Super Mario Bros. or aimed to break your high score in Tetris, gaming in the 90s and early 2000s was iconic. If you’ve got a gamer on your shopping list, consider giving them a mini retro console, like the Super NES Classic or the Sega Genesis Mini. These consoles come pre-loaded with fan-favorite games, making it easy to relive those pixel-filled adventures.
Another great option is gifting an old-school Game Boy or a refurbished handheld console. It’s a perfect way to spark those memories of long car rides spent gaming or sitting in front of the TV on a Saturday afternoon. Throwback gifts like these are a surefire way to impress the gamer in your life.
Mixtapes & CD Collections
Remember making mixtapes or burning CDs for your friends (and crushes)? There was something so special about curating the perfect playlist, decorating the CD cover, and passing it along as a personalized gift. While we now have Spotify playlists and instant streaming, there’s still something nostalgic about the physical act of creating a mixtape.
You can bring that vibe back by gifting a portable CD player along with a custom mix of your favorite throwback tunes. Or, for a more updated take, grab a vinyl record player and a few albums from the 90s and 2000s. Whether you’re gifting them to a music lover or someone who misses the charm of mixtapes, this is one nostalgic gift that’s both personal and thoughtful.
Retro Candy & Snacks
Ah, the taste of childhood! There’s nothing quite like opening up a pack of Pop Rocks or diving into a roll of Bubble Tape. These retro candies are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a ticket back to simpler times. Perfect for creating a fun and delicious gift basket, you can pack it full of childhood favorites like Ring Pops, Fun Dip, and Warheads.
Retro candy gifts are not only fun to give but also great for sharing at holiday parties. Want to take it up a notch? Pair your candy with another throwback item like a vintage game or movie for a double dose of nostalgia. It’s one of those fun and lighthearted throwback gifts that’s sure to make anyone smile.
Board Games & Puzzles
Remember the hours spent playing Guess Who?, The Game of Life, or Candy Land? Classic board games from the 90s and 2000s bring back memories of family game nights and friendly competition. Today, many of these games have been re-released with updated features, but still capture the original charm.
Board games make for excellent gifts, whether for kids or adults. They’re also a great way to bring everyone together during the holidays, offering hours of entertainment. Consider gifting a nostalgic game to your family or friends this season—it’s one of those throwback gifts that creates lasting memories and fun.
Relive the Glory Days
Throwback gifts are more than just presents—they’re a way to relive some of the best moments from the past. Whether you’re gifting a Tamagotchi to a friend who was obsessed with their virtual pets, or surprising a loved one with a taste of their childhood, these 90s and 2000s throwback gifts bring back the joy and simplicity of the era.
And don’t forget, you can make holiday shopping for 90s throwback gifts even easier by using Elfster’s Secret Santa generator and curating your Wishlist so that your friends and family can shop for gift ideas that they know you’ll enjoy. With these nostalgic gift ideas, you’re sure to spread a little extra holiday cheer and create some brand-new memories along the way!
