Gift Guide: Our Favorite Throwback Presents
As time marches on, we always seem to look back at previous decades as “a simpler time.” By that logic, 2020 will someday, somehow, seem easy (believe it or not). But until then, our nostalgia for the ‘90s — when cell phones didn’t have cameras, social media wasn’t a thing, and binge watching was limited to what you had in your VHS library — shows no sign of waning. That’s why we’re bringing comfort and joy to our loved ones this holiday season with throwback gifts that provide a touch of that era, Tamagotchis and all. Ahead find the best deals on the kind of Vans pre-Hollaback Girls would have worn.
READ: MORE THROWBACK GIFT IDEAS
Gel pens may have been new on the scene in the ‘90s, but time has proven the smooth ink and cushion grip will never go out of style.
SHOP: Uni-ball Signo Color Gel Pen, $3.29, available at Kawaii Pen Shop
In the ‘90s, Gwen Stefani became the poster girl for cool-girl style, thanks in part to ska-influenced looks. With checkerboard and plaid patterns and a platform sole, these Vans check all the nostalgic boxes for today’s VSCO girls and aspiring street-style stars.
SHOP: Vans Old School Platform,$49.99, available at Foot Locker
Catch old episodes of Beverly Hills, 90210, or Saved By The Bell and you’ll find chokers galore (and maybe even this exact design, which was popular among girls IRL in the ‘90s). Bonus: at less than $5, the price feels like it was ripped straight from the era, too.
SHOP: Boohoo US Diamante Detail Tattoo Choker, $3.60, available at Boohoo US
Show your love for Michael Jordan and Looney Tunes alike with this throwback logo tee from one of the ‘90s most lovable (and oddball) films.
SHOP: Purple Space Jam Graphic Oversized T Shirt, $20, available at Missguided
Sure, Clueless’ Cher was talking about guys when she uttered the famous line found on this shirt, but in 2020, the phrase is a whole mood. Now that a pajama top can double as workwear, thanks to WFH protocols? This Clueless tee (which is more than 50% off) is bound to become an essential worker for your favorite movie buff.
SHOP: Clueless "As If!" Pajama Top, $11.52, available at Kohl’s
Before chia seeds became widely adopted as a superfood for smoothies, they were used to grow fuzzy deskside plants in the ‘90s. This Slimer edition is perfect for the friend who loves camp and Ghostbusters alike.
SHOP: Chia Pet® Ghostbusters Slimer Handmade Decorative Planter, $19.99, available at Bed Bath & Beyond
Think you have a future MasterChef Junior on your hands? Cut their teeth on this mini oven, which comes bundled with a baking pan and spatula.
SHOP: Easy-Bake Ultimate Oven Baking Star Edition, $34.97, available at Walmart
If your friends still talk about how their parents wouldn’t buy them Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle sheets (rude!), surprise them with this throw pillow featuring Raphael showing exactly the right amount of love for pizza.
SHOP: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Hug Throw Pillow, $20.99, available at Society6
Enjoy the flavor of all the sodas you drank as a kid — Coca-Cola, Cherry Coke, Sprite, Barq’s Root Beer, Fanta Grape, and more — without the sugar content, thanks to classic lip balms from ‘90s staple Lip Smacker.
SHOP: Lip Smacker 8-Pack, $12, available at American Eagle
Do you remember how long you could keep your original Tamagotchi alive? Beat your record with the next generation of the virtual pet, which ups the ante with child-rearing responsibilities and the ability to connect with your friend’s device.
SHOP: Tamagotchi On Wonder Garden, $59.99, available at Walmart
One of the best-selling fighting video games of all time, Street Fighter II hooked players with its one-on-one fighting and the ability to choose your own character, which, believe it or not, was considered groundbreaking video play. Bring the game back into your home with this tabletop edition preloaded with the entire franchise of Street Fighter games.
SHOP: Street Fighter Head to Head Table, $383.01, available at Walmart
If turning little ones on to the scary Goosebumps book series you read as a kid, why not hook them up with this on-theme bedside lamp to help illuminate the room (and quell fears when things go bump in the nigh)t?
SHOP: Scholastic Goosebumps Book Light, $7.99, available at Barnes & Noble
Some scents are quintessentially ‘90s. And if you were a mall rat in the Clinton years, then Bath & Body Works likely made your signature scent. In recent years, the brand has relaunched some of its best sellers from the era, including Winter Candy Apple, an apple, pear, and orange-fueled scent that became the brand’s best-selling scent last holiday season. (Pro Tip: If your loved one was more of a Cucumber Melon wearer back in the day, stand by: the company tells us the ‘90s scent will drop again very soon.)
SHOP: Bath & Body Works Winter Candy Apple 3-Wick Candle, $14.50, available at Bath & Body Works
Anyone worth their weight in butterfly clips and starter makeup knows a Caboodles case was the essential organizing tool in the '90s (even if your dad tried to give you a tackle box and called it “the same thing.” It’s not, DAD!). Now the brand is back, with a special kit full of $183 worth of Ulta Beauty makeup, including a 36-pan eyeshadow palette, watermelon facial mist, and more.
SHOP: Ulta Beauty Box Caboodles Edition in Pink, $29.99, available at Ulta Beauty
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For the friend who is obsessed with Clueless just as much as she is her pup, a very ‘90s plaid harness that will have woman’s best friend looking like Dionne to her Cher.
SHOP: Frenchie Bulldog Frenchie Duo Reversible Harness in Buffalo Plaid, $32.99, available at Frenchie Bulldog
Blame it on Blossom, but in the ‘90s, sunflower and daisy motifs were everywhere — on bedding, babydoll dresses, and accessories. Signal a nod to the era without looking kitsch with this sweet stud earring made of solid 14K gold.
SHOP: Zoe Chicco 14k Gold Itty Bitty Flower Stud Earring, $70, available at ShopBop
It didn’t matter if you were a grown man heading to work or a raver coming back from the club: In the ‘90s, everyone wore a sleek backpack with plenty of pockets to lug all the latest tech (including a 6-pound laptop, cell phone, and digital camera). Thankfully, our gadgets have gotten lighter, but our love for backpacks have not. This streamlined design is built to withstand plenty of wear and tear and has pockets for everything from a water bottle to a passport.
SHOP: Urban Armour Gear Std. Issue 24-Liter Backpack, $119.95, available at Urban Armour Gear
Carrie was wrong. The Sex and the City character was so sure scrunchies had been 86ed from fashion, but the hair styling accessory that ruled the ‘90s is back. This time around, silk versions without the extra volume don’t just look cool, they help reduce hair breakage, too.
SHOP: Slip Pure Silk 6-Pack Skinny Scrunchies, $39, available at DermStore
The cool kids in the ‘90s were obsessed with Twin Peaks and some 30 years later, we can see why. For the David Lynch fan in your life, this chevron tee is the perfect way to show love for the series in an understated IYKYK kind of way.
SHOP: Twin Peaks Black and White Chevron Adult Short Sleeve T-Shirt, $19.99, available at Showtime
Man, woman, child — it doesn’t matter who you were in the nineties, a polar fleece pullover was a staple. This sherpa jacket brings the look into the 21st century with monochrome color blocking and neon accents.
SHOP: Ugg Marlene Sherpa Jacket, $128, available at Ugg
Retro stand mixers have seen a resurgence in recent decades. And although this 5-quart small appliance looks more '50s than '90s, our childhood memories of warm, gooey after-school cookies and brownies has us ready to gift this baby to our nearest and dearest. It's also a great time to scoop this find up — Sears' Veterans Day sale includes up to 40% off appliances and many more deals!
SHOP: Kenmore Elite 216901-R 5-Quart 400W Stand Mixer - Red, $205.19, available at Sears