Nostalgic Gift Ideas
Enjoy an amazing selection of gifts designed to take you back to the good old days...
Everyone loves a blast from the past, so why not gift someone you love a walk down memory lane? I've put together a list of my 18 favorite nostalgic gifts that are fitting for all ages – adults will enjoy experiencing things they once enjoyed, while exposing kids to these fun finds can help keep traditions alive.
1. Nintendo Game Boy - Original Gray Renewed
In July of 1989, the Game Boy was released in the U.S. with the game Tetris. Since then, this pocket-sized system has sold over 100 million units, giving gamers all over the world the freedom to play their favorite games - including Tetris, Super Mario, and Pokémon - no matter where they are. This renewed version of the original Game Boy features the iconic gray color that was available on release, providing you with non-stop retro gaming vibes.
Product Features:
Renewed Game Boy Console
RAM: 64-Kbit static RAM
Size: 90mm x 148mm x 32mm
Power: 4 x AA batteries for approximately 15 hours of gameplay
2. HLF 3.5-Inch Large Screen Retro Brick Game Console
Tetris: you can almost hear the maddeningly stressful music as the backdrop to this fun game. Created by Alexey Pajitnov in 1985, you can lock-in to a core childhood memory with this ultra-cool, mini arcade game console that has 23 built-in classic games.
Product Features:
Large 3.5-inch screen: Provides better visual effects; ergonomic design, better grip and comfortable operation.
23 Built-In Games: Allows for increased variety and better replayability.
Power: 2 AA Batteries
3. Army Men Toys Large Battle Playset
In the USA, during the 1940’s and 1950’s, manufacturers first began producing plastic army men. Replicas of lead figures, or toy soldiers, allowed children to stage battles between army factions, or dream up conflicts that involve dinosaurs, space men, or model railroads. Just about every kid I knew growing up had a bin of little green army men that played a critical role in hours of play and imagination.
Product Features:
Imagination Unleashed - Dive into a world of thrilling battles and endless adventures with our Super Value Pack Toy Soldier Set. The perfect gift for young tacticians, this set is designed to fuel creativity and foster strategic thinking.
Complete Military Equipment - Includes a diverse range of action figures and military equipment. From soldier figures, including commanders and combatants, to an array of battlefield machinery like tanks, helicopters, jeeps, ambulances, and trucks.
Quality You Can Trust - Each soldier in this set is meticulously crafted with realistic features that will captivate your child's imagination. They're built to last, ready for any high-stakes mission or epic battle your little one can dream up.
Various Gameplay - This isn't just a toy, it's an invitation to fun-filled afternoons and countless tales of heroism. Watch as your child devises grand strategies and orchestrates heroic battles across the living room battlefield.
4. Winning Solutions Mystery Date Classic Board Game
Mystery Date was originally released in 1965, with numerous reissues in 1970, 1999, and 2005. Players prepare to go on a surprise date and match up with the right date when they open the door. A game that has existed across generations, best friends, or mothers and daughters can have an incredible amount of fun with this game.
Product Features:
1965-inspired design: Includes original graphics and vintage components
Collectible storage tin: All game pieces are stored in a beautifully designed collectible tin, perfect for display or gifting to board game enthusiasts.
Exciting Mystery Date feature: Comes with 48 outfit cards and the iconic “Mystery Date” door, revealing various date options inside. Will your date be a dream or a dud?
𝗙𝘂𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝘀: Designed for 2 to 4 players, ages 8 and up, making it a great choice for family game nights or a nostalgic evening with friends.
5. Etch A Sketch Classic Red Drawing Toy
Invented in the late 1950’s by André Cassagnes, the Etch a Sketch was the perfect companion for any creative child. You could create for hours without the need for batteries, letting you draw, write messages, or even make signs to incorporate into games. The Etch a Sketch brings back warm childhood memories, and is still an incredible gift for children today.
Product Features:
Magic Screen: It’s fun and easy to create with Etch A Sketch Classic! As you turn the knobs to draw, lines magically appear on the grey screen. Turn the left knob to draw left and right; the right knob to draw up and down; and turn both knobs to curve!
Shake to Erase: When you’re finished a drawing and ready to start another, just shake to erase and start all over.
Classic Drawing Toy: For over 60 years, children and adults of all ages have been experiencing the magic of Etch A Sketch. The world’s favorite drawing toy makes it fun and easy to create over and over again.
Important Details: Mechanical drawing toy for ages 3 and up. No batteries required. Draw and shake to erase with the world’s favorite drawing toy.
6. Daisy Outdoor Products Model 1938 Red Ryder BB Gun
Nothing says “you'll shoot your eye out” like the iconic Red Ryder BB Gun featured in the 1983 Christmas classic “A Christmas Story”. Adults and kids alike can enjoy backyard fun with these functional BB guns.
Product Features:
177 Cal BB Gun Rifle with Steel Smooth Bore Barrel
650 Shot Capacity & 350 fps Max Velocity
Lever-Cocking, Spring Air Action
Other Features: Stained solid wood stock and forearm with blade and ramp front and adjustable rear sight
7. Speak & Spell Electronic Game
Introduced in 1978, Speak & Spell was one of the first handheld electronic devices with a visual display and interchangeable game cartridges, among other technical advancements. I distinctly remember wanting one of these once I saw the 1982 movie “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” and I will never forget exactly how the game looks and sounds because of that memory. Gift your kids a chance to improve their spelling while also sharing in some history that’s out-of-this-world.
Product Features:
Retro Play: Relive the classic fun of the 80s with Speak & Spell! This toy may be new, but it has all the iconic graphics, sounds, and gameplay you remember!
5 Play Modes: Enjoy hours of educational fun with 5 Play Modes! Spell, Mystery, Say It, Secret Code, and Letter — which game will you play today?
Multiple Challenge Levels: Ready to up your game? Choose from different challenge levels as you learn and play! Can you reach the highest level?
Great Gift For Kids: Speak & Spell makes a fun, educational gift for kids ages 7 and up!
8. Tamagotchi Original - Celebration Y3K Amazon Exclusive
Tamagotchi was originally released in 1996, and the handheld care toy became a huge fad among teenagers in that era. During its initial release, you could see every backpack adorned with the colorful keychain pets that demanded you take care of them from the moment they hatched all the way through an entire life cycle of development. I recall everyone worrying about their pets and rushing to take care of them between classes so they wouldn’t expire.
Product Features:
The Original Tamagotchi Celebration Digital Pet: celebrates our love of the 90's original programming with a futuristic, metallic blue look. The shell is clear and translucent blue with a white 'Tamagotchi' logo and buttons, metallic frame and has a surprise Mametchi and Kuchipatchi on the back. Comes with a transparent blue case for your Tamagotchi in a special blue foil package.
Gameplay: Feed it, turn lights on/off, play with it, give it medicine, flush after it’s used the bathroom, check it’s health and discipline your Tamagotchi if he bothers you when he’s happy, fed and all cleaned up.
Raise your Tamagotchi from Egg to Adult: How you take care of it will decide which of the 7 Adults you’ll get. Comes with 1 Tamagotchi on a chain to take with you everywhere
Battery (CR2032) included. For Ages 8+
9. Clue 1986 Edition Board Game
Inspired by Anthony Pratt during WWII, Clue was originally released in 1949 as a classic murder mystery, whodunit, style game. Was it Miss Scarlet with the rope in the library? Or perhaps it was Colonel Mustard in the study with the lead pipe? This retro version of the game retains the original vibes of the game without the modern updates the game as gone through over the years. Hours of fun can be had as you guess who of your friends or family members are the killer.
Product Features:
Ditch the TV, and re-ignite family night with the get-together amusement of a Hasbro game.
Party it up, and surprise guests at your next event with laugh-out-loud game.
Nostalgic tabletop gameplay meets interactive digital content for an immersive gaming experience.
3-6 Players, Ages 8+
10. Super Nintendo SNES Bundle with Super Mario World
Super Nintendo is a 16-bit video game console originally released in the U.S. in 1991 with the best-selling game Super Mario World. When my brothers and I opened up this gift on Christmas that year, I think we spent several nonstop days taking turns playing Super Mario World together. Trying to improve our hand-eye coordination to get through the obstacles while avoiding Goombas and Koopa Troopas (enemies) through various game stages. The SNES is known as one of the most prolific gaming consoles of all time because it demonstrated games could be more than toys, but immersive, story-driven, and for everyone.
Product Features:
Renewed Super Nintendo Game Console
Renewed Super Nintendo Game Controller
Super Mario World Game Cartridge
Age Range: 5+
11. Fisher-Price Classics Retro Cash Register
In 1931, Herman Fisher, Irving Price & Helen Schelle joined together to change the toy industry. Since then, the company has been inviting kids to play with their range of safe, fun, and educational toys. The classic, colorful toys and sets bring back memories of playrooms filled with items that help kids learn and grow. Fisher-Price is the only brand committed to all the childhood years from 0 to 5, and I think we owe it to the next generation to share these incredible toys with them.
Product Features:
Iconic cash register design with coins, ringing bell and working cash drawer.
Teaches children about money and motor skills. Real cash register play with 6 plastic coins.
Watch the coins come down the ramp, turn the crank to hear the bell ring and watch the drawer open.
Makes a great gift for babies and toddlers ages 2 years and up for hands-on, screen-free play.
12. Polly Pocket Keepsake Collection Mermaid Dreams
Polly Pocket was originally designed by Chris Wiggs in 1983 for his daughter Kate. Using a makeup compact, he designed a small house for the tiny doll. The original Polly Pocket cases included plastic cases that formed a dollhouse or other play area to house Polly, the doll that was less than 1 inch tall. As a child, it was fun to bring Polly with you everywhere, and switch cases for different occasions.
Product Features:
Bring back the magic of classic fan favorites from the heritage Polly Pocket vault with the Polly Pocket Keepsake Collection.
The compact opens to reveal a colorful undersea world with a brilliantly colored holographic background that really shimmers, 2 mermaid dolls, and carefully crafted ocean details.
A collectible "pearl" ring revealed in the clam brings the compact alive and is the perfect keepsake for any Polly Pocket collector.
Beautiful underwater details include a golden treasure chest, seashell vanity, seahorse chair and moving jellyfish.
13. G.I. Joe Classified Series Retro Cardback Duke
G.I. Joe was originally developed in 1963 by Stanley Weston, and the four original figures represented the four branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. The development of G.I. Joe is what coined the term “action figure,” and paved the way for boys to be able play with something when dolls were not seen as an acceptable choice. Through decades of development, the toys have evolved to include more characters, the Cobra enemies, and various vehicles and accessories. My Barbie’s were best friends with my brother’s G.I. Joes, so I have fond memories of playing both war and fashion show side-by-side.
Product Features:
Yo Joe! G.I. JOE Larger-than-Life Era with 6” Action Figures: The G.I. Joe Classified Series evolves the retro toy fans know and love into a highly articulated 6-inch (150 mm) scale with premium deco and detailing.
Classic Duke-Inspired Design: Features a classic deco and design of the G.I. Joe First Sergeant that fans of the original 1980s G.I. Joe characters will love and 10 accessory pieces inspired by the character’s rich history.
Highly Poseable with Premium Detailing: G.I. Joe Classified Series Duke action figure set features exceptional detailing and articulation to create dynamic dioramas (some poses may require additional support).
Classic-Cardback Inspired Packaging: This Duke comes on a blister pack card with design and character art inspired by the classic Real American Hero figure line that is perfect for display.
14. Lite-Brite Retro Toy
Originally created in 1966, Lite-Brite was developed after a New York City window display awed crowds when it featured hundreds of colored lights. The original creators determined that a plaything could be created to emulate the effect of the window display, and the Lite-Brite was born. The Lite-Brite consists of a light box with small colored plastic pegs that fit into a panel and illuminate to create a lit picture. The toy was named one of the top 100 toys of all time by Time magazine, and was inducted to the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2022.
Product Features:
Lite-Brite Value Exclusive: Create art with light with Lite-Brite, your favorite retro toy! This Amazon Exclusive set includes more templates and more pegs than the Ultimate Classic, so you can create wonderful works of art!
Template for Each Month: Use one of the 12 design templates or use your own imagination to create art with light! There's one template for each month, so you can celebrate every time of the year.
240 Classic Pegs & Bonus Storage Pouch: Includes a total of 240 pegs in 6 different colors to light up your imagination and inspire creativity!
4 Light Modes: Light up your art with 4 color-changing patterns (white light, alternating flash, all-flash, rotating flash)! This set makes a great gift for ages 4 and up.
15. Radio Flyer Wagon - Original & Classic Design
The Radio Flyer legacy began with founder Antonio Pasin, a young Italian immigrant who came to Chicago in 1914. Today, Radio Flyer remains as it was at its inception — a Chicago-based family company committed to creating beautifully designed, quality products that inspire adventures. Highly iconic in many childhood homes, I distinctly remember the 1992 movie “Radio Flyer” where two young boys attempt to fly to safety in a transformed Radio Flyer Wagon. Still used today to tote kids and their toys around neighborhoods and beaches, and even incorporated as part of backyard decor, Radio Flyers are too classic to miss.
Product Features:
Rugged 10-inch Rubber Tires: offer a smooth and stable ride, making it suitable for hauling both toddlers and cargo; Equipped with a sturdy build, they ensure reliable performance on various terrains.
Classic Red Wagon: boasts an all-steel seamless body and undercarriage, ensuring long-lasting durability; Its timeless design is not only sturdy but also visually appealing.
Weight Capacity: Facilitates the transportation of heavy soil and plants easily, and its impressive weight capacity of 200 pounds allows for the easy hauling of gardening supplies, coolers, sports equipment, and more.
Important Details: With assembled dimensions of 39.57 inches in length, 17.56 inches in width, and 14.37 inches in height, and weighs 24.69 pounds; Recommended for kids aged 1 year old and above.
16. 10-Piece Mini Troll Dolls
Troll Dolls were inspired by Scandinavian folklore, and they’re also commonly known as good luck trolls. One of the biggest toy fads in the U.S. in the 1960s, and then resurging in popularity in the 1970s and 1990s as collectibles and good luck charms. Part of the appeal of troll dolls are their cute, yet scary, appearance that people can’t help but laugh at. These iconic mini versions are ideal to include as party gifts and stocking stuffers.
Product Features:
10-Pack Mini Troll Dolls: Hair colors vary slightly from batch-to-batch
Material: PVC and Polyester
Size: Each good luck troll is about 1.2 in or 3 cm tall (including the hair)
17. Atari Official 2600+ Console & Joystick - 10 Games
Co-founders Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney changed the way games are played, and the way society views games, with the development of Atari in 1972. With the success of the game Pong, Atari lead the development of the video games industry. I don’t know why, but as a child, my all-time favorite Atari game was Moon Patrol, where you jumped a lunar rover over obstacles on the surface of the moon. If you weren’t fortunate enough to play Atari as a child, this retro game console will let you and your whole family experience the rich history of video games from the start.
Product Features:
Builds on the Legacy: The new Atari 2600+ builds on the original machine with modern quality of life features such as HDMI output, USB power and multiple screen resolutions, and includes an exact replica of the original CX40+ Joystick.
Backwards Compatible: The cartridge slot is backwards compatible with hundreds of original Atari 2600 and 7800 games. The ‘10 Games in 1’ cartridge includes iconic games such as Adventure, Combat, Dodge ‘em, Haunted House, Maze Craze, Missile Command, Volleyball, Surround, Video Pinball and Yars’ Revenge.
Look and feel of the 80s: The Atari 2600+ has been lovingly crafted using modern technology, from the movement of the joystick to the resistance on the switches, the machine incorporates many of the original key features that were such a hit with fans. It also includes the authentic woodgrain outer shell finish.
Includes: Atari 2600+ Video Game System, CX40+ Joystick controller, 10 games in 1 cartridge, HDMI cable, and USB power cable, but does not include a USB wall charging plug for your outlet. You’ll need to pick up a 1A USB power adapter if you don’t have an extra one at home.
18. Chia Pet Hedgehog
Ch-ch-ch-chia! The commercial jingle is still in my head today, and will be growing on the head of your choice soon. Discovered at a housewares show in Chicago in 1977, the first Chia Pets were released to the masses in 1982. Opt for one of the classic options, or select a wide variety of updated themed choices that combine the past and the present for a perfect gifting experience.
Product Features:
Everything You Need All-In-One: Includes a unique pottery planter, convenient plastic drip tray and chia seed packets for 3 plantings.
Full Growth in 1-2 Weeks: In just a few short weeks your chia pet will achieve maximum growth and enjoy a luscious green coat. Each Chia Pet contains a simple 6 step care instruction on how to grow your creation.
Multiple Uses: Chia Planters can be washed and replanted indefinitely. The fun never stops with ch-ch-ch-chia pets!
The Chia Collection: The variety is endless! Chia Pets come in all different shapes and sizes including your favorite presidents, actors, emojis, and even movie characters. Watch your collection keep growing!
Wrapping Up Nostalgic Gifts
Whew, those products really brought back a lot of memories! I hope you enjoyed this list of some of the best nostalgic gifts that would be enjoyable and meaningful to give this holiday season.