My sister gifted me Christina Aguilera’s debut album for Christmas in 1999—the very first CD I ever owned. It was right after the ‘90s movie Disney classic Mulan came out in theaters. Every now and then, I still belt out Aguilera’s version of Reflection (it makes for a great shower song). Looking back, I wish I had kept the CDs I grew up with and listened to on repeat. If I showed my CD player to my 5-year-old today, he’d be wondering what it is—deeming it a retro gift, for sure. Sometimes, the gifts that take you back to yesteryear are the most valued gifts of the present. Let’s just say, if a friend or family member gifted me my most cherished gift from 25 years ago this holiday season, I can’t say that I wouldn’t cry.
While it can be hard to find the vintage yellow Sony Walkman or the OG Apple iPod Nano you listened to on your walk home from school back in the day, there are still plenty of gifts out there that have a modern twist to some of the most retro gifts we grew up with. For example, you can buy a new vinyl player, and it’s still considered retro. And if you’ve been itching to show your kids a ‘90s childhood with a landline phone, one of the hottest items moms are talking about today is the Tin Can phone.
Need more ideas to gift the nostalgic person in your life? Or do you know a kid who’s intrigued by vintage toys and electronics? I’m sharing the best retro gifts to give this holiday season. From walkie-talkies to Nintendo’s classic gaming console, keep scrolling to shop the best gifts that take you back in time.
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From Vinyl to Cassettes: Retro Music Players
A nostalgic gift pick for teens and adults, this vintage-style record player comes in multiple colors, has multiple speakers, and is foldable and portable.
When vintage meets modern. Available in multiple colors, this retro-style portable CD player will surely be a cherished gift this season. Pair it with a set of vintage CDs, and you’ve just scored the title of “Best Gift-Giver.”
Relive the days when the yellow Sony Walkman was the IT music player. Not only does this player play cassette tapes, but it records sound, too.
This rechargeable Bluetooth cassette and radio boombox is a classic gift to give someone who loves all things vintage, especially if they adore ’80s nostalgia—it’s totally giving Lloyd Dobler-Say Anything movie vibes.
This modern-day CD player not only allows you to listen to CDs, but it also has a Bluetooth connection. Connect it to a Bluetooth speaker, and anyone can easily jam out to their 2000s burned mix CD collection.
With school phone bans and parents wanting to delay smartphone use as long as possible, MP3 players are coming back. Grab this highly-rated player that’s giving iPod vibes.
A jukebox is the most retro music player of them all. After all, the concept has been around for over a century! This version has wireless music streaming capabilities and a built-in AM/FM radio.
Available in two colors, this Bluetooth radio speaker is a vintage classic to give this holiday season.
Retro Gifts Kids Will Love
As one of the first computerized games, it’s truly a nostalgic gift for all ages—and an editor-favorite way to learn how to spell. Play 5 modes: Spell, Mystery, Say It, Secret Code, and Letter.
This iconic retro toy is loved by many. Draw creative masterpieces using the two knobs, and shake it to start all over again.
Uno has been around since the ’70s, and its popularity has never died down. It’s the perfect stocking stuffer, too. Play Uno wherever you go!
A must-have game for family game night, the objective of the Simon game is to remember the color pattern. There’s so much fun to be had in this simple game.
Want to give a present that gets the family outdoors in a fun way? Give the kids their very own roller skates, just like the ones you had growing up.
The best gift to give a little fashionista in your life. Create a croquis with the different fashion plates, and watch their design come to life.
Vintage Phones That Dial You Back in Time
This kid’s version of a landline phone is all the buzz in elementary schools. Kids can call friends, neighbors, Grandma, or whoever you add to your approved contact list. It comes with unlimited calls to other Tin Cans, no subscription with a ‘Party Line’ available to call numbers on their approved contact list.
Call friends and family the old-fashioned way with a retro landline telephone. Need a way to remember everyone’s number? No worries. Pair it with a Rolodex and they’re set to go cell phone-free.
Give the family a ’90s childhood with a landline phone. It’s a fun way to connect with friends and family—without text messages and email. Connect it to a phone adapter without having to change a phone number or pay for a separate service.
A fun and nostalgic way to communicate with friends and family, this set of walkie-talkies is great for kids!
Capture Memories With a Retro Camera
Personalize and create their own reel viewer with personal pictures—a thoughtful gift for sure!
They can take pictures and instantly capture memories with a retro instant camera from Polaroid.
Owning this digital camera is a millennial trend that’s back. It’s a staple for every friend group these days. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly option, has a large memory card, and comes in several colors!
To help them capture the important moments, this digital video recorder has a charming vintage feel while not sacrificing quality.
The Best Retro Consoles and Games for the Family
This electronic keychain pet is a fun throwback game for kids (and adults). They’ll have to take care of the Tamagotchi by ‘feeding’ it, ‘playing’ with it, and more.
This miniature-sized retro Nintendo gaming console from the ’80s has raving reviews. Play 30 pre-installed classics, like Super Mario Bros., Donkey Kong, The Legend of Zelda, and more.
Bring the classic Tetris game to the table, and play this fun multiplayer version with family and friends.
The Rubik’s Cube just turned its game up a notch. Solve the cube before the light goes out.
For the arcade enthusiast, this fun present includes PAC-MAN, Super PAC-MAN, and PAC-MANIA.
Who needs to go to an arcade when you can bring one right to them? They can play pinball as many times as they want with their very own set.
Making an arcade game is just as fun as playing one. They can build a handheld ping-pong game and play it for hours on end right after.
Before Netflix, Blockbuster was the reigning at-home movie service. While some may miss perusing the aisles of a Blockbuster store, give them all the nostalgia with The Blockbuster Game. Plus, there are multiple board game bundles to choose from.
This classic vintage game board collection includes Scrabble, Monopoly, and Clue.
Wrap up this deluxe wooden set of the game Clue. The beautiful set alone will have people wanting to play this for every family game night!
More Retro Gifts We Love
Curate a special playlist in one of the most retro ways possible by personalizing a vinyl record along with its cover.
Make someone feel special with a custom cassette mixtape of all their favorite songs this holiday season.
Spruce up their desk with a wireless typewriter keyboard. With four colors to choose from, it’s easy to match their work desk vibe.
Add a retro touch to any space with a lava lamp. They’ll love this fun, retro gift!
For the millennials and Gen-Zers who grew up with a flip phone, commemorate the nostalgic flip phone era with a flip phone jewelry charm.
For the LEGO enthusiast, building a LEGO Super Mario Game Boy Set can be just as fun as playing one in real life.
A modern-retro way to display time, elevate an office with a light-up digital word clock.
An old-school flip clock is a fun gift for kids and adults—without having to look at a phone for the time. With four colors to choose from, it’s easy to match any space.

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The Everygirl Media Group has brought valuable content to our readers for 12+ years. In 2018, The Everymom set out to ensure that all moms know they’re not alone. If you find yourself seeking advice on how to style the latest fashion trend or searching for the best kid-friendly coffee table, we have the answers. And if you’re wondering what’s actually worth it from a sale or looking for a review of the hottest new kids’ product, we’ve got that covered too. From our annual Registry Awards and beloved holiday gift guides to the shopping round-ups you find on our site every day, The Everymom commerce team is well-versed in sifting through thousands of products to curate a digestible list for you. We combine our own experience with in-depth research to bring you a selection that meets our high standards for both fashion and function.
Patty Schepel, Editorial Assistant
As the editorial assistant, Patty works with The Everymom’s team on pitches, creating original articles, updating existing content, photo sourcing, writing shopping product descriptions, inputting freelance articles, and more. With Patty’s passion for writing, experience as a mother of two, and expertise as a pediatric nurse, she brings a thoughtful and informative perspective to The Everymom.
Products included in the graphic are linked within the article.


