Fun Retro Gifts

Vintage and retro gifts are all the rage with millennials, Generation Xers and baby boomers alike. Think about what era your gift recipient enjoys most, then select items replicated from originals that were modeled during that time. Depending on your loved one's hobbies and childhood interests, you can pick the best retro gifts to remind them of the good old days.

To keep things modern with a retro twist, tons of older music is available in digital form. Get your loved one a digital album from their favorite band or artist from decades ago. If you want to go more old school than that, consider music players from years gone by. Many cassette players and CD players have modernized versions with a vintage look. Some allow you to record songs as digital files, so people can save their tunes to computers or phones. The latest turntables allow users to pull out and dust off their record collections, or purchase some of the many new vinyl records that are now available.

If your loved one is a gamer, there are tons of retro gift ideas available. Many games that were previously only available on retro consoles are now reimagined with enhanced graphics to play on modern video gaming systems. You can take it a step further and get retro console games for their existing vintage console. Some new retro-style consoles come with older games already on them. You can also get controllers that match old consoles while working with modern ones. A few new versions of handheld games mimic bygone devices. If your gamer grew up in a time before consoles, look into mini or full-size arcade cabinets designed to play hundreds of throwback games.

Check out retro camera accessories and vintage-style cameras for the photographers in your life. Instant print cameras have made a comeback recently, so delight your shutterbug with one, along with a package of instant film. This retro gift for men or women lets them capture memories and enjoy them right away. Some digital cameras come in retro designs as well, even though they have all the features of modern technology. If they already have a camera, look for digital picture frames. They can add filters or a sepia tone to their images with photo editing software and display photography in a retro vibe.

Nothing brings back memories like toys from childhood, and luckily many toys from yesteryear have found new life today. Electronic pets have made a comeback with all new features. More timeless retro gifts for her or him still exist in their original and new versions. Other toys never go out of style, such as building blocks, which work great for new parents. You can also find key chains, mini versions of retro toys and other collectibles that can be displayed on shelves and desks.

Retro decor gives rooms personality and makes great gifts. Old-fashioned posters and wall signs include everything from war posters to metal signs for beer brands that no longer exist. Look for neon signs for that old-fashioned bar look. Some neon signs allow for digital programming to display and change to multiple designs. Look for vintage clocks featuring cartoon characters or designs from eras past as well.

Pick out a board game that comes with a vintage design. Think wooden game boards or the original artwork from decades ago. Other older games have resurfaced with new features or their original design, so you can choose which version you want. If you’re looking for a retro gift for a trivia nut, consider quiz board games. Some of these focus on specific eras of knowledge, so you can use them as retro gifts from the 1980s, 1990s or 2000s.

People who want to get retro in the kitchen will love appliances that have a vintage feel but still work with modern cooking methods. French press coffee makers are popular, and many come in old-fashioned styles. Try nostalgic home phones that mimic older designs as retro gifts from the 1970s or earlier. If your recipient has a favorite childhood food, there are some specialty appliances they may like. Look for retro popcorn poppers, cotton candy makers, or hotdog roasters to remind them of their youth.

Picking the right gift for nostalgia-lovers in your life doesn't have to be stressful. In fact, it’s easier than ever to find retro-themed gifts. Pick something that fits their unique personality and speaks to parts of their past. Taking the time to find something that gives them a blast from the past is sure to make them smile.