8 Retro ’90s Gifts Your Friends Will Love This Holiday Season
These gifts are totally da bomb and will instantly satisfy your nostalgia.
Everything old is new again. We seem to be seriously craving nostalgia these days, presumably to remind us of our carefree teenage years. It’s also fun to watch the Gen Z generation enjoy some of the things we loved in simpler times, you know, like before Facebook, Instagram and TikTok totally took over.
When the economy is struggling, people seek comfort and connection, reports Business Insider, which is precisely why the younger generation is reviving the trends we all loved from the 90s and early 2000s.
Suddenly, Nirvana t-shirts appeared on the racks at Target, old Friends episodes and memes were trending, waistlines rose on jeans, and thrifting saw a major resurgence. Of course, other retailers and marketers followed suit, with an array of items inspired by the ghosts of decades past, just in time for the holiday shopping season.
We’re totally smelling that teen spirit, in the midst of the spirit of the holiday season.
So lace up those steel-toed Doc Martens, toss on a flannel, and turn up the 90s station on SiriusXM— we rounded up 8 of the best retro items to get or gift this holiday season.
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1
Dr. Marten’s Pascal Virginia Leather Boots
These boots took me from the hallways of high school to the Lollapalooza mosh pit — and I’m thrilled to see them here in the 2020s gracing the fashionable feet of Instagram influencers. They’re rugged and cool, and might I add comfy too, with the brand’s signature cushioned outsole.
$170 at DrMartens.com
2
Lola + the Boys Unicorn Bomber
The brand has a long list of stylish celebrity moms that are fans including Jessica Alba, Kylie Jenner, Adriana Lima, Beyonce, Cardi B, and Khloe Kardashian — all who love their cult-like-ish tracksuits, bombers, and hoodies featuring rainbows, Care Bears, and Unicorns.
We are loving this sparkly unicorn bomber jacket, which is a totally fun throwback and a statement piece too. Plus, it’s available for both kids and adults so you can also match your mini!
$88 at Lolaandtheboys.com
3
Backstreet Boys x MeUndies
I mean… Backstreet Boys and undies… What more could we want in a collaboration? Everyone’s favorite ’90s boy band (well, one of them) teamed up with MeUndies for some festive-looking boxer shorts, pajamas, and loungewear (and even a cute holiday-print bralette), released in conjunction with the band’s first-ever holiday album “A Very Backstreet Christmas.”
“We hope this fun new collaboration will provide fans with a solution to stress-free gifting this season, and get people in the mood to celebrate the season without compromising comfort or fit, ” says BB AJ McLean. Backstreet’s back, aiight?
$20 and up at MeUndies.com
4
Mariah Carey Christmas Onesie
She may be the reigning queen of Christmas, but prior to that, she was one of the biggest stars in pop music in the ’90s. Now, Mariah Carey’s living up to her legendary status with a line of merch all emblazoned with a cartoon-like image of the diva herself.
We are loving this totally giftable Naughty and Nice Onesie that’ll surely hit a high note for anyone on your list.
$115 at MariahCareyShop.com
5
Sandlot-inspired Sneakers
Iconic sneaker brand PF Flyers is gearing up for the 30th anniversary of The Sandlot next year with a reintroduction of its style “The 1993.” Made famous by the cult-classic film, the Center Hi is PF Flyers’ signature style featuring classic branding and the brand’s ‘Posture Foundation’ insert for comfort.
The collection also includes a hoodie and a tee, with the option to bundle all three for $175! Don’t call it a comeback, because legends… never… die.
$88 at Pfflyers.com
6
Spice Girls Sweatshirt
They may be working on a reunion in the present day, but the Spice Girls are still very much ’90s nostalgia. If you wannabe totally trending this season, grab this oversized crewneck concert-inspired sweatshirt.
$65 at Boohoo.com
7
Notorious BIG KoolTunes Cooler
“It was all a dream” — a cooler and speaker in one that pays homage to the late, great rapper Biggie Smalls. In tribute to the legend who almost single-handedly reinvented east coast hip-hop in the early ‘90s, the Igloo cooler features original artwork and photographs of Notorious B.I.G., and splash-proof dual speakers with premium sound.
Whether you were team East Coast or West, it’s perfect for the streets, the beach, and beyond.
$174.99 at Igloocoolers.com
8
Tipsy Elves Retro Rainbow Snowsuit
Don’t hit the slopes this season unless you plan to do it in style. I’m a huge fan of one-and-done pieces and this throwback from Tipsy Elves is just that, complete with a fun rainbow print — proving that snowsuits aren’t just for kids.
$244.95 at TipsyElves.com
