Unwrapped: The Ultimate ‘90s Nostalgia Gift Guide

Briefly escape the hell that is 2017

by Taylor Bryant

Tis officially the season for gift-giving. For us, that’s a full month (31 days!) in which we’ll be providing gift ideas for everyone on your list with our Unwrapped holiday gift guides. So make your holiday shopping a breeze this season, and let us help you find gifts for all the people in your life—and maybe even a spoiled pet or two.

Probably anyone who lived through the ‘90s has some degree of appreciation for the decade, but those born in the ‘90s have a yearning for it that can only be described as borderline unhealthy. From the television shows to the fashion to the music, there’s something about the time that lends itself well to nostalgia. Or maybe we millennials are just too sentimental for a decade when things seemed simpler than the clusterfuck they are right now.

Either way, the love we hold is very strong and most of us will go out of our way for some hope that a product or song will trigger memories from that time. And so, with that being said, you definitely have at least one ‘90s obsessive in your life. Maybe it’s you! Whoever it might be, the items ahead will help you or your friend stop time for a bit and rewind to better days when Daria graced the screen and Lisa Frank reigned supreme. 

Check out our gift suggestions for virtual time travel, ahead. 

For Heathers stans only.

LittleGoldPixel, $7, available at Etsy

With this, your friends can channel the glitter trend of the '90s without suffering from the same beauty regrets.

Milk Makeup, Holographic Stick, $28, available at Sephora

What better way to conjure up the scariest bits of childhood than by giving someone the first literary series to give ‘90s kids nightmares.

Goosebumps 25th Anniversary Retry Set, $18.89, available at Amazon.

One good thing about living in the ‘10s now (okay, there are a lot of good things) is the advancement of technology, specifically when it comes to gaming consoles. The days of blowing on your Mario Kart cartridges are behind you, and there’s nothing more satisfying than zooming past all of your friends in high definition. So, yes, a '90s freak will love this, but it also serves to remind them that not everything used to be better. We all need those reminders sometimes.

Nintendo, Switch Console, $299.99, available at Best Buy.

But if they're still hardcore old school gaming fans, you can always help them reminisce with this phone case.

Newstore, iPhone Case, $6.00, available at Amazon

It’s up to the recipient whether the music coming out will be as colorful as the headphones themselves.

Lisa Frank, Headphones, $45, available at Amazon

May we all continue to worship at the altar of Buffy well into 2018.

Saintcelebrity, Saint Buffy Prayer Candle, $16, available at Etsy.

Turn back the hands of time with this paper cup clock.

F.A.R. Illustrations, Wall Clock, $24.79, available at Society6.

Before living out their Roller Girl fantasies, the person who gets these might want to practice with these indoors first to get used to them. But, roller skating is like riding a bike… right?

Moxi, Leather Roller Skates, available at Urban Outfitters.

This book deconstructing rap is educational and makes for a great conversation starter. Plus! It’s being made into a documentary on AMC. You can skip to the ‘90s, though every decade is worth reading up on.

The Rap Year Book, $12.88, available at Amazon

At least this way, Screech and Lisa can have their happily ever after on your friend's nails.

JanesTinyThings, Saved By The Bell Nail Art Decals, $9, available at Etsy.

'Daria' forever.

Astropuke, Sick Sad World, $2.69, available at Etsy.

Must be paired with a tube top and overalls because, otherwise, what’s the point?

Topshop, Large Sequin Scrunchie, $12, available at Topshop

Wear this with pride.

Urban Outfitters, Selena Signature Tee, $28, available at Urban Outfitters

A Tamagotchi that's impossible to kill? Perfect!

KillerCuteCouture, Tamagotchi Iron On Patch, $8.67, available at Etsy.

So they can bring their favorite girls with them wherever they go.

James Brooker, The Golden Girls Carry-All Pouch, $12.79, available at Society6