The irony about old-school gifts is that they often appeal to an unremembered nostalgia. Whether referencing fashion, technology, or anything else, old-school gifts often go to recipients who weren't a part of the generation they idolize. Nonetheless, connecting oneself to the past brings a simultaneous comfort and hip nonchalance.
Especially today, amidst constant sea changes in the field, technology is instantly connected to a retro past. Even technology from 10 or fewer years ago feels quaint and retro by today's standards, as a device like Samsung's W2017 flip phone shows.
Fashion is also a common font of retro nostalgia, as fashions that define eras tend to be distinct. For instance, Psychic Hearts' 'Enjoy This With' clothing line in inextricably tied to the styles of the new wave movement of the late seventies and eighties.
50 Old-School Gifts
49
Retro Roadster Motorbikes
This Motorbike Breathes New Life to a BMW Two-Wheeler Classic
48
Retro Smartphone Designs
The Samsung W2017 Android Flip Phone Revives a Beloved Design Aesthetic
47
Fusion Retro Jeans
The 'Born In the 1980s' Collection Blends '80s Style With a Modern Twist
46
Retro Arcade Apparel
BLUE HEROES Created a Collection of Pac-Man Clothing and Accessories
45
Retro Korean Streetwear
The Critic Skate Clothing Line Was Inspired by Looks from the 80s and 90s
44
Revived Retro Apparel
This New Nautica Collection Was Made for Urban Outfitters with Lil Yachty
43
Luxe 70s-Inspired High-Tops
These COACH Sneakers are Said to Draw from Old-School Hip Hop Culture
42
Avant-Garde Motorcycle Streetwear
The Spring/Summer MISBHV Collection Edgily Adapts Retro Styles
41
Stylish Electric Retro Bikes
The Vispa eBike Combines Functionality with Nostalgic Style
40
Faux-Retro Flatscreen TVs
Doshisha's TV is Designed to Look Like a 1970s CRT TV
39
Retro Australian Streetwear
Butter Goods' Summer Lookbook Features Pink Panther and Felix the Cat
38
Retro Cassette Tables
The TAYBLES Are a Large-Scale Recreation of a Compact Cassette
37
Revived Retro Tees
'Revive' Brought Back a Number of 1990s FUCT T-Shirts with Cynical Slogans
36
Nostalgic Androgynous Apparel
Psychic Hearts' 'Enjoy This With' Collection Carries New Wave Motifs
35
Iconic Rock Band Apparel
This New PacSun Line Tributes Beloved Groups Like the Rolling Stones
34
Modernized Retro Stereos
This Vintage-Inspired Stereo Has All the Features of a Modern One
33
Chic Compact Cameras
The Olympus PEN E-PL8 Offers Affordable Style and Performance
32
Functional Boombox Posters
Case of Bass' 'Touch of Bass' Music Posters Feature Built-In Speakers
31
Retro Futuristic Furniture
Sancal Depicts the Past and the Future in Its Latest Furniture Designs
30
Updated Retro Turntables
The Crosley Retro Dansette Junior Turntable Pays Tribute to the 60s
29
Furniture-Inspired Televisions
The 'Beovision 14' is Reminiscent of Early TV Sets
28
Retro-Fitted Gaming Consoles
This USB Gaming Console Brings Modern Conveniences to Retro Gaming
27
Dystopian Film Smartwatch Designs
The Lifeclock One is Inspired by the Fictional Film Wearable
26
Vintage Handcrafted Synthesizers
This Synthesizer Workstation is Inspired By Retro Designs
25
Retro Map Art
Hubert Roguski Creates Simple Yet Stunning City Map Prints
24
Retro Cassette Tape Tables
Altar Furniture's Cassette Tape Table is Driven by Nostalgia
23
Retro All-White Sneakers
These Newly Released Triple White Nikes Pay Tribute to the 1990s
22
Retro Arcade Consoles
'Dreamcade Replay' Offers Thousands of Classic Game Titles for Free
21
Retro Video Game Tables
The 'PONG PROJECT' Sees the Pong Video Game as a Tabletop Game
20
Smartphone Gaming Controllers
The Nintendo Controller is Being Remodeled to Incorporate iPhones
19
Collaborative Velour Tracksuits
Japan's UNITED ARROWS Joined with adidas to Make Retro Sportswear
18
Portable Retro Lights
This LED Light is Rechargeable with a USB and Has a Simplistic Design
17
Sculptural Desktop Arcade Games
This Desktop Game Combines Modern and Retro Designs at Once
16
Watch Brand Power Cords
The Shinola Power Supply Cord is Created in Collaboration with GE
15
Cord-Cutting Console Adapters
The Analogue 'Retro Receiver' Lets Users Port Any Wireless Gamepad
14
Retro Replica Desk Lamps
Louis Poulsen's Lamps are Inspired by the Iconic Panthella Lamp
13
Retro Hip Hop Sneakers
These Luxurious Sneakers from Puma Honor New York's 1980s Culture
12
Electronics Advent Calendars
This Kit Supplies All the Pieces Needed to Make a Retro DIY Radio
11
Physical Smartphone Gaming Controllers
The Hyperkin Smart Boy Smartphone Games Console is Retro
10
Retro Co-Branded Jackets
Stussy's Line of Champion Apparel Remembers the 90s
9
Instant Selfie Cameras
The Leica 'Sofort' Camera Merges Vintage and Modern Photo Styles
8
Retro Wooden Headphones
The Ebony Encore Portable Audio System Improves the Tonal Music Experience
7
Palm-Sized Retro Consoles
This DIY SNES Console was Created by YouTuber lyberty5
6
Retro Aluminum Design Cameras
The Leica TL Compact Mirrorless Camera is Strong Inside and Out
5
Typographic Analog Clocks
The 'Font Clock' Rotates Through 12 Fonts Using a Flip Mechanism
4
Retro Media-Storing Cabinets
The Symbol Audio 'AERO' Cabinet Designs Incorporate Old Media
3
Digital Disc Games
The 'Super Slam - POGS Battle' App Revives a Nostalgic 90s Activity
2
Retro Espresso Machines
This Espresso Gadget Combines Smart Technology and Classic Aesthetics
1
Updated Retro Sports Games
TecmoBowl.org Updated Tecmo Super Bowl for NES with 2016 NFL Rosters
Related Ideas
Retro-Futurism Smartwatch Designs
The Conceptual 'JUSTWATCH' by Jacek Janiczak is Feature-Rich
Retro-Style Mini Gamer PCs
The AYANEO Retro Mini PC AM01 Has a Macintosh-Inspired Design
Retro-Futuristic DJ Consoles
The Conceptual teenage engineering OP-J DJ Console is Advanced
Retrofuturism Laptop Designs
This Lofree Retro Laptop Concept by Wonjae Kim is Made with PBT
Industrial Handheld Gaming Consoles
The Conceptual PocketMan P1 Has Exposed Components
Modernized 90s Gaming Consoles
The Analogue 3D Console Upscales N64 Games to 4K
Vintage-Inspired Digital Audio Players
The Conceptual 'Pony Project' Hi-Res Player is Retro
Modular Next-Gen Gaming Consoles
The Conceptual Nintendo Switoo Imagines the Brand's Next Handheld
Smartphone-Inspired Accessories
HMD Dropped the Phonecore Range During LFW with Sinead Gorey
Industrial Cellphone Concepts
The Nokia N90 x Nothing Concept by Viet Doan Duc is Retro and Modern
Projector-Equipped Handheld Gaming Consoles
This Nintendo Game Boy Concept is 90s-Inspired
Nostalgic Computer Graphic Cameras
Retrospekt and Polaroid Collaborated on a New Camera
Cat-Inspired Camera Collections
Hello Kitty's Strawberry Kawaii Collection is Nostalgic and Fresh
Brand-Themed Handheld Consoles
The HyperMegaTech Super Pocket Comes in Two Special Editions
Car Culture-Inspired Fashion Capsules
The Forever 21 x Ford Line Emphasizes American Heritage
90s-Inspired Bulky Skateboard Sneakers
adidas Presents a Look at the Retro Stan Smith XLG Shoe
Millennium-Inspired Cellphones
These New Nokia Phones are Nostalgic with Modern Features
Vibrant Retro Tech Collections
The Retrospekt x Miffy Collection Features Illustrious Devices
TV Screen T-Shirts
The T-Shirt TV Has an Integrated 10-Inch HD Screen
GenAI Confectionery Posters
The My Cadbury Era Tool Puts People into Retro Posters with AI
Y2K Jewelry Collabs
Claire's x Sliving Brings Paris Hilton's Style to a New Generation
Retro-Style Anniversary Watches
The Casio 50th Anniversary Sky and Sea Series Watches are Geeky
Charm-Accented Technical Sneakers
Bentgablenits Remixes Unique ASICS Sneaker Models
Reinvigorated 90s Fashion
The Old Navy '94 Reissue Collection Revives Nostalgic Style
Nostalgic Anniversary Console Updates
Sony Added Nostalgic Themes to its PS5 Console
Retro-Futuristic Sports Cars
The DeLorean Cyberpunk Concept by Loïc Chauvin is 80s-Inspired
Nostalgic Flip Phone Concepts
The Nokia N90 by Viet Doan Duc Reimagines a Vintage Design
Nostalgic Retro Music Capsules
KICKBACK Blends Retro Design with the DIY Mixtape Kit
Pocket Computer Smartphone Concepts
This iPhone 16S Concept Reimagines the Aesthetic of the Device
Nostalgic Fashion-Tech Collabs
Sandy Liang and Android Partner Up to Turn Tech Stylish
Retro Docking Hubs
The 'RayCue 128K' is Dripping With 1980s Computer Aesthetics
Retro Nightlife-Inspired Hotels
Necchi Architecture Designs the Hôtel Château d'Eau
Convention-Challenging AC Campaigns
Samsung's WindFree Ad Stars a Savvy Grandma-Fluencer
Nostalgic Nixie Tube Timepieces
The NEONWORKS BTF Nixie Watch Has a Retro-Modern Design
Accessible Nostalgic Gaming Systems
The Anbernic RG35XX H Pays Homage to the History of Gaming
Pager-Inspired Power Banks
The Conceptual Beeper Power Bank by PTPC is Vintage-Modern
90s-Inspired Home Lines
Kohl's Unveils New Home Decor Products from the Brand Aéropostale
Offbeat Fashion Campaigns
ASOS 'Inspired By' Delivers Non-Traditional Inspiration to Style-Seekers
Handheld Gaming Console Concepts
Alex Casabo Designs the Playfusion Console Concept
Mid-Century Warm Consoles
Calico Introduces a Look at the Captivating Hi-Fi Console
Elevated Senior Essentials
Remsen Redefine Aging with Beautifully Designed Everyday Goods
Y2K-Inspired Neon Light Art
LaMoMo Neon Debuted a New Aesthetically Driven Collection
Surrealist Phone Cases
The Salvador Dalí x CASETiFY Collab Elevates Everyday Accessories into Art
Soda-Branded Fashion Capsules
The Forever 21 x Coca-Cola Collection Exudes a Timeless Allure
Retro Video Game Stores
Gamestop is Opening 'Retro' Locations to Sell Used Games
Retro-Futuristic Cellphone Designs
The Conceptual Noka 7610 5G by AndroidLeo Merges Aesthetics
Nostalgic Mobile Gaming Controllers
This Nintendo Switch GameCube Controller Revives a Classic
Gen Z Crafting Events
Red Heart Hosted an Exclusive "Crafternoon" in NYC
Resurrected Used Smartphones
Think Tank Team Makes Artifacts with Project Afterlife
Anniversary-Celebrating Console Bundles
Sony Launched a PS5 Bundle with PS1-Inspired Designs
Nostalgic Television Channels
PBS Retro is a Vintage Television Channel Remembering the Past
Y2K-Inspired Fashion Collections
The Bench Revival Collection Boasts a Range of Nostalgic Styles
Nostalgic Sour Candy Products
IT'SUGAR Retro Sours are Inspired by a Discontinued Sour Candy
Iconic Character-Inspired Campaigns
Etsy's Christmas Ad Celebrates Personalized Gifting
Nostalgic Handheld Gaming Consoles
The Retroid Pocket 2S is Retro Yet Powerful
Modern Gifting Services
Fresh Sends Reinvents Flower Delivery & Gift-Giving for a New Generation
Heritage-Inspired Game Consoles
PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection Nods to the First Console
Retro-Inspired Music Systems
The Victrola Century 6-in-1 Record Player Works with Most Sources
Cannery-Inspired Phone Boxes
LookUp Makes Digital Detox Tools in the Shape of Fish Tins
Retro Doll-Themed Cameras
Retrospekt's Barbie Film Camera Collection is Nostalgically Vibrant
Vertical Layout Game Consoles
Powkiddy's RGB20 Pro Plays 16-bit-era Games with Ease
Historic Fashion Try-Ons
The Design Museum's London Fashion Exhibition Integrates AR Mirrors
Social Media-Free Flip Phones
The HMD Barbie Phone Fuses Nostalgic Style with Digital Wellness
Retro Gaming Merch Collections
The Rollercoaster Tycoon Collection from Atari Celebrates the Game
Retro Cartoon Capsules
Boxlunch Celebrates Strawberry Shortcake’s 45th Anniversary with Collection
LED-Infused Festival Fashion
Tinsel Arcade Offers Expressive Statement Clothing & Accessories
Sitcom Smartphone Accessories
The FRIENDS x CASETiFY Collection Marks the Show's 30th Anniversary
Wireless Timeless Retro Speakers
The Authentics Series by JBL Features an Impressive 270W
Digital Pet-Inspired Streetwear
The BAPE x Tamagotchi Collab Delivers Nostalgia with Style
90s Toy-Themed Fashion
The Cakeworthy x Furby Collection Pays Tribute to a 90s Sensation
Flannel Patterned Timeless Collections
Converse Presents the Nostalgic Upcycled Flannel Chuck 70
Retro QSR Menus
The Taco Bell Decades Menu Revisits Favorites from Past Decades
Nostalgic Gamer Smartphone Wallets
The elago Game Boy MagSafe Wallet is Nintendo-Inspired
Nostalgic Handheld Gaming Phones
The Samsung Young Entertainer Nods to Earlier Eras
Celebratory Disney-Inspired Collections
Forever 21 Celebrates Disney's 100th Anniversary
80s-Inspired 16-Bit Display Devices
Ahmed Esmael Designs a New Range of Retro Device Concepts
Retro Appliance Baby Monitors
The Conceptual SMEG Baby Monitor by Priyanshu Maiti is Cutesy
Smartwatch-Turned Nostalgic Handheld
tinyPod Transforms the Apple Watch Into an iPod Replica
Retro-Themed Metallic Homeware
The Collaborative Rabanne H&M Home Collection Nods to the 70s
Nostalgic Bodycare Revivals
Lush Brought Back 45 Previously Discontinued Retro Products
Vintage Console Upscale Systems
The RetroTINK-4K Works with a Range of Retro Gaming Consoles
Foldable Gaming Consoles
This Game Boy Flip Concept Pushes the Boundaries of Handheld Gadgets
Retro Handheld Computers
soulscircuit Draws Nostalgic Elements with Raspberry Pi and Pilet 5
MP3 Player Smartphone Wallpapers
These iPod Wallpapers Transform the iPhone into a Retro Device
Nostalgic Handheld Gaming Systems
My Arcade Gamestation Portable Has Retro-Style Controls
Retro-Tinged Revived Football Shoes
Nike Brings Life Back to its Field General Sneaker Model
Turntable-Inspired Palettes
SHEGLAM's Vinyl Pop Color Palette is Made for Mixing and Matching
Mid-20th-Century Holiday Campaigns
Saks Fifth Avenue Unveiled its 'Gifts of Delight' Campaign
Crystalline Handheld Gaming Devices
The Analogue Pocket: Transparent Limited Editions are Stylish
Retro-Themed Technical Sneakers
ASICS Presents the New GEL-KAYANO LEGACY Sneaker
Retro-Inspired T-Shirt Capsules
YoungLA Embodies the 70s with Vintage Colored Tees
Retro 3D-Printed Bags
Coperni's CD-PLAYER Swipe Bag Resembles a Portable Music Player
Nostalgic Fragrance Campaigns
Impulse & Frankie Bridge Faithfully Recreated Iconic 90s Looks
Retro Family Photoshoots
Blue Bunny is Inviting Families to Pop-Up 90s-Themed Photoshoots
Retro Colorful Turntable Devices
Gadhouse Introduces the Brad Retro MKII Turntable
Wasteful Shopping Billboards
Not On The High Street's Billboards Highlight a "Don't Gift Guide"
Anniversary Virtual Pet Toys
Tamagotchi Connection is Back for the Toy's 20th Anniversary
Immersive Virtual Television Experiences
Television for Apple Vision Shapes the Future of TV
Modernized Nostalgic Gaming Consoles
The Atari Gamestation Pro Features More Than 200 Games
Vintage-Inspired Technology
Tech Brand 'KICKBACK's DISCMAN' is Nostalgic
90s Toy Holiday Trees
Furbtrees are Introducing the Next Generation of Furby Across the UK
High School-Inspired Autumn Fashion
ERL Presents a Look at its FW24 Collection of Retro Themes
Streaming Service Sleeping Bags
The Netflix Sleeping Bag Reminiscences on Olden Days
Sandwich-Inspired 70s Decor
The Retro Schlotzsky's Sandwich Studio Line Honors an Iconic Menu Item
Miniature Retro Consoles
The Atari 400 is Downsized for the Modern Era in 'THE 400 MINI'
Nostalgic Handheld Gaming Units
The Analogue Pocket GBC Colors Edition is Limited in Numbers
Retro Tech Wallets
Nik Bentel Studio's Floppy Disk Wallet is a Blast from the Past
Functional Vintage-Inspired Bag Collections
JanSport Presents the 'Retro Series'
Meaningful Jewelry Gifts
Bluboho X Fashionista Introduce a Timeless Gift for Your Future Self
Surreal Artist-Inspired Tech Accessories
CASETiFY Presents a New Salvador Dalí Collection
Museum-Inspired Tech Accessories
CASETiFY's Ancient Korean Designs for Devices are Elegant
Cassette-Inspired Power Banks
The 'Flashtape' Wireless Magnetic Power Bank Has a Retro Design
Private Social Photo Apps
The 'Retro' App Focuses on Mindful Sharing with Select Others
Revived Nostalgic Puffer Jackets
Baby Phat is Bringing back its Iconic Puffer Jacket
Modernized Rose Delivery Services
Rose Rush Wants to Bring Back the Glamour of Sending Roses
Tomato-Red Retro Cameras
Retrospekt’s New Hello Kitty 35mm Camera is Inspired by Summer Picnics
Feature-Rich Retro Gamer Consoles
The XGO Handheld Retro Gaming Console Supports 10 Emulators
Heritage Varsity Jackets
FJackets Offers a Variety of Varsity Jackets for All
Retro Social App Devices
Edwar Banquet Designs the Retro Instagram Gadget with a Console Shape
Archive-Inspired Retro Luxe Fashion
Jean Paul Gautier PResents the TATTOO Collection
Nostalgic Radio Concepts
The Calming Noise Radio by Gisung Han has a Minimal Design
Retro Phone-Inspired Label Makers
102 Design Lab Presents the Vintage Phone Labeling Machine
Mint-Tonal Retro Radios
Lego Launches a New Nostalgic Radio Design with Vintage Detailing
Nostalgic Coffee Shop Apparel
A Nostalgic Merch Collection is Coming to Tim Hortons' TimShop.ca
Nostalgic Cellular Power Banks
The Trozk RetroTalk Has a 72Wh Capacity and Three Charging Ports
Retro-Inspired Dessert Pots
Gü Desserts Nostalgia Comes in Two Flavors Inspired by the 1970s
Retrofuturistic Streaming Audio Devices
Nik Reitmann Designs a DIY Streaming Audio Player
Mobile Radio Players
Retro Radio is a Stylish, User-Friendly Radio Player with Vintage Design
Retro-Inspired Power Banks
AYANEO's Retro Power Bank Replicates Old Video Game Consoles
Color-Matched Gaming Consoles
The Analogue Classic Limited Edition Pockets Come in Eight Colors
Gaming Console Energy Supplements
The G FUEL Atari 2600+ Pays Homage to the Golden Era of Gaming
Backwards-Compatible Gaming Consoles
This Atari 7800 Plus Console Will Run the Original Cartridges
Nostalgic Gaming Power Banks
The Ayaneo Retro Power Bank Delivers 45W Charging Speeds
Streaming-Enabled Record Players
Victrola Stream Sapphire Record Player Blends Nostalgia with Tech
Nostalgic School Supplies
The Staples Pep Rally Collection Features 90s-Inspired Accessories
Parental Gift Generators
The Parent Present Gift Generator Supports Gen Z & Millennial Shoppers
Retro-Chic Nostalgic Flip Phones
HMD and Mattel Join Forces on a Bright Pink Barbie Phone
Boho Retailer Gift Guides
The Anthropologie Festive Gift Guide is Packed with Options
Retro Digital Flip Clocks
The Flip Clock Turns Any Device into a Nostalgic Time Piece
Nostalgic Web Browser Apps
iPod Social Turns Your Browser Into The Beloved Music Player