Remember the Walkman? What about the ghetto blaster? These iconic pieces marked the era of the mix-tape, one of the most romantic gifts of its time. With Valentines Day just around the corner, we thought it would be fitting to feature a flashback to one of sweetest phenomena of the 80s.
Today, the presence of the original audio cassette tape can still be seen in the form of faux cassettes that now house MP3s, perfect for the truly nostalgic unwilling to give up on the good old days. We can also see faux walkmen which act as deterrents for would-be thieves of iPods (because seriously, who would steal a portable cassette player?) as well as art made from real recycled tapes.
Enjoy the flashback!
18 Ways to Remember The Cassette Tape
18
DIY Gifts for Geeks
From Keyboard Cufflinks to Cassette Tape Belt Buckles
17
Sonic Fabric
Textile Woven From Audio Cassette Tape
16
Cassette Generator
15
Cassette Tape Canvases
Sami Havi's Eco Art
14
Obsolete Cassette Tape Lighting
Modern Light Designs by Transparent House
13
Re-Purposing Old Technology
Cassette Chic Designs for Modern Times
12
Old Walkman As iPod Camouflage
Hidepod?
11
Remixed Eco Art Mediums
Cassette Tape Skeletons
10
Cassette Belt Buckles
You're Not Cool Enough to Pull it Off
9
The Return of the Mix Tape
Sharing Music With Mixaloo
8
Old School Tech Wallets
Retro Pocket Wear Likes Like An Old Cassette Tape
7
Remembering The Cassette
Mix Tape USB Case
6
80s Tech As Modern Fashion
Paul Smith Ghettoblaster Bag
5
Cassette Wallets
Make Your Purse A Work Of Art
4
Recycling Outdated Technology
The Cassette Tape Closet
3
Retro Reinvented
Cassette Tape MP3 Player (Actually Works in a Cassette Deck)
2
Casette Deck Toaster
1
Virtual Mix Tapes
Mixwit is Embeddable
Related Ideas
Nostalgic Gaming Timepieces
The Retro Gaming Watch Brings Gameplay to the Wrist
Metallic Architectural Record Players
The Conceptual 'RYTM' Record Player is Harmonious
Hyper-Modern Audio Recorders
The teenage engineering TP-7 Takes Voice Memos and More
Modernized Cassette Tape Players
The Fiio CP13 Offers Up to 15-Hours of Playback Per Charge
Audio-Enhancing Music Players
The Sony Walkman NW-A306 Offers 36-Hours of Use Per Charge
Nostalgic Updated Flip Phones
Motorola Marks 95th Anniversary with Exclusive Razr+ Bundle
Cat-Inspired Camera Collections
Hello Kitty's Strawberry Kawaii Collection is Nostalgic and Fresh
Vintage-Style Timepiece Collections
The Casio Vintage A100 Series Watches Come in Four Finishes
Folding All-in-One Entertainment Systems
The PlayStation Capsule by Alisher Ashimov is Retro
Futuristic Five-in-One Speakers
Sound Stack is the Epitome of a Multi-Functional Bluetooth Speaker
Retro Car-Inspired Audio Devices
The EVO 150 DeLorean Edition is Designed by Cambridge Audio
Aesthetically Pleasing CD Players
This Incredibly Modern CD Player Redefines How We Listen to CDs
Omni-Position Record Players
The Black Wheel Turntable Plays Records From the Underside
Retro High-Quality Audio Devices
Sony Presents the Walkman MW-A306 at an Affordable Price
Retro Sporty Luxe Accessories
adidas Presents a New Series of Nostalgic Retro Accessories
Minimal Frosted Turntables
The TT-15S1 Turntable by Marantz has an Elegant Aesthetic
Japan-Inspired Wearable Watch Rings
Casio and Stasto Stand Stones Present Timepiece Rings
Vintage-Inspired Essential Garments
Every Other Thursday Launches Classic Staples Remastered
Stacked Stone Camera Projectors
'The Nostalgia of Now' by Josh Schwefel is Naturalistic
Recycled Waste Speakers
Gomi Transforms Old Plastic Waste Into Bluetooth Speakers
Sleek Minimal Clear Turntables
The New Transparent Turntable Has a Nearly Invisible Design
Retro Smartphone Music Systems
The Conceptual 'RE:PLAY' Smartphone Music Player is Nostalgic
Retro Camera-Like Speaker Concepts
The Kodak C400R Bluetooth Speaker by Hyunjun Yu is Minimalist
Tech-Infused Analog Radios
Mark Choi Blends Retro Aesthetics and Modern Technology with i Ready O
Rapper-Inspired Apparel Collections
WACKO MARIA Releases Its First Tupac Collaborative Apparel
Cassette-Style Smartphone Chargers
The Remax Powerbank Tape Offers a Retro Way to Charge Up
Retro Transparent Cassette Players
NINM Lab Unveils the Nostalgic It's Real Cassette Player
Celebratory Audio Lollipops
TastySounds' AudioLollipop Plays Happy Birthday via Bone Conduction
'80-Style Portable Turntables
Audio-Technica Update its 'Sound Burger' Once Again for Rerelease
90s-Inspired Music Players
Bang & Olufsen Release the Vintage Beosound 9000 CD Player
Portable Eco-Friendly Speakers
The House of Marley Get Together Mini Offers 10-Hours of Use
Sculptural Scrolling Photo Frames
The 'Flash Back' Device Concept Has a Nostalgic Design
Late Rapper-Themed Collections
Joshua Vides and Interscope Records Release a 2Pac Collection
Retro Vinyl Record-Inspired Lamps
Artyom Alimpjvev Designs the Minimal Gramophone Lamp
Nostalgic Nixie Tube Timepieces
The NEONWORKS BTF Nixie Watch Has a Retro-Modern Design
Artist-Honoring Special Turntables
House of Marley Presents a BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE Turntable
Nostalgic Mobile Gamer Devices
The Retroid Pocket Flip Has a Throwback, Clamshell Design
Heartbeat-Mimicking Jewelry
TheTouch Locket Lets a Person Share Their Heartbeat with a Loved One
DJ Console-Inspired Puzzle Sets
LEGO Presents a Pioneer CDJ 2000 Console Moving Set
Artwork-Covered Tech Products
The Lexon x Keith Haring Collection Includes Four Products
Artist-Backed Album Figurines
The Weeknd Launches a 'Kiss Land' Toy Collection with Superplastic
Pre-Duct-Taped Shoe Designs
Vans Vault Takes the Pre-Distressed Footwear Style to the Next Level
Retro-Inspired Limited Speaker Systems
Hervet Manufacturier's Bellame Speaker Honors the 70s
Minimalist Wireless Cassette Players
The We Are Rewind Cassette Player Has an Aluminum Body
Nostalgic 90s-Style Film Cameras
The Moment Long Weekend 35mm Film Camera is Retro
Digitally Enabled CD Players
This Portable CD Player Can Also Handle Digital File Formats
Retro Cassette Brick Puzzles
The LEGO Sony Walkman is Designed by Srta.JirafaEnfadada
Ultra-Modern Record Players
This Modern Record Player by +AUDIO is High-Performance and Chic
Sneaker Culture Radio Stations
Nike Created ON AIR.MAX for Nike Air Max Day
Sleek Modern Timepiece Homage
Casio Releases the Limited-Edition TRN-50 Timepiece
Retro-Style Musician Amps
The Marshall STUDIO JTM Has a Handmade Construction
Memory-Making Retro Camera Concepts
The Polaroid Duo Modular Instant Camera is a Sleek Concept
Aromatic Memory Projection Systems
The Scent Camera & Memory Station by Yue Wang is Immersive
Digital Pet-Inspired Streetwear
The BAPE x Tamagotchi Collab Delivers Nostalgia with Style
Premium Concept CD Players
Anthony Chupp Imagines a Quality CD Player in a Modern Look
Romantic Sneaker Releases
The Aldo Heartstep Low-top Sneaker is Valentine's Day-Themed
Japanese Air-Vibration Headphones
NWM Embraces the Future of Audio Technology
Food-Themed Valentine's Shoes
Reebok Debuts the 'Food & Bev' Capsule Inspired by Valentine's Day
Rustic Tech Accessory Cases
The hardgraft Cable Wool Wrap Protects and Organizes Essentials
Nostalgic Streaming Speakers
The Tivoli SongBook and SongBook MAX Offer Up to 10-Hours of Use
Audio-Focused Party Games
Wilder and Doing Things Team Up to Launch The Audio Game
Transparent Cyberpunk MP3 Players
'The DEVICE' by Alex Casabò Has an Ultra-Industrial Design
Portable Battery-Powered DJ Decks
The Korg Handytraxx Play is Perfect for DJs on the Move
Outdoorsy Headphone Models
The Skullcandy Take a Hike Dime 2 True Wireless Earbuds are Powerful
Album-Inspired Turntables
Heinz Lichtenegger Designs the Dark Side of the Moon Turntable
Realistic Messy Romantic Gifts
The Messy Paper Anniversary Gift Boxes Embraces Imperfections
Personalized AI Album Covers
Hennessy Created an AI Tool That Turns Selfies into Hip-Hop Album Art
MP3 Player Smartphone Wallpapers
These iPod Wallpapers Transform the iPhone into a Retro Device
Charming Valentine's Day Gifts
Dylan's Candy Bar New Valentine's Day Collection Has Six Products
Nostalgic Handheld Gaming Systems
My Arcade Gamestation Portable Has Retro-Style Controls
Cookie Tin Beauty Palettes
Kara Beauty's Creative Beauty Palette is Styled Like a Sewing Kit
Pocket-Adorned Slip-On Footwear
Vault by Vans and Nicole McLaughlin Launch a Capsule Together
Turntable-Inspired Palettes
SHEGLAM's Vinyl Pop Color Palette is Made for Mixing and Matching
Radio Station-Themed Footwear
Clarks Originals Creates a Kurupt FM Version of the Wallabees
Darkly Demure Turntable Systems
The Victrola Stream Onyx is Polished to Perfection
Recycled Plastic Instant Cameras
The Polaroid Now Generation 2 i-Type is Retro and User-Friendly
Music-Honoring Shirt Collections
Eton Presents a New Collection Celebrating the Beatles
Anniversary-Honoring Covered Sneakers
CLOT Gives the Nike Cortez Sneaker Model a New Makeover
Retro-Style Travel Guitars
The VOX APC-1 Travel Guitar Blends Modern and Vintage Aspects
Ultrasonic Anti-Recording Devices
The iRabbler Audio Jammer Prevents Unauthorized Recordings
Jacket-Honoring Anniversary Books
Baracuta Honors its Iconic Jacket in the G9 Anniversary Book
Retro 3D-Printed Bags
Coperni's CD-PLAYER Swipe Bag Resembles a Portable Music Player
Artist-Honoring Instant Cameras
Polaroid's Now Generation 2 Camera Honors the Work of Basquiat
Style-Conscious Record Players
The VS-01 Upright Vinyl Record Player Puts Media on Display
Hybrid Digital Analog Turntables
The Pioneer PLX-CRSS12 Allows for Physical Music Manipulation
Backpack-Style Amplifiers
The Conceptual 'BPMP' Backpack Amplifier is Highly Portable
Valentine's Burger Kits
The White Castle Love Kit Offers a Romantic At-Home Dining Experience
Social Media-Inspired Candles
Ryan Porter | Candier Boasts a Playful Candle for Galentines Day
Portable Miniature Soundboards
The SEQTRAK Device by Yamaha Creates Music on the Go
Modernized Video Cameras
The Kodak Super 8 Camera Revives the Brand's Analog Hardware
90s Toy Holiday Trees
Furbtrees are Introducing the Next Generation of Furby Across the UK
Pocket-Sized Beat Makers
The Stylophone BEAT is Fun, Interactive and Inexpensive
Wine Bottle-Resembling Speakers
Vincent Chan Designs the Retro Dream Echo Bluetooth Speaker
Portable Holographic Displays
Looking Glass Go Shares Memories as 3D Holograms, Not Photos
Architecture-Inspired Turntables
Jorge Paez Designs the Reinterpreted RYTM Turntable
Musical NFC Hoodies
Balenciaga's Limited-Edition Apparel Shares an Exclusive Music Track
Artistic Affordable Turntable Models
These U-Turn Orbit Turntables Come in Three Models
Anniversary-Commemorating Cat Watches
Casio Previews its New Hello Kitty Watch Collaboration
CHD-Awareness Music Turntables
Teenage Engineering and Love Hultén Unveil the New CHD-4 Turntable
Sandwich-Inspired 70s Decor
The Retro Schlotzsky's Sandwich Studio Line Honors an Iconic Menu Item
Novice Turntable Systems
Lenco Launches a Sleek Turntable With Speakers and an Amplifier
Retro-Style Karaoke Sets
The A30M Blends Modern Features with an 80s-Inspired Design
Tissue Box Record Sleeves
This Fall Out Boy Album Comes in Limited-Edition Release Packaging
Artist-Designed Blenders
magic bullet's Artist-Designed Wraps Champion Creativity & Expression
AI-Powered Portable Speakers
The 'VBox' Boombox Utilizes ChatGPT to Help with Musical Exploration
Color-Changing Record Players
The Turntable II by Brian Eno is Limited-Edition and Eye-Catching
Fan-Favorite Sound Burgers
Audio-Technica is Rolling Out the AT-SB727 as a Regular Product
Multifunctional Jam-Friendly Speakers
The Fender Audio 'RIFF' Doubles as a Portable Guitar Amp
Celebratory Puzzle Toys
The 50th Anniversary Rubik's Cube Commemorates Five Decades of Play
Metal Band-Inspired Merchandise
Sleep Token Debuts a Carrying Collection Exclusively with Revolver
Retrospective Lip Balm Collections
The 50th Anniversary Vault Collection Features Iconic Lip Balms
Artist-Approved Tech Accessories
Velvet Caviar Partners with Artist Keith Haring on a New Capsule
Cassette-Inspired Power Banks
The 'Flashtape' Wireless Magnetic Power Bank Has a Retro Design
Reusable Disposable Cameras
Flashback is Reviving Disposable Cameras with a Sustainable Twist
Anniversary-Honoring Streetwear Graphics
BAPE Celebrates its 30th Year with the BAPE GALLERY
Nostalgic Album Art Displays
Fukasaawa Designs the New km5 CP1 with a Minimal Look
Playful Music Production Systems
Blipblox's myTRACKS Groovebox is a Complete Music Studio
Timeless Photo Books
Photos by Artkive Uses an App to Turn Cluttered Camera Rolls into Photo Books
Y2K-Themed Chargeable CD-Player Bags
Coperni Unveils a New Accessory Resembling CD Players
Comforting Musical Collars
The Music Mutz Collar Contains a Proprietary MP3 Player and Speakers
Musical Playlist Time Capsules
Spotify Launches Playlist in a Bottle to Open at a Later Time
Old Film-Honoring Puzzle Collectibles
LEGO Presents the Walt Disney Tribute Camera Set
Retro Phone-Inspired Label Makers
102 Design Lab Presents the Vintage Phone Labeling Machine
Retrofuturistic Streaming Audio Devices
Nik Reitmann Designs a DIY Streaming Audio Player
Portable Miniature Music Studio
The Tracker Mini by Polyend is a Powerful Audio Box
Slim Portable Audio Turntables
Benjamin Großjohann Designs the Sleek New Coturn CT-01
Nostalgic NFC-Enabled Sneakers
Puma’s Limited-Edition RS-XL Sneakers Link to Exclusive Content
Romantic Specialty Candy Gifts
These Chocolove Valentine's Day Treats Celebrate the Day of Love
Tracker-Concealing Shoe Accessories
The Speck TAGIMALS Shoe Carriers Fit the Apple AirTag
Textural Vacuum Tube Headphones
The écoute Vacuum Tube Audio Headphones Enhance Music and More
Streaming-Enabled Record Players
Victrola Stream Sapphire Record Player Blends Nostalgia with Tech
Romantic Room Fragrances
'First Kiss' by Moodcast is a pura Smart Scent Blend
Nostalgic School Supplies
The Staples Pep Rally Collection Features 90s-Inspired Accessories
LA-Celebratory Footwear Series
Vans Unveils a New Love-Filled Collection of Classic Footwear
Audio Guest Books
FêteFone is a Unique Guest Book Alternative for Weddings
Capacious Computer Memory Tapes
This Memory Tape Can Store 150 TB of Data In Uncompressed State
Reflective Kinesiology Tapes
RockFlash Boosts the Visibility of Runners, Cyclists and Walkers
Puck-Shaped Audio Tools
Kano Designs the Stem Player with Unreleased J Dilla Songs
Juxtaposing Modern Streaming Speakers
Tivoli Audio Brings Life Back to the Songbook with Remakes
Anticipating Camera Tools
RecordBack: PreCatch Camera Captures Moments Before They Occur