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
Premium Retro Mobile Phones
Nokia Presents the Nokia 150 and Nokia 130 as 'Dumb Phones'
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
Retrofuturism Laptop Designs
This Lofree Retro Laptop Concept by Wonjae Kim is Made with PBT
Modernized Cassette Player Concepts
The 'ERA' Portable Cassette Tape Player Has Bluetooth and WiFi
Industrial Handheld Gaming Consoles
The Conceptual PocketMan P1 Has Exposed Components
90s-Inspired Fashion Capsules
Filippa K’s Spring/Summer 2023 Line is Inspired by Memories
Nostalgic Neon Rollerskates
The Impala x Barbie Rollerskates Match the Style in the Barbie Movie
Industrial Cellphone Concepts
The Nokia N90 x Nothing Concept by Viet Doan Duc is Retro and Modern
Pocket-Sized Gaming Consoles
The SEGA-DBS is a Retro Console with a Digital Calendar
Previous Generation Smartphone Concepts
This iPhone 4 Concept by Nathan Basset Looks to the Past
Pastry-Inspired Sweaters
Pop-Tarts' Pop-Tartigan Sweaters Help Gen Z Channel "Grandmacore"
Cat-Inspired Camera Collections
Hello Kitty's Strawberry Kawaii Collection is Nostalgic and Fresh
Retro Futuristic Glasses Collections
G-SHOCK Introduces its 'Forgotten Future' Watch Collection
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
Brand-Themed Handheld Consoles
The HyperMegaTech Super Pocket Comes in Two Special Editions
Retro-Themed Mechanical Keyboards
8BitDo's Latest Keyboard is Inspired by SNES-Era Gaming
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
Cartoon-Themed Apparel Collections
This 'Teletubbies' Apparel Collection is 90s and Y2K-Inspired
Retro Sporty Luxe Accessories
adidas Presents a New Series of Nostalgic Retro Accessories
90s-Inspired Outerwear Styles
The North Face ’92 Retro Anniversary Nuptse Jacket is Recognizable
Stacked Stone Camera Projectors
'The Nostalgia of Now' by Josh Schwefel is Naturalistic
TV Screen T-Shirts
The T-Shirt TV Has an Integrated 10-Inch HD Screen
Vintage-Inspired Elevated Accessories
Every Other Thursday Unveils a Range of Accessories
Millennium-Inspired Cellphones
These New Nokia Phones are Nostalgic with Modern Features
Soda-Branded Fashion Capsules
The Forever 21 x Coca-Cola Collection Exudes a Timeless Allure
Retro Vibrant Furniture Series
IKEA Unveils the Nytillverkad Collection Nodding to its Past
Nostalgic Flip Phone Concepts
The Nokia N90 by Viet Doan Duc Reimagines a Vintage Design
Retro Smartphone Music Systems
The Conceptual 'RE:PLAY' Smartphone Music Player is Nostalgic
Retrofuturism Streaming Headphones
The Conceptual 'FUTUREAHEAD' Headset by Olga Orel is
Tech-Infused Analog Radios
Mark Choi Blends Retro Aesthetics and Modern Technology with i Ready O
Live-Painting Sneaker Experiences
The Martell Sneaker Atelier Turns Brainwaves into Unique Styles
Tech-Themed Fine Jewelry
Accessories Brand Oushaba Turns E-Waste Into Fine Jewelry Pieces
Retro Transparent Cassette Players
NINM Lab Unveils the Nostalgic It's Real Cassette Player
Sculptural Scrolling Photo Frames
The 'Flash Back' Device Concept Has a Nostalgic Design
Chic Retro Consoles
The Atari Gamestation is a MInimalist Console for Retro Gamers
Retro Docking Hubs
The 'RayCue 128K' is Dripping With 1980s Computer Aesthetics
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
Nostalgic Toy-Inspired Fashion Collections
rue21 is Collaborating with Barbie® and Hot Wheels®
Accessible Nostalgic Gaming Systems
The Anbernic RG35XX H Pays Homage to the History of Gaming
Nostalgic Mobile Gamer Devices
The Retroid Pocket Flip Has a Throwback, Clamshell Design
Nostalgia-Evoking Outerwear Collections
The North Face's New Low-Fi Hi-Tek Line Has Old Influences
Vintage-Inspired Minimal Clothing
Sean Wotherspoon Unveils a Vintage Gap Collection
Nostalgic Mobile Gaming Controllers
This Nintendo Switch GameCube Controller Revives a Classic
Gen Z Crafting Events
Red Heart Hosted an Exclusive "Crafternoon" in NYC
Retro Adorable Mini Chargers
The Retro 35W GaN Charger by Shargeek
Retro App-Controlled Lava Lamps
Johnny Betz's Barava is Sure to Induce Nostalgia in Individuals
Resurrected Used Smartphones
Think Tank Team Makes Artifacts with Project Afterlife
Cannery-Inspired Phone Boxes
LookUp Makes Digital Detox Tools in the Shape of Fish Tins
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
Retro-Inspired Tactical Outerwear
The North Face Low-Fi Hi-Tek Collection Has Modern Materials
Historic Fashion Try-Ons
The Design Museum's London Fashion Exhibition Integrates AR Mirrors
Chic Wine-Branded Merch
The Saintly Collective Merch is the Perfect Holiday Gift
Retro Cartoon Capsules
Boxlunch Celebrates Strawberry Shortcake’s 45th Anniversary with Collection
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
Flannel Patterned Timeless Collections
Converse Presents the Nostalgic Upcycled Flannel Chuck 70
90s Toy-Themed Fashion
The Cakeworthy x Furby Collection Pays Tribute to a 90s Sensation
Holographic Game-Inspired Apparel
PUMA Unveils a New Collaboration with PlayStation
Nostalgic Gamer Smartphone Wallets
The elago Game Boy MagSafe Wallet is Nintendo-Inspired
Y2K Shopping Pop-Ups
Klarna's House of Y2K Explores the Evolution of Shopping Since the 2000s
Nostalgic Handheld Gaming Phones
The Samsung Young Entertainer Nods to Earlier Eras
Celebratory Disney-Inspired Collections
Forever 21 Celebrates Disney's 100th Anniversary
Retro Appliance Baby Monitors
The Conceptual SMEG Baby Monitor by Priyanshu Maiti is Cutesy
Retro-Themed Metallic Homeware
The Collaborative Rabanne H&M Home Collection Nods to the 70s
Retro Handheld Gamer Consoles
The GKD Plus Classic Offers Access to Over 2,500 Games
Vintage Console Upscale Systems
The RetroTINK-4K Works with a Range of Retro Gaming Consoles
Aftermarket Console Connectivity Devices
The 8BitDo Retro Receiver Works with Retro Consoles
MP3 Player Smartphone Wallpapers
These iPod Wallpapers Transform the iPhone into a Retro Device
90s-Style Gaming Console Skins
The Dbrand PS5 Retro Darkplates Come in Four Colors
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
Retro-Tinged Beer-Branded Apparel
Coors Joins Huckberry to Launch a Capsule of Apparel
Pocket Computer Smartphone Concepts
This iPhone 16S Concept Reimagines the Aesthetic of the Device
Turntable-Inspired Palettes
SHEGLAM's Vinyl Pop Color Palette is Made for Mixing and Matching
Crystalline Handheld Gaming Devices
The Analogue Pocket: Transparent Limited Editions are Stylish
Nostalgic Television Channels
PBS Retro is a Vintage Television Channel Remembering the Past
Retro-Themed Technical Sneakers
ASICS Presents the New GEL-KAYANO LEGACY Sneaker
Gen X Candy Campaigns
Klondike's Bar-cade Campaign Engages Gen X Consumers
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
Wooden Retro-Style VR Headsets
The Stereoscopic Display System is Powered by a Raspberry Pi
Wasteful Shopping Billboards
Not On The High Street's Billboards Highlight a "Don't Gift Guide"
Immersive Virtual Television Experiences
Television for Apple Vision Shapes the Future of TV
Affordable Back-to-School Campaigns
Staples Canada Embraces the Theme of '90s Throwback Pricing
Modernized Nostalgic Gaming Consoles
The Atari Gamestation Pro Features More Than 200 Games
Meta Mobile Gaming Consoles
The Conceptual Nintendo Switch Small Invader is Self-Referential
Nostalgic Emo Band-Inspired Shoes
adidas is Channelling Teen Angst with the Fall Out Boy Sneakers
Luxurious Graphic Retro-Tinged Fashion
YSL Presents The Vintage Collection of Band Merch
Retro Arcade Circuit Boards
Atari Debujts a Series of Retro Circuit Boards for its Modern Audience
Next-Gen Fuzzy Robot Toys
Hasbro is Introducing a New Furby for a New Generation
90s Toy Holiday Trees
Furbtrees are Introducing the Next Generation of Furby Across the UK
Old-Fashioned Cartoon Cereal Tins
This Mickey Mouse-Themed Collector’s Metal Tin is Collectible
Streaming Service Sleeping Bags
The Netflix Sleeping Bag Reminiscences on Olden Days
Lighting-Restoring Studios
skinflint Restores Vintage Lighting for Homes, Restaurants and Shops
High School-Inspired Autumn Fashion
ERL Presents a Look at its FW24 Collection of Retro Themes
Stylish Bar Accessories
These Creative Bar Accessories Will Transform your Drinking Experience
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 Mobile Gaming Adapters
The Epilogue GB Operator Plays Retro Game Cartridges
Reimagined Retro Gaming Consoles
The Atari 2600+ Console Brings Back a Classic 1980 System
Gamepad-Inspired Wireless Chargers
8BitDO Presents a New NES Gamepad Wireless Charger Design
Collaborative Vintage Buying-In Services
Weekday and Beyond Retro Join Forces on Archive Pieces
Unashamedly Romantic Pop-Ups
Laura Ashley's Workshops Use Deadstock Fabric to Create New Totes
Retro Handheld Gaming Consoles
The Fankoo Powkiddy X28 Offers Simulator Support
Cassette-Inspired Power Banks
The 'Flashtape' Wireless Magnetic Power Bank Has a Retro Design
Nostalgic Shopping Ads
The Rakuten Big Game Campaign Revives Alicia Silverstone as Cher Horowitz
Monochrome Pixelated Clothing Collections
LOEWE's Recent Line Boasts 8-Bit Video Game Aesthetics
Modernized Rose Delivery Services
Rose Rush Wants to Bring Back the Glamour of Sending Roses
Revived Nostalgic Puffer Jackets
Baby Phat is Bringing back its Iconic Puffer Jacket
Nostalgic Fall Elevated Outerwear
Engineered Garments Presents its New FW23 Collection
Feature-Rich Retro Gamer Consoles
The XGO Handheld Retro Gaming Console Supports 10 Emulators
Micro Tabletop Arcade Games
The Coleco Revival Mini Arcade Machines Pack the Latest Technologies
DIY Digital Music Systems
Teenage Engineering's Record Factory is Perfect for the Holidays
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
Historic Giftable Homewares
Verve Culture is a Women-Run Business with Stunning Glassware
Private Social Photo Apps
The 'Retro' App Focuses on Mindful Sharing with Select Others
Archive-Inspired Retro Luxe Fashion
Jean Paul Gautier PResents the TATTOO Collection
Nostalgic Music Discovery Apps
The 'Rewind' App Helps Gen Z Delve Into the Music Of Past Decades
Retro Phone-Inspired Label Makers
102 Design Lab Presents the Vintage Phone Labeling Machine
Nostalgic Coffee Shop Apparel
A Nostalgic Merch Collection is Coming to Tim Hortons' TimShop.ca
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
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
Nostalgic NFC-Enabled Sneakers
Puma’s Limited-Edition RS-XL Sneakers Link to Exclusive Content
Carefree Y2K-Themed Eyewear
Giant Vintage Showcases its 90's-Inspired 'Back to School' Collection
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 Digital Flip Clocks
The Flip Clock Turns Any Device into a Nostalgic Time Piece
Connected Retro Design Speakers
The Ruark R140 Sound System Has an Old-Fashioned Form with WiFi
Retro Gaming Controller Support
The New Retro Receiver by 8BitDo is a Versatile Modern Controller