There’s so much conversation around millennials, between our habits and how we relate to other generations, it feels like we’re often defined by the year we were born more than anything else. For people who entered the world between 1981 and 1996, there are certain shared experiences that unite us. Pioneering the rise of the internet age, countless changes to the way we consume music: There’s an long list of things that come up when discussing this large segment of the population.
When it comes to holiday gifting, we millennials (now in our 30s and 40s) should probably be responsible adults wishing for practical items we could use in our everyday lives. But what’s the fun in that? We deserve a break from our current reality and an escape back to a simpler time when one of the biggest stressors was whether our favorite artists were going to nab the top spot on “Total Request Live.”
If you’re looking to provide that escape to the millennial in your life, this list of gift ideas should help you whittle down your options. Although many of the items selected could be enjoyed by people of any age, each option was specifically chosen for those babies of ’80s and ’90s looking for a walk down memory lane.
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Get them a puzzle that resembles their childhood bedroom. Toynk’s 1000-piece Daydreams jigsaw puzzle contains an absurd amount of ’80s and ’90s pop culture nods that everyone will have distinct memories of. It’s one of those puzzles they’ll want to frame once its done or just instantly start it over.
Decades may have passed since you last set foot in a Blockbuster, but one whiff of this Video Store candle and you’ll be transported right back to the “New Release” wall. You might be racking your brain trying to recall what the store smelled like and the answer you’re searching for is buttered popcorn. This candle mimics the odor of those microwaveable packets of popcorn they used to sell at checkout, and it’s the ultimate gift for the millennial you’re always having movie nights with.
There was a time in the ’90s when it seemed like every man, woman and child was rocking an Old Navy fleece. 30 years later, they’ve returned! The clothing brand re-released their popular half-zip fleece in several color options. Forget matching holiday pajamas — everyone in the family should have matching fleeces again.
This one is for those 80’s kids who spent hours playing games like “Super Mario Bros” and “The Legend of Zelda.” The game collects some best-selling titles from the original NES and challenges players to complete tasks within a certain time limit. Even better than that, this deluxe set comes with special packaging that includes one of those old cartridges that worked with the original system. Make it a whole themed gift by adding these throwback controllers too.
The combination of Britney Spears and “Dawson’s Creek” star Michelle Williams is guaranteed to wow anyone who grew up in the ’90s. That’s exactly what you get with Audible’s audiobook version of Spears’ best-selling memoir, “The Woman In Me,” which is narrated by Williams. You can purchase the audiobook on its own or gift them a membership to Audible where they’ll have discounted access to “The Woman In Me” and other titles.
Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws and Slytherins alike will love stepping out of the shower smelling like their favorite of these four “Harry Potter”-themed body washes from Every Man Jack. This is the only present you need for the person in your life who has read or watched the movie versions of this iconic series multiple times.
They’ll perk right up opening up this LEGO set of the Central Perk coffee shop from “Friends.” The set comes with 1,070 pieces and includes figurines of the main characters (and Gunther) from the NBC sitcom. If it hasn’t been their day, their month or even their year, this is the gift for them.
They won’t need a fortune teller to tell them what the future holds. The Millennial Tarot Guide for Your Adulting Journey comes with 78 cards referencing things relevant to their generation, like student loans and a quarter-life crisis. Gift it to someone who has a sense of humor about their fate.
Everything gets saved to the cloud these days, but these six floppy disk coasters will take them back to a time when that wasn’t the case. Most old technology ends up in a landfill somewhere or recycled but these silicone replicas will earn a permanent place on their coffee table for guests to rest their drinks.
R. L. Stine inspired an entire generation of kids to fall in love with the horror genre with his “Goosebumps” and “Fear Street” books. Although the original fans are all grown up now, they might appreciate revisiting the tales featured in this set of the original 20 “Goosebumps” books. If you’re shopping for a parent, they might enjoy sharing these spooky stories with their kids.
There are a number of scents that will transport any millennial back to the ’90s (some are on this list) and the Cucumber Melon line from Bath & Body Works is arguably one of the most recognizable. Thankfully the retailer is still offering the combo in a number of lotions and washes for all of your gifting needs.
Ask anyone who grew up in ’80s and ’90s about the biggest movies from their youth and “Titanic” will undoubtedly be high on that list. It was a phenomenon when it hit theaters in 1997 and renewed a global interest in the tragic shipwreck. This 25th Anniversary Limited Edition set includes a physical copy of the film in 4K UHD along with 15 hours of special features and exclusive collectibles.
We’ve come a long way from tying up the phone lines logging on to America Online on our dial-up modems. This shirt from E6 Designs on Redbubble features the connecting screen that acted as the gateway to the internet for so many of us. If seeing this shirt doesn’t also trigger “Welcome… you’ve got mail!” to start echoing in your head, maybe this gift isn’t for you.
People who love their daily dose of Wordle and Connections will be excited to dive into this workbook featuring 96 pages of nostalgic puzzles. The Whatever! book has crosswords, coloring and more to keep any millennial busy for hours.
Kids today have their own obsessions with rainbows and unicorns, but back in the day we got our fix from Lisa Frank. Groovy aliens, bears in overalls: They figured out the perfect recipe for must-have school supplies was combining all of the colors and the cutest animals. The brand’s collab with Loungefly includes this wallet along with bags, pins and more. It’s perfect for the adult who never got the Trapper Keeper of their dreams growing up.
If they grew up idolizing supermodels like Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell, they will adore this extensive volume exploring ’90s fashion. The book has over 200 pages of photos and illustrations showcasing the trends that ruled the last decade of the 20th century.
Even if they didn’t shop at Abercrombie & Fitch back then, they certainly smelled it. Anyone who spent time in a mall in the late ’90s that had an Abercrombie will recognize the scent of this cologne from the very first spritz. Every one of the brand’s brick and mortar locations was filled with the notes of citrus, lavender and musk that make up this fragrance. Now its back, ready to be gifted to the collector on your list.
Help them keep the Wet Bandits at bay by displaying the face of Kevin McCallister in their home. This throw pillow designed by ArminGreen for Redbubble is adorned with Macaulay Culkin’s memorable pose in “Home Alone.” It’s holiday decor without the overdone Santa stuff.
Holiday gatherings are about to become intergenerational battles. Players score points in You’re Getting Old by knowing what young people today are into. The more out of touch you are, the worst you do. It’s all fun and laughs until you’re asked to define a slang word you’ve never even heard before.
Whether they’re fans of the original novel or more familiar with the 1998 movie adaptation, there’s something irresistible about the Owens sisters from “Practical Magic.” The deluxe version of Alice Hoffman’s novel is printed on special paper with new jacket art.
Nintendo is branching out of the video game business by offering up an alarm clock with visuals and sound profiles from their most famous titles. They can set up the Alarmo next to their bed and try out features that lull them to sleep or slowly stir them awake in the morning. The clock also connects to wi-fi to update its theme offerings.
