Backstreet's back. "Princess Diaries 3" is officially in the works. Topanga has been dancing her heart out on the ballroom floor. And oh yeah, Hilary Duff's music career isn't so yesterday anymore. Slowly but surely, 2025 has proven itself to be a millennial's paradise.
If you grew up in the late '90s and early 2000s, you know it was a hotbed of entertainment with countless iconic cultural moments. In 2025, many of our favorite singers and actors are taking a walk down memory lane with highly anticipated sequels and sold-out tours.
This time around, we're adults with our own money and don't need to beg our parents for an allowance to help us splurge on our favorite hobbies.
Whether you're shopping for a millennial or you're just in the mood to embrace nostalgia, we've rounded up a list of gifts that are sure to spark joyous memories of the the good old days.
Coffee with Lizzie$13.93$19.90
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Best nostalgic gifts under $10
All the cool girls wore mini butterfly clips in the late ‘90s and early 2000s. If it’s been several decades since you indulged your inner millennial, consider this set of mini clips that comes in multiple bright colors, including pink, purple, yellow and more.
If you grew up on Disney animated films, you know how big a deal “Toy Story” was. As fans of the film franchise prepare for the fifth movie to come out next year, this fun makeup collab from Colourpop is delighting millennials everywhere. The glossy lip gloss is available in four colors and features and packaging styles that are inspired by characters from the movies.
“Oops, I did it again.” Yep, you’ll be hearing this one in your head all day. Funko warmed our millennial hearts with this mini Pop figurine that recreates one of Britney Spears’ most iconic music videos and her unforgettable red leather bodysuit.
Who can forget Furby? The furry friend talked its way into many children’s hearts in the late ‘90s and it’s back once again. At such a low price, you can totally justify picking up one of these mini Furby Furblets to place on your desk at work or display at home. Available in six colors, the toy plays more than 45 sounds.
Best nostalgic gifts under $25
“As a millennial who went to elementary school in the ‘90s, most of my school swag was Lisa Frank themed. Folders adorned in rainbow cheetah print, binders covered with every single labrador and unicorn sticker imaginable, a backpack with those iconic aliens driving through the cosmos — you name it, I had it," says deputy managing editor Jess Bender. "When I recently stumbled on the brand’s collaboration with Kitsch, I had to relive my youth and grab some items that I’ve been swearing by lately. I truly cannot wait to pair Lisa’s funky cool scrunchies with my very adult outfits.”
True "Transformers" fans will be able to decipher every inch of this T-shirt which depicts a periodic table filled with characters from the franchise. From Autobots and Decepticons to Dinobots and Insecticons, the whole gang is covered.
Is it just us or is this mug what dreams are made of? Inspired by Lizzie McGuire’s mini alter ego, the floral ceramic mug features a lid with a structural flower and a cartoon Lizzie rocking a feather boa.
Spending afternoons at the mall testing fragrance mists at Bath & Body Works was a formative experience for many millennials. In 2023, the store celebrated the 25th anniversary of one of its most iconic scents, Cucumber Melon, which takes us right back to the ‘90s. Or, if you’re looking for something new, Bath & Body Works just launched its newest scent, Touch of Gold.
You thought we forgot about “Clueless,” didn’t you? As if! This collectible glass is the perfect way to celebrate the classic film’s 30th anniversary and is adorned with several of Cher Horowitz’s iconic phrases, including “As if” and “That was way harsh.”
“I’m not like a regular mom. I’m a cool mom.” This iconic line from “Mean Girls” is more relevant than ever now that many millennials are moms themselves. This pretty green graphic tee will make you giggle a little while still looking chic.
Fact: You could never really have too many Beanie Babies in the ‘90s. Although the toy craze calmed down eventually, many millennials still hold onto some of their favorite stuffed animals for posterity. This one is for the ones who are sure they’ll be worth millions any day now.
Hello, old friend! Hello Kitty has been a fixture of pop culture for decades and holds a special place in the hearts of millennials. This cozy blanket features the stylish character along with a strawberry and floral print.
Remember the days when you swore you were going to marry Nick Carter or Brian Littrell? Times may have changed, but you can still honor your childhood crush with this cheeky tee and maybe even rock it at one of the Backstreet Boys’ upcoming shows in Las Vegas.
You either loved or hated Tamagotchis. Regardless, millennials learned plenty of essential life skills from taking care of the tiny digital toys. Missing the simple joys of feeding and taking care of your Tamagotchi? It’s now available with updated technology, including a tapping feature and secret characters.
Accio press-on nails! This enchanting set from Glamnetic is available in six designs inspired by the “Harry Potter” franchise. The short almond-shaped nails have a velvet finish and can last up to two weeks.
If you made it through a game of The Oregon Trail without at least one of your characters dying of dysentery, you had some serious skills. This endearing ornament evokes all the feels of the video game with its theme music and is even shaped like an old school computer. Even better? The screen shows images from the game, including one we’re all too familiar with: “You have died of dysentery.”
Sonic the Hedgehog gave millennials endless hours of entertainment. He also had some pretty cool friends, like Tails. This mini plush set comes with magnetic Sonic and Tails figurines that connect to each other and would look perfect with all your other collectibles.
Best nostalgic gifts under $75
Talk about a twofer! This set combines two of our childhood favorites: Barbie and Play-Doh. Big and little kids alike can let their imagination shine as they create custom outfits and hairstyles for Barbie with the accompanying Play-Doh. It will leave you wondering why we didn’t think of doing this as kids.
Millennials who have the need for speed remember the visceral joy of playing with Hot Wheels cars. As adults, they’ll get a kick out of this personalized note cube set.
Remember those super cool NSYNC marionette dolls that were sold out everywhere in the early 2000s? Well, this is the next best thing. This set of Little People figurines recalls the band’s iconic music video for the song “No Strings Attached” and comes complete with real strings.
We’ve come a long way since our bandana days in the early 2000s, but can still appreciate the classic print. This paisley scarf pays homage to the look while upgrading it in a more sophisticated, modern way.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of “Gilmore Girls“ and its coffee-loving, fast-talking mother-daughter duo. To celebrate the special occasion, we’ll be picking up this Stars Hollow gazebo ornament that plays an instrumental version of the show’s theme song, “Where You Lead.” We’re pretty sure Lorelai and Rory would approve.
From romance to friendship, the crew at Bayside High taught millennials a lot about life. In recent years, there was even a “Saved By The Bell” reboot. Miss the wholesome fun and comedic relief of the original show? This backpack is shaped like a locker and decorated with photos of your favorite characters.
Were you really a 90s child if you weren’t sucking on some major candy bling? We think not. Ring Pops were all the rage and they’re still around today. If you prefer something a bit less sticky, you can still pay homage to the iconic sweet treat with this candy ring necklace from Alex + Ani featuring an adjustable chain.
Watching your favorite celebrities get slimed on live TV was one of the best moments of the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards. Of course, the iconic blimp awards were also pretty rad. This replica looks just like the real deal and will bring a taste of the '90s to your home or office.
An old school Game Boy device was a coveted item for gamers in the ‘90s. And even though gaming systems have improved significantly since then, there’s something nostalgic about keeping a piece of gaming history in your house. This Lego Game Boy customizable replica features spot-on details, including a Game Pak slot and the option to choose from a game screen or a Nintendo start screen. Game on!
How we chose the best nostalgic gifts
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best nostalgic gifts out there. We interview expert sources use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
Don't forget to check out Shop TODAY's other gift guides to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list, including babies, toddlers, mom, dad, in-laws and more.
