It’s the gifting season for many of us and we know how challenging it can be to find that perfect thing to give your bestie (or yourself) so this year we’ve got five suggestions that are timeless in more ways than one — give something that’s fun for a kid or a kid-at-heart and inspires fun, playfulness and creativity at any age.
Polly Pocket
If you’re of a certain age (ahem), you may remember when Polly Pocket was the toy — that tiny little plastic “compact” with the even-tinier little doll inside, so small she didn’t even have individual legs and instead just hinged at the hip? I swear this toy started my obsession with all things tiny. (Just me?) Well have I got news for you — not only is Polly back in a big way, she has gone back to the classic, tiny size! (Remember when they tried to make her bigger? Just not the same!) And now you can get not only the classic style Polly Pockets, but Mattel has come out with a line inspired by other properties, including an adorable Care Bear one that miiiiight be joining my own collection. It’s a two-for-one fandom gift!
Tamagotchi
Here’s another classic from a certain time period: Tamagotchi! You don’t know stress until you realize you forgot to feed your 8-bit….whatever this creature is supposed to be…and you realize your 17 days straight of keeping it alive are for naught! NOOOOO! Okay you actually do know way more stressful things than this now, but this is why Tamagotchi is such a great gift! It’s a classic toy that hits all those nice retro feels while also being a pet that doesn’t require real food (or vet bills).
Choose Your Own Adventure (CYOA)
Do you have happy memories of curling up in the corner of the library (or your bedroom) with a “Choose Your Own Adventure” book? Me, too. And the classic book series is back in print with both the original stories and brand new material. You can pass along the love of consequences to the next generation or find an old favorite to gift to a friend who also gets why you keep your fingers tucked into that last page you were on just in case you need to go back and change your answer.
Furby
Hear me out — I know Furby can be a little polarizing, but did you know they make little ones now?? They’re called Furblets and they are colorful and soft and easy to turn off! You just cover their eyes and they actually stop doing things! My original Furby is long gone but I still remember the excitement when the first kid at school brought one in — and very quickly had it taken away because WOW were they irritating! Personally, I get a kick out of giving these to my friends’ kids because the kids LOVE them and the friends all get the same look on their face which means I know I’ve given the perfect irrita–I mean, nostalgic toy. (Again, they are easy to turn off now!! And you can get tiny ones!!)
CD Player “Boombox”
Listen. I still have my CD collection (in two big binder cases, no less) and as I’m headed toward 2026, I really want to go back to some more analog-style entertainment. The retro-style “boombox” of the 90s is back in a big way and you can easily find not only CD players but tape cassette players as well! I’m regretting that I tossed so many tapes years ago, but what can you do? My guess is that at least one person on your list this year would also dig a trip down memory lane and to hear the sounds of childhood again (or be introduced to a whole new technology!).
