Whether you’re itching to put up your Christmas tree or you’re on your 27th “bah humbug” of the day, the inevitable festive season is fast approaching and that means… throwing money at our loved ones! (Or re-gifting a generic photo frame given to you by your boss who clearly hates you!) For those who are of the old school, vintage persuasion and enjoy all that the 1980s had to offer, then you might be looking for some inspiration. Mainly because we’re super annoying to buy for! Here are our top 10 80s retro gift ideas perfect for Christmas.
Hoverboard From Back to the Future II
Granted this may not be as authentic as the actual hoverboard from the 1989 movie because not only does it not work on water… it doesn’t work at all! BUT it is a must for any Back to the Future fan. This officially licensed replica would be a welcomed gift for any 80s geek. Dress it up with a full on 80s fancy dress costume or simply throw it up on Instagram to make people jealous!
Funko Pop! Back to the Future Vinyl Figure
If you like the idea of a Back to the Future themed gift but do not want to commit to a bright pink hoverboard that could take someone’s eye out… then you can also get your hands on a Back to the Future II retro Funko Pop! figure that comes complete with Marty riding the hoverboard. Winner!
Atari Flashback 8 Gold
You can’t go wrong with a classic retro gaming console that epitomises the 1980s. Atari Flashback has 120 built in games that showcase the classics like Frogger, Centipede and Breakout. This iconic video games console will keep any child of the 80s happy all through the Christmas period!
Tron Style Cycle Jersey
If you’re looking to please an 80s nerd who likes to cycle, then this class hybrid of a popular 80s movie should do the job. The 1982 sci-fi film Tron brought us virtual reality action (and laser beams damn it!) as well as the instantly recognisable costume worn by Jeff Bridge’s, Flynn. Wearing this lightweight cycle top will obviously make you feel like you’re stuck in a mainframe cyberspace fighting for your life!
Wireless 80s Retro Headphones
The 1980s saw the new dawn of the iconic Walkman. Way before streaming from your smartphone, MP3’s, the failed Mini Disc and of course CDs, came the portable cassette player. The over ear headphones with orange ear pads are synonymous with the era of the Walkman. Now you can get the modern, updated version in a retro style complete with wireless technology. Shut up and take my money!
Jean-Claude Van Damme T-Shirt
JCVD is your typical 80s and 90s movie action hero. His martial arts films were the backbone to die-hard fan’s childhood. (Especially when my older brother wanted to re-enact the scenes that usually resulted in me crying!) This t-shirt was designed exclusively for Fresh Retro Juice and is a mashup parody of the infamous scene from 1989 Kickboxer and the NES black box game art. This funny t-shirt is a must for any Jean-Claude Van Damme and retro gaming fan.
Retro Casio Calculator Watch
If you’re looking for a gift that screams “I am stuck in the 80s and I quite like it here!” then you are going to want to get your grubby mitts on a retro Casio watch complete with the calculator (and currency converter… fancy!) This stainless steel timepiece not only looks cool AF, but it has a 10 year battery life. Handy for when your iPhone constantly dies!
Labyrinth Board Game
Christmas isn’t just about gifts. It’s also about falling into a food coma after smashing back too many pigs in blankets AND THEN falling out with your family over a board game! Why not treat the 80s obsessed loved one in your life with the 1986 movie Labyrinth board game! Play the Jim Henson inspired game to see if Sarah can beat The Goblin King Jareth and his alarming weird obsession with her!
Pinky Punky Mallet’s Mallet
Saturday morning TV in the late 80s was a sacred time for kids. Bowl of cereal… check! Cartoons… check! Now assume the position in front of the TV! In the UK, we had the joys of Wacaday which was a children’s show hosted by colourful loud lunatic, Timmy Mallet and his little foam pal Pinky Punky. For any child of the 80s this funny toy would be an awesome Christmas gift. Not just for nostalgic reasons, but also to continually hit an unsuspecting sibling with!
Polaroid Camera
Owning a camera that isn’t integrated into your phone and taking physical photographs is a dying artform that seems to only exist amongst professional photographers. Long gone are the days of taking a digital camera on a night out to a club with your mates! If you know someone who enjoys preserving the vintage vibe without applying a filter, then you should check out a retro instant camera! Polaroids were big fun back in the 80s which brought the instant gratification and pleasure of seeing a photo develop in real time. The quintessential look of Polaroid instant cameras have been remodelled over the years and are now seen as more of a novelty item. One of these beauts however will still make any 80s enthusiast heart sing with nostalgia!
